Ozurdex is an ocular implant drug owned by Allergan, containing the active ingredient dexamethasone. It was first authorized for market use on 17 June, 2009.
Generic versions of Ozurdex are expected to be available after 01 November, 2023, when the last of the seven patents (US6899717) held by Allergan for this drug expires.
As an ocular implant, Ozurdex is used in the treatment of various eye conditions. These include delivering an ocular implant as described in the dosage and administration section of the approved labeling of Ozurdex, treatment of diabetic macular edema; treatment of macular edema following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO); treatment of non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye; treatment of macular edema; and treatment of uveitis.
Ozurdex is protected by a total of 7 patents owned by Allergan, all of which have now expired. The last patent (US6899717) with the title 'Methods and apparatus for delivery of ocular implants' is set to expire on 01 November, 2023. Following this, the gates will be open for the release of an Ozurdex generic. Below are the details of the patents: