Butyllithium is often used as a catalyst in the polymerization of rubber tires in the automobile manufacturing industry; however, it is also important for specialized pharmaceutical and fertilizer applications. Chemetall has indicated that it expects to supply lithium products to major pharmaceutical producers and a number of generic manufacturers, having already successfully launched a number of new products into the Indian market. Lowering cholesterol in India and across the globe Within the pharmaceutical industry butyllithium is often important in the manufacturing of statins, which are cholesterol-lowering agents. Statins are among the largest selling drugs worldwide with Lipitor being the most prominent name within the sector. Lithium investors will note that although Pfizer (NYSE: PFE ) loses its patent on Lipitor this year, the company previously permited an exclusive license to New Delhi area based Ranbaxy Laboratories.