DIAZEPAM - Generic Drug Details

What are the generic drug sources for diazepam and what is the scope of freedom to operate?

Diazepam is the generic ingredient in nine branded drugs marketed by Roche, Chartwell Molecular, Hikma, Bausch, Novel Labs Inc, Abraxis Pharm, Alembic, Dr Reddys, Fresenius Kabi Usa, Galenicum Hlth, Hospira, Long Grove Pharms, Marsam Pharms Llc, Parenta Pharms, Regcon Holdings, Us Army, Warner Chilcott, Watson Labs, Watson Labs Inc, Pharmacia And Upjohn, Neurelis Inc, Actavis Elizabeth, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, Barr, Chartwell Rx, Dr Reddys Labs Sa, Duramed Pharms Barr, Ferndale Labs, Halsey, Ivax Sub Teva Pharms, Martec Usa Llc, Mylan, Nuvo Pharm, Ph Health, Pioneer Pharms, Roxane, Strides Pharma Intl, Teva Pharms, Virtus, Quantum Pharmics, and Waylis Therap, and is included in ninety-two NDAs. There are nine patents protecting this compound and three Paragraph IV challenges. Additional information is available in the individual branded drug profile pages.

Diazepam has ninety-eight patent family members in twenty-eight countries.

There are eight drug master file entries for diazepam. Forty-six suppliers are listed for this compound. There are three tentative approvals for this compound.

Summary for DIAZEPAM

International Patents:	98
US Patents:	9
Tradenames:	9
Applicants:	41
NDAs:	92
Drug Master File Entries:	8
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	46
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	1
Clinical Trials:	156
Patent Applications:	7,066
Drug Prices:	Drug price trends for DIAZEPAM
Drug Sales Revenues:	Drug sales revenues for DIAZEPAM
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for DIAZEPAM
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in DIAZEPAM?	DIAZEPAM excipients list
DailyMed Link:	DIAZEPAM at DailyMed

See drug prices for DIAZEPAM

See drug sales revenues for DIAZEPAM

Recent Clinical Trials for DIAZEPAM

Identify potential brand extensions & 505(b)(2) entrants

Sponsor	Phase
Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar	NA
UCB Biopharma SRL	PHASE1
University of Twente	NA

See all DIAZEPAM clinical trials

Generic filers with tentative approvals for DIAZEPAM

Applicant	Application No.	Strength	Dosage Form
		20MG	FILM;BUCCAL
		17.5MG	FILM;BUCCAL
		15MG	FILM;BUCCAL

The 'tentative' approval signifies that the product meets all FDA standards for marketing, and, but for the patents / regulatory protections, it would approved.

Pharmacology for DIAZEPAM

Drug Class

Benzodiazepine

Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) Categories for DIAZEPAM

Adjuvants, Anesthesia

Anesthetics, Intravenous

Anti-Anxiety Agents

Anticonvulsants

Antiemetics

GABA Modulators

Hypnotics and Sedatives

Muscle Relaxants, Central

Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classes for DIAZEPAM

N05BA	Benzodiazepine derivatives
N05B	ANXIOLYTICS
N05	PSYCHOLEPTICS
N	Nervous system

Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for DIAZEPAM

Tradename	Dosage	Ingredient	Strength	NDA	ANDAs Submitted	Submissiondate
VALTOCO	Nasal Spray	diazepam	5 mg/spray and 7.5 mg/spray	211635	1	2025-04-03
VALTOCO	Nasal Spray	diazepam	10 mg/spray	211635	1	2024-02-14
DIASTAT ACUDIAL	Rectal Gel	diazepam	5 mg/mL, 2mL pre-filled syringe	020648	1	2008-12-23
DIASTAT ACUDIAL	Rectal Gel	diazepam	5 mg/mL, 4mL pre- filled syringe	020648	1	2008-12-08
DIASTAT ACUDIAL	Rectal Gel	diazepam	2.5 mg/0.5 mL 5 mg/mL 10 mg/2 mL 15 mg/3 mL 20 mg/4 mL	020648	1	2004-03-23

US Patents and Regulatory Information for DIAZEPAM

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Watson Labs Inc	DIAZEPAM	diazepam	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	072370-001	Jan 29, 1993		DISCN	No	No
Pioneer Pharms	DIAZEPAM	diazepam	TABLET;ORAL	070787-001	Aug 2, 1988		DISCN	No	No
Warner Chilcott	DIAZEPAM	diazepam	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	071614-001	Oct 22, 1987		DISCN	No	No

Expired US Patents for DIAZEPAM

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Neurelis Inc	VALTOCO	diazepam	SPRAY;NASAL	211635-003	Jan 10, 2020
Neurelis Inc	VALTOCO	diazepam	SPRAY;NASAL	211635-002	Jan 10, 2020
Neurelis Inc	VALTOCO	diazepam	SPRAY;NASAL	211635-002	Jan 10, 2020

