Pfizer Egypt will begin producing anti-impotence drug Viagra. Forecasted sales of the product in its first year on the market are set at $50 million, for six dollars a pill. The company plans to distribute shipments of Viagra to local pharmacies within the next three weeks.
Egypt legalized Viagra in 1999, but under strict conditions. It can only be purchased after obtaining a doctor's prescription. Men have to undergo a complete medical check-up and those suffering heart problems are not allowed to consume the drug. As a result, black-market dealers can obtain prices of up to $40 a pill.
Based in Cairo, Pfizer Egypt is a subsidiary of Pfizer in the United States. A joint-venture company with a 15 percent minority interest, Pfizer Egypt locally produces a full range of pharmaceuticals and animal-health products. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
