HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE - Generic Drug Details

What are the generic drug sources for halobetasol propionate; tazarotene and what is the scope of patent protection?

Halobetasol propionate; tazarotene is the generic ingredient in two branded drugs marketed by Bausch and Sun Pharma Canada, and is included in two NDAs. There are ten patents protecting this compound. Additional information is available in the individual branded drug profile pages.

Halobetasol propionate; tazarotene has fifty-eight patent family members in twenty-two countries.

One supplier is listed for this compound.

Summary for HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE

International Patents:	58
US Patents:	10
Tradenames:	2
Applicants:	2
NDAs:	2
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	1
Clinical Trials:	3
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE
DailyMed Link:	HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE at DailyMed

Recent Clinical Trials for HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE

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

Sponsor	Phase
Dermatology Consulting Services, PLLC	Phase 4
Taro Pharmaceuticals USA	Early Phase 1
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai	Phase 4

See all HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE clinical trials

Pharmacology for HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE

Drug Class	Corticosteroid Retinoid
Mechanism of Action	Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists

Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classes for HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE

D05AX	Other antipsoriatics for topical use
D05A	ANTIPSORIATICS FOR TOPICAL USE
D05	ANTIPSORIATICS
D	Dermatologicals

Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE

Tradename	Dosage	Ingredient	Strength	NDA	ANDAs Submitted	Submissiondate
DUOBRII	Lotion	halobetasol propionate; tazarotene	0.01%/0.045%	209354	1	2020-06-11

US Patents and Regulatory Information for HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Bausch	DUOBRII	halobetasol propionate; tazarotene	LOTION;TOPICAL	209354-001	Apr 25, 2019	AB	RX	Yes	Yes	11,986,527
Bausch	DUOBRII	halobetasol propionate; tazarotene	LOTION;TOPICAL	209354-001	Apr 25, 2019	AB	RX	Yes	Yes	10,426,787
Bausch	DUOBRII	halobetasol propionate; tazarotene	LOTION;TOPICAL	209354-001	Apr 25, 2019	AB	RX	Yes	Yes	8,809,307		Y
Bausch	DUOBRII	halobetasol propionate; tazarotene	LOTION;TOPICAL	209354-001	Apr 25, 2019	AB	RX	Yes	Yes	11,648,256		Y

Expired US Patents for HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Bausch	DUOBRII	halobetasol propionate; tazarotene	LOTION;TOPICAL	209354-001	Apr 25, 2019	6,517,847

International Patents for HALOBETASOL PROPIONATE; TAZAROTENE

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Mexico	2017015990	COMPOSICIONES TOPICAS QUE COMPRENDEN UN CORTICOSTEROIDE Y UN RETINOIDE PARA TRATAR PSORIASIS. (TOPICAL COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING A CORTICOSTEROID AND A RETINOID FOR TREATING PSORIASIS.)
European Patent Office	3621614
Japan	6111007
South Korea	20240035898	건선을 치료하기 위한 코르티코스테로이드 및 레티노이드를 포함하는 국소 조성물 (TOPICAL COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING A CORTICOSTEROID AND A RETINOID FOR TREATING PSORIASIS)

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for Halobetasol Propionate and Tazarotene

Last updated: July 30, 2025

Introduction

The pharmaceutical landscape for dermatological agents, particularly topical corticosteroids and retinoids, shows dynamic growth driven by shifting disease prevalence, advanced formulations, regulatory changes, and emerging therapeutic applications. Among these, halobetasol propionate—a potent topical corticosteroid—and tazarotene, a topical retinoid, occupy significant market positions owing to their efficacy in managing dermatological conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne vulgaris. Evaluating their market dynamics and financial trajectories reveals nuanced insights into growth opportunities, challenges, and strategic directions.

Market Overview of Halobetasol Propionate

Pharmacological Profile and Therapeutic Indications

Halobetasol propionate is a super potent topical corticosteroid used primarily for inflammatory and immune-mediated dermatological conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema [1]. Its high efficacy and rapid relief of symptoms have established it as a first-line therapy within its class.

Market Drivers

• Prevalence of Target Conditions: Globally, psoriasis affects approximately 2-3% of the population, with increasing prevalence in Asia and Africa, expanding demand for potent corticosteroids like halobetasol [2].

• Innovations in Formulation: The development of foam, gel, and ointment formulations enhances patient compliance and broadens application scope, stimulating market growth [3].

• Regulatory Approvals and Patent Expirations: While patent protection for specific formulations remains, generic versions have entered the market, intensifying competition but reducing prices [4].

• Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion: Increased detection and diagnosis in emerging markets support sales growth, with notable expansion in Asia-Pacific [5].

Market Challenges

• Safety Concerns and Regulatory Restrictions: Widespread corticosteroid use raises risks of side effects such as skin atrophy and HPA axis suppression, leading to stricter guidelines and potential formulary restrictions.

• Generic Competition: The proliferation of low-cost generics diminishes revenue potential for branded formulations, impacting overall profitability.

• Clinical Limitations: Resistance or decreased efficacy over time and limited use in long-term management constrain market size.

Financial Trajectory

Forecasts project a moderate compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3-4% for the global halobetasol market during 2023–2028 [6]. The increase in psoriasis and eczema prevalence, coupled with innovative delivery systems, supports stable revenue streams. However, the market’s growth is tempered by safety concerns and generics’ impact, demanding strategic differentiation through formulation innovation or combination therapies.

Market Overview of Tazarotene

Pharmacological Profile and Therapeutic Indications

Tazarotene is a second-generation topical retinoid indicated primarily for psoriasis and acne vulgaris [7]. Its mechanism involves modulation of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, reducing hyperkeratinization, a pathognomonic feature of these dermatological pathologies.