International Patents for DIAZEPAM

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Spain	2667248
Japan	2014519525
European Patent Office	3678649	FORMULATIONS D'ÉPINÉPHRINE INTRANASALE ET MÉTHODES DE TRAITEMENT D'UNE MALADIE (INTRANASAL EPINEPHRINE FORMULATIONS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE)

Supplementary Protection Certificates for DIAZEPAM

Patent Number	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
3678649	PA2025507	Lithuania		PRODUCT NAME: VISU FORMU EPINEFRINO IR DODECILMALTOZIDO DERINYS SAUGOMASPAGRINDINIO PATENTO; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/24/1846 20240822
3678649	C20250011	Finland
3678649	LUC00378	Luxembourg		PRODUCT NAME: COMBINAISON D'EPINEPHRINE ET DE DODECYLMALTOSIDE, SOUS TOUTES SES FORMES PROTEGEES PAR LE BREVET DE BASE; AUTHORISATION NUMBER AND DATE: EU/1/24/1846 20250211

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for Diazepam: An In-Depth Analysis

Last updated: December 14, 2025

Executive Summary

Diazepam, a benzodiazepine widely used for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizure disorders, remains a significant pharmaceutical entity despite emerging concerns over dependence, abuse, and regulatory restrictions. This report examines the current market landscape, key drivers, challenges, and financial trajectory of diazepam, integrating historical data, regulatory policies, and competitive analysis. Emphasis is placed on recent trends, patent status, manufacturing, pricing, and therapeutic alternatives to provide a comprehensive view for stakeholders.

Industry Overview and Historical Context

Since its FDA approval in 1963 (by Hoffman-La Roche), diazepam has seen extensive use globally. It was among the first benzodiazepines introduced, revolutionizing anxiety and insomnia treatment. However, recent decades have marked a shift characterized by:

• Regulatory tightening due to abuse potential.
• Increasing preference for safer alternatives.
• Expanded use in emergency medicine and anesthesia.

Despite decreasing prescriptions in some regions, diazepam retains ongoing demand through hospital settings and specific niche markets.

Market Size & Revenue Overview

Global Market Estimate

• The global benzodiazepine market was valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2022.
• Diazepam constitutes roughly 40-50% of the benzodiazepine share, equating to $480-$600 million annually (2022 estimates).

Regional Segmentation

Region	Market Share	Key Drivers	Regulatory Status
North America	45%	Prescription volume, high awareness	Stringent prescribing guidelines
Europe	35%	Aging population, opioid substitution	Tight regulations, scheduled drugs
Asia-Pacific	15%	Growing mental health awareness	Varies, less strict enforcement
Rest of World	5%	Emerging markets, importation use	Less regulated

Revenue Trends (2018-2022)

Year	Estimated Revenue	Growth Rate	Notes
2018	$480 million	-	Peak usage post-2010s
2019	$500 million	4.2%	Slight uptick due to emergency use
2020	$520 million	4%	Pandemic-related demand
2021	$530 million	1.9%	Stabilization
2022	$540 million	1.9%	Continued steady demand

Key Revenue Influencers

• Prescription guidelines tightening.
• Emergence of dispute over dependence risks.
• Emergency administration in COVID-19 contexts.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing trends.

Market Drivers

Increasing Use in Medical Emergencies

Diazepam remains prominent in emergency medicine, particularly in status epilepticus and acute agitation cases prescribed in hospitals, sustaining bulk demand.

Aging Population & Mental Health Awareness

The global rise in mental health issues driven by demographic aging and societal stress contributes to continued prescriptions.

Oral and Parenteral Formulations

Market availability in multiple formulations broadens application scope, supporting revenue streams.

Patent and Manufacturing Dynamics

• Patent Status: Diazepam patents expired in the 1980s, leading to generic proliferation.
• Generic Competition: Intense price competition, with generics accounting for over 90% of prescriptions.

Challenges Impacting Market & Financial Trajectory

Challenge	Impact	Response Strategies
Regulatory Restrictions	Reduced prescriptions, increased scrutiny	Diversification into alternative therapies
Abuse and Dependence	Prescriber hesitance, legal restrictions	Strict schedule scheduling (Schedule IV)
Competition from New Drugs	Lower market share for diazepam	Position as niche candidate in hospitals
Public Perception	Stigma reducing casual use	Educational campaigns, professional support
Global Supply Chain Disruptions	Manufacturing delays, price volatility	Increased local manufacturing

Competitive Landscape

Company	Market Share	Key Products	Strategic Moves
Roche (original patent holder)	Small	Original Diazepam formulations	Focused on legacy markets, licensing
Teva Pharmaceuticals	Major generic supplier	Generic Diazepam products	Cost leadership, broad distribution
Mylan (now part of Viatris)	Major	Diazepam generics	Market expansion in emerging regions
Others	Niche players	Regional generics, compounded meds	Targeted markets, cost efficiency

Regulatory & Policy Environment

• United States: Diazepam classified as Schedule IV under the Controlled Substances Act (1970), indicating potential for abuse but accepted medical use.
• Europe: Controlled as a prescription-only medicine; varying country-specific restrictions.
• Emerging Markets: Regulatory frameworks evolving; some lax oversight leading to potential misuse or illegal diversion.

