Generic entry timeline

Lotemax generics — when can they launch?

Lotemax (LOTEPREDNOL ETABONATE) · Bausch Health · 32 active US patents · 0 expired

Earliest patent expiry
2033-05-03
7 years remaining
Full patent estate to
2036-12-23
complete protection through 2036
FDA approval
1998
Bausch Health

Where Lotemax sits in the generic timeline

Long-dated protection: earliest active US patent for Lotemax extends to 2033 (~7 years out). Generic competition is at least 4 years away. Lifecycle moves (new formulations, label extensions, combination filings) typically execute 18-36 months ahead of cliff.

Under US Hatch-Waxman, a generic enters via an ANDA (Abbreviated New Drug Application) and may file with one of four Paragraph IV certifications attacking the brand's listed patents. If the brand sues within 45 days, a 30-month FDA approval stay is triggered. First Para IV filer typically gets 180-day market exclusivity.

Patent estate by type — active patents

Method-of-use patents only carve out specific indications; generics can launch with a "skinny label" omitting those uses. Composition-of-matter patents block the molecule itself.

  • Method of Use — 22 patents
  • Formulation — 10 patents

FDA U-codes carved out by Lotemax patents

Method-of-use patents are listed against specific FDA Patent Use Codes ("U-codes") representing carved-out indications. Generics can launch with a label that omits these uses.

U-codeDescription
U-2491(no description)
U-2985(no description)
U-2492(no description)
U-3117(no description)
U-3278(no description)
U-4025(no description)
U-3011(no description)
U-2493(no description)
U-2764(no description)

Sample patent estate

Showing 6 of 32 active US patents. View full estate on the Lotemax drug page →

  • US11872318 Formulation · expires 2033-05-03
    This patent protects methods and compositions for making particles that can efficiently transport pharmaceutical agents through mucus barriers in the body.
    USPTO title: Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus
  • US9532955 Method of Use · expires 2033-05-03
    This patent protects methods and compositions that aid in transporting particles through mucus barriers in the body.
    USPTO title: Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus
  • US9056057 Method of Use · expires 2033-05-03
    This patent protects methods and compositions that aid in transporting particles through mucus barriers in the body.
    USPTO title: Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus
  • US9827191 Method of Use · expires 2033-05-03
    This patent protects compositions and methods that aid particle transport in mucus for various applications, including ophthalmic uses.
    USPTO title: Compositions and methods for ophthalmic and/or other applications
  • US10058511 Method of Use · expires 2033-05-03
    This patent protects methods and compositions that aid in transporting particles through mucus barriers in the body.
    USPTO title: Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus
  • US10993908 Method of Use · expires 2033-05-03
    This patent protects compositions and methods that aid particle transport in mucus for various applications, including ophthalmic use.
    USPTO title: Compositions and methods for ophthalmic and/or other applications

Sources

Patent term extensions (PTR, pediatric exclusivity), Hatch-Waxman 30-month stays, and FDA regulatory exclusivity (NCE/ODE/PED) may shift the effective generic entry date. Not legal advice.

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