Greenstone, the subsidiary of Pfizer’s Upjohn, has reached an exclusive supply deal with digital healthcare clinic Roman for access to Pfizer’ FDA-approved generic Viagra (sildenafil).
Viagra is a blockbuster drug for men who suffer from Erectile Dysfunction (ED), a sexual condition in which men fail to achieve and sustain an erection.
In a press release, Pfizer said, “Under the agreement, Roman will source the generic exclusively through Greenstone with the drug being manufactured in the same European facilities as branded Viagra at no extra cost to Roman subscribers.”
“Roman is a subsidiary of telehealth provider Ro specializing in men’s health,” said Pfizer.
The company’s decision to provide generic Viagra to Roman comes as it prepares for its much-publicized Upjohn spinoff with Mylan, a global generic and specialty pharmaceuticals company.
In November, Mylan announced that it will team up with Upjohn after shareholder and regulatory approval, forming a new company called Viatris to expand access to generic medicines, meet patient needs, and be a trusted partner for the healthcare community worldwide. Viatris is expected to close in mid-2020.
Upjohn’s president Michael Goettler will become the CEO of Viatris CEO. Pfizer’s former CEO and chairman Ian Read will become the director of Viatris.
Read is expected to join James Kilts, former CEO of Gillette and VP at Proctor and Gamble, and Robert Coury, Mylan chairman.
Pfizer is expecting a more mainstream business in the future. From 2021 to 2025, “Pfizer could see 6 percent annual revenue growth based on the strength of its ‘core five’ products, comprising rare-disease med Vyndaqel, cancer-fighter Ibrance, anti-inflammatory therapy Xeljanz, next-gen anticoagulant Eliquis and vaccine giant Prevnar,” according to RBC Capital Markets analyst Randall Stanicky.
Stanicky said Viatris’ future could be equally bright; however, pricing pressure and some questions abroad could create some challenges in the near future.
