FDA Approves ZITHROMAX — Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc

On May 24, 2002, Pfizer announced the approval of the oral formulation of AZITHROMYCIN DIHYDRATE for ZITHROMAX, bolstering the company's ready-to-use antibiotics portfolio amid rising viral and bacterial resistance concerns. Prior to the expiration of the blockbuster drug’s patent, this regulatory milestone underscored Pfizer's calculated push to maximize the market value of its blockbuster ZITHROMAX franchise before generic competition would eventually erode significant market share.