Pfizer Beats Earnings Expectations for Quarter

Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drug maker, beat Wall Street earnings expectations for the fourth quarter, raised its 2008 revenue outlook and said it is on track to rebuild its product pipeline. The upbeat outlook offered Wednesday came as the company continues with a restructuring plan that cut 11,000 jobs and closed eight facilities in 2007.Meanwhile, its blockbuster cholesterol drug Lipitor is edging closer to patent expiration in 2010. The plan includes building the pipeline through internal development and outside deals while making the company's units more flexible and accountable. My husband and our neighbor had to quit taking Lipitor because it caused such muscle aches, she could hardly walk and he hurt so bad he couldn't stand it. Luckily it doesn't affect everyone the same. His brother takes Lipitor and does fine with it.