Earlier this week, pharmaceutical company Pfizer had their patent expire for their medication called Lipitor. Lipitor is a drug primarily used to control high blood cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease. It is among the top-selling branded drugs in the world, with US sales in 2010 estimated at around $11.4 billion. According to Pella Hy-Vee pharmacist Beth Vogel, Lipitor is one of several options for regulation of cholesterol levels. She also said that high cholesterol levels can lead to plaque build up in arterial systems.