Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced it has received European Commission approval of a new chewable form of Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) suitable for use in children aged 10 or older with high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and high triglycerides due to the inherited disorder familial hypercholesterolemia.
The condition and other primary causes of high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and premature death. The available tablet form of Lipitor has also been approved for use in children with this condition.
European Union incentives in this process will allow Pfizer to separately apply for a six month patent extension in EU countries.
Lipitor has been approved for use in children (aged 10 to 17 years) with familial hypercholesterolemia in the United States since 2002.