Pharma Roundup: Pfizer's Market Share, Sanofi's Patent, and More

(MoneyWatch)  GSK and Roche to overtake Pfizer by 2012? -- A report from URCH Publishing is predicting that Pfizer will lose its top-place market share (currently 6.2%) to GlaxoSmithKline, and will in fact slip to third, behind Roche. The rationale for the projection comes from the consideration of pipelines and patents, among other factors. [Source: FiercePharma]

Canadian patent ruling helps Sanofi -- A court has ruled that Plavix is still under patent protection. Sanofi's Canadian research facilities refined some of the drug's component chemicals, which the court deemed entitled it to a 20-year patent extension. Such refinements result in "selection patents," a much-debated facet of patent law, and the court's ruling may make it easier for drug makers to keep exclusivity and deter competition from generics. [Source: Pharmalot]

Daiichi Sankyo completes Ranbaxy purchase -- The Japanese drug maker now owns 63.9% of the Indian generics giant. [Source: Bloomberg]