Market Drivers

• Growing Acne and Psoriasis Burden: The rising prevalence of acne globally, especially among adolescents and young adults, sustains demand. Psoriasis prevalence similarly increases, reinforcing tazarotene’s market position [8].

• Advances in Formulation and Delivery: Tazarotene's incorporation into combination products with other agents like corticosteroids or benzoyl peroxide enhances efficacy and patient adherence [9].

• Regulatory Approvals in Emerging Markets: Expanding approvals in developing countries bolster sales potential due to unmet dermatological needs.

• Increased Awareness and Early Intervention: Marketing campaigns and clinical guidelines advocating early treatment ensure sustained demand.

Market Challenges

• Side Effects and Tolerability: Skin irritation, erythema, and teratogenic risks limit use, necessitating cautious prescribing and patient education.

• Competition from Other Retinoids: Alternatives like adapalene and tretinoin offer interchangeable options, pressuring pricing and market share.

• Patent and Formulation Challenges: Although tazarotene formulations are off-patent, new delivery systems or combination therapies may threaten market share of existing products.

Financial Trajectory

The tazarotene market is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 4-6% over the next five years [10]. The convergence of increasing dermatological condition prevalence, formulations innovation, and wider access in emerging markets underpin this trajectory. Nonetheless, side effect profiles and brand competition necessitate continuous innovation and positioning.

Market Interplay and Competitive Landscape

The overlapping indications for halobetasol propionate and tazarotene create potential for co-therapy strategies, especially in psoriasis management. The development of fixed-dose combinations, such as halobetasol with tazarotene, exemplifies this trend, potentially facilitating market expansion and improved patient outcomes [11].

Major pharmaceutical players like Leo Pharma, Almirall, and Perrigo dominate the market, with generics further fragmenting the landscape. Patent cliffs and ongoing R&D initiatives drive a competitive environment emphasizing formulation innovation, safety profile optimization, and combination therapies.

Regulatory and Market Dynamics

Regulatory bodies enforce strict guidelines on corticosteroids and retinoids composition, recommended duration of use, and pregnancy category warnings. These regulatory frameworks influence product development strategies and market access.

Emerging markets demonstrate rapid growth potential due to expanding healthcare infrastructure, rising dermatological disease prevalence, and increased regulatory approvals, though price sensitivity remains a critical factor.

Financial Outlook and Strategic Opportunities

For stakeholders, the focus should remain on product differentiation via formulation advancements, combination therapies, and personalized medicine approaches. Investing in safety profile improvements can mitigate regulatory risks and widen patient acceptance.

Market forecasts indicate steady growth but emphasize the importance of innovation to overcome commoditization. Companies leveraging digital health to improve adherence and remote monitoring could unlock additional revenue streams.

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth is Modest but Steady: Both halobetasol propionate and tazarotene exhibit sustained demand driven by dermatological condition prevalence and formulation innovation, with projected CAGRs of 3-6% between 2023–2028.

• Safety and Resistance Challenges Impact Market Dynamics: Side effects and regulatory constraints necessitate ongoing innovation and strategic formulation improvements.

• Emerging Markets Offer Significant Expansion Opportunities: Healthcare infrastructure investments and rising disease prevalence underpin substantial growth potential, especially when aligned with regulatory approvals.

• Combination Products as Strategic Differentiators: Fixed-dose combinations enhance therapeutic outcomes, adherence, and market share, presenting a lucrative avenue.

• Price Competition and Patent Expirations Drive Innovation: Generics reduce revenue potential for branded drugs, emphasizing the need for R&D-driven differentiation.

FAQs

Q1: How does the patent status of halobetasol propionate influence its market trajectory?
Patent expiration for specific formulations has introduced generic competitors, leading to price erosion but increased overall market volume. Strategic innovation in formulations and delivery methods remains critical to maintaining profitability.

Q2: What are the main safety concerns limiting tazarotene’s market growth?
Tazarotene’s teratogenicity and common skin irritation side effects necessitate caution, patient education, and contraindications—factors that restrain broad usage and influence market dynamics.

Q3: Are combination therapies impacting the market for these drugs?
Yes, fixed-dose combination products, such as halobetasol with tazarotene, are gaining traction, offering improved efficacy and patient adherence, thus expanding market opportunities.

Q4: Which regions offer the highest growth potential for these drugs?
Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America present significant opportunities due to increasing dermatological condition burdens, expanding healthcare access, and regulatory approvals.

Q5: How are regulatory agencies shaping the future of these drugs?
Regulatory agencies emphasizing safety and efficacy are influencing formulation standards, prescribing guidelines, and marketing strategies, prompting companies to prioritize innovation and compliance.

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References

[1] European Medicines Agency. Halobetasol Propionate. 2021.
[2] Parisi R, et al. Global Epidemiology of Psoriasis. JAMA Dermatol. 2013.
[3] Singh B, et al. Formulation Innovations in Topical Dermatology. Curr Pharm Des. 2018.
[4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Patent and Generic Drug Regulations. 2022.
[5] MarketWatch. Dermatology Drug Market Trends. 2023.
[6] Research and Markets. Global Topical Corticosteroids Market Forecast. 2022.
[7] National Center for Biotechnology Information. Tazarotene. 2020.
[8] World Health Organization. Dermatological Conditions: Data & Insights. 2021.
[9] ClinicalTrials.gov. Combination Therapy Trials for Tazarotene. 2022.
[10] Future Market Insights. Retinoid Market Outlook. 2022.
[11] Company Reports. Innovative Combination Products. 2023.