Future Market Trajectory & Projections

Timeline	Projection	Drivers	Potential Risks
2023-2025	Steady growth at 2-3% CAGR	Continued hospital use, aging population	Regulatory clampdowns, alternative drugs
2026-2030	Market stabilization or decline	Increased uptake of newer anxiolytics, benzodiazepine restrictions	Shift towards non-benzodiazepine therapies
2030+	Niche market, specialized hospital use	Technological advancements, new formulations	Obsolescence due to safety concerns

Comparative Analysis: Diazepam vs. Alternatives

Parameter	Diazepam	Lorazepam	Midazolam	Alprazolam
Onset of Action	1-5 min (IV)	1-3 min (IV)	1-5 min (IV)	30-60 min (oral)
Duration	20-50 hours	10-20 hours	2-6 hours	6-12 hours
Abuse Potential	High	Moderate	Moderate	High
Cost	Low (generic)	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Regulatory Control	Schedule IV	Schedule IV	Schedule IV	Schedule IV

Recent Innovation & Future Developments

• Development of long-acting formulations to reduce frequent dosing.
• Novel delivery systems (e.g., transdermal patches) under research.
• Emergency medical kits incorporating diazepam in nasal spray forms for rapid administration.

Key Market Opportunities

• Expansion into emerging markets where regulatory environments are loosening.
• Manufacturing in low-cost regions to mitigate pricing pressures.
• Diversification into combination therapies for mental health and neurological disorders.
• Developing educational programs to facilitate responsible prescribing.

Risks and Uncertainties

• Stringent regulatory controls limiting prescription authority.
• Increased regulation around abuse potential.
• Competition from non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs).
• Public perception diminishing demand due to dependence issues.

Conclusion

Diazepam’s market trajectory remains cautiously optimistic, with steady demand rooted predominantly in hospital settings and emergency care. However, external factors such as tight regulation, societal opioid/benzodiazepine concerns, and evolving therapeutic alternatives could dilute its market share over the long term. Stakeholders should focus on niche applications, innovate within formulations, and adapt to regulatory landscapes to sustain financial performance.

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Key Takeaways

• Despite patent expiration and generic proliferation, diazepam remains vital in emergency medicine and hospital currencies, underpinning a stable revenue base.
• Market growth is modest, approximately 2-3% annually through 2025, with a probable plateau or decline after that due to regulatory constraints and alternative therapies.
• Key growth opportunities lie in emerging markets, novel formulations, and hospital-focused niche uses.
• Regulatory environments will increasingly impact marketing, prescribing, and manufacturing operations, demanding proactive compliance strategies.
• Competitive landscape is highly commoditized; differentiation through innovation and targeted applications will be crucial for sustaining profitability.

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FAQs

Q1: How will regulatory restrictions impact diazepam’s market size in the next five years?
A1: Stricter scheduling and prescription guidelines are likely to reduce unauthorized use and limit prescriptions, potentially decreasing market size by 10-20%. However, clinical use in hospitals and sanctioned medical contexts will sustain core revenue.

Q2: Are there newer drugs replacing diazepam for anxiety or seizure management?
A2: Yes. SSRIs and SNRIs dominate anxiety treatments, while newer anticonvulsants (e.g., levetiracetam, lacosamide) are replacing benzodiazepines for certain seizure types, reducing long-term diazepam use outside acute settings.

Q3: What role do generics play in diazepam’s current market?
A3: Generics account for over 90% of prescriptions, providing low-cost alternatives that have driven volume but exert pressure on profit margins for original manufacturers.

Q4: Could biosimilars or new delivery methods revitalize diazepam’s market?
A4: While biosimilars are less relevant due to chemical nature, novel formulations such as nasal sprays or transdermal patches could improve ease of administration, expanding niche market applications.

Q5: How do supply chain disruptions affect diazepam manufacturing?
A5: Dependence on raw material supply chains, especially in regions like China and India, can lead to shortages, price volatility, and potential delays, emphasizing the need for diversified manufacturing sources.

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References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (1963). FDA Approval History for Diazepam.
2. MarketWatch. (2023). Benzodiazepine Market Analysis.
3. European Medicines Agency. (2022). Drug Scheduling and Regulatory Policies for Benzodiazepines.
4. WHO. (2021). Global Pharmaceuticals Market Report.
5. IPBA. (2022). Trends in Generic Drug Manufacturing and Market Dynamics.

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This assessment offers a comprehensive, data-driven overview of diazepam's market and financial outlook, equipping stakeholders with insights necessary for strategic decision-making.