Tretinoin - Generic Drug Details

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

Tretinoin is the generic ingredient in ten branded drugs marketed by Barr Labs Inc, Glenmark Pharms Ltd, Ph Health, Cheplapharm, Mylan Pharms Inc, Valeant Pharms North, Bausch, Valeant Bermuda, Alembic, Allergan, Encube, Padagis Us, Sun Pharma Canada, Zo Skin Health, Zydus Lifesciences, Dow Pharm, Rising, Valeant Intl, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, Mylan, Teva Pharms, and Wockhardt, and is included in forty-two NDAs. There are two patents protecting this compound and two Paragraph IV challenges. Additional information is available in the individual branded drug profile pages.

Tretinoin has eight patent family members in eight countries.

There are twenty-six drug master file entries for tretinoin. Twenty-seven suppliers are listed for this compound.

Summary for tretinoin

International Patents:	8
US Patents:	2
Tradenames:	10
Applicants:	22
NDAs:	42
Drug Master File Entries:	26
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	27
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	1
Clinical Trials:	131
Drug Prices:	Drug price trends for tretinoin
Drug Sales Revenues:	Drug sales revenues for tretinoin
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in tretinoin?	tretinoin excipients list
DailyMed Link:	tretinoin at DailyMed

See drug prices for tretinoin

See drug sales revenues for tretinoin

Recent Clinical Trials for tretinoin

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

Sponsor	Phase
Stanford University	PHASE2
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice	PHASE3
University of Utah	PHASE2

See all tretinoin clinical trials

Pharmacology for tretinoin

Drug Class

Retinoid

Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) Categories for tretinoin

Antineoplastic Agents

Keratolytic Agents

Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classes for tretinoin

D10AD	Retinoids for topical use in acne
D10A	ANTI-ACNE PREPARATIONS FOR TOPICAL USE
D10	ANTI-ACNE PREPARATIONS
D	Dermatologicals

L01XF	Retinoids for cancer treatment
L01X	OTHER ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS
L01	ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS
L	Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for TRETINOIN

Tradename	Dosage	Ingredient	Strength	NDA	ANDAs Submitted	Submissiondate
RETIN-A-MICRO	Gel	tretinoin	0.04%	020475	1	2010-12-20
RETIN-A-MICRO	Gel	tretinoin	0.1%	020475	1	2010-07-08

US Patents and Regulatory Information for tretinoin

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Encube	TRETINOIN MICROSPHERE	tretinoin	GEL;TOPICAL	215609-001	Aug 22, 2023	AB	RX	No	No
Mylan	TRETINOIN	tretinoin	GEL;TOPICAL	207955-001	Aug 13, 2015	AB	RX	No	No
Padagis Us	TRETINOIN	tretinoin	CREAM;TOPICAL	075213-001	Dec 24, 1998	AB	RX	No	No
Sun Pharma Canada	TRETINOIN	tretinoin	CREAM;TOPICAL	211644-001	Jan 25, 2019	AB1	RX	No	No
Wockhardt	TRETINOIN	tretinoin	SOLUTION;TOPICAL	075260-001	Jan 25, 1999		DISCN	No	No
Bausch	RETIN-A-MICRO	tretinoin	GEL;TOPICAL	020475-004	Oct 23, 2017		RX	Yes	Yes

Expired US Patents for tretinoin

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Bausch	RETIN-A MICRO	tretinoin	GEL;TOPICAL	020475-001	Feb 7, 1997
Bausch	RETIN-A	tretinoin	CREAM;TOPICAL	019049-001	Sep 16, 1988
Bausch	RETIN-A	tretinoin	GEL;TOPICAL	017955-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
Bausch	RETIN-A MICRO	tretinoin	GEL;TOPICAL	020475-002	May 10, 2002
Bausch	RETIN-A-MICRO	tretinoin	GEL;TOPICAL	020475-003	Jan 28, 2014
Valeant Pharms North	RETIN-A	tretinoin	CREAM;TOPICAL	017340-001	Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982

International Patents for tretinoin

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	2019195697
Canada	3095937	COMPOSITIONS PHARMACEUTIQUES TOPIQUES DESTINEES A TRAITER DES AFFECTIONS CUTANEES (TOPICAL PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING SKIN CONDITIONS)
European Patent Office	3773641	COMPOSITIONS PHARMACEUTIQUES TOPIQUES DESTINÉES À TRAITER DES AFFECTIONS CUTANÉES (TOPICAL PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING SKIN CONDITIONS)
Poland	3773641
Brazil	112020020431	composições farmacêuticas tópicas para tratamento de condições de pele
Spain	2974819

Supplementary Protection Certificates for tretinoin

Patent Number	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
0617614	2001/009	Ireland		PRODUCT NAME: PANRETIN-ALITRETINOIN
1304992	C300617	Netherlands		PRODUCT NAME: COMBINATIE VAN CLINDAMYCINE, DESGEWENST IN DE VORM VAN CLINDAMYCINEFOSFAAT EN TRETINOINE; NAT. REGISTRATION NO/DATE: RVG 109745 20130626; FIRST REGISTRATION: PA1332/043/001 20130322
1304992	PA2013025	Lithuania		PRODUCT NAME: CLINFAMYCINUM + TRETINOINUM; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: LT/1/13/3279/001, 2013 04 26 LT/1/13/3279/002, 2013 04 26 PA1332/043/001 20130323
1304992	SPC/GB13/061	United Kingdom		PRODUCT NAME: CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE IN COMBINATION WITH TRETINOIN.; REGISTERED: IE PA1332/043/001 20130322; UK PL15142/0249 20130624
1304992	132013902214376	Italy		PRODUCT NAME: CLINDAMICINA FOSFATO E TRETINOINA(ACNATAC); AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) AND DATE(S): PA1332/043/001, 20130322;042056010/M - 022/M, 20130718
0617614	11/2001	Austria		PRODUCT NAME: ALITRETINOIN; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/00/149/001 20001011

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for Tretinoin

Last updated: July 27, 2025

Introduction

Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is a derivative of vitamin A predominantly used in dermatology and oncology. Its versatility spans acne management, photoaging, and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). As a mature compound with established therapeutic indications, tretinoin's market has experienced notable shifts driven by evolving treatment paradigms, regulatory policies, and patient preferences. Analyzing its market dynamics and financial trajectory offers insights for pharmaceutical stakeholders seeking competitive positioning and investment strategies.

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Pharmacological Profile and Clinical Applications

Tretinoin's primary dermatological utility lies in treating acne vulgaris. Its mechanism involves promoting keratinocyte turnover, reducing comedone formation, and alleviating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation [1]. In oncology, tretinoin revolutionized APL treatment, inducing differentiation of malignant promyelocytes and drastically improving survival rates [2].

The compound's success in both segments reflects its distinct pharmacodynamic properties. However, recent advancements and alternative therapies challenge its dominance, prompting shifts in market dynamics.

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Market Size and Regional Trends

The global tretinoin market was valued at approximately USD 250 million in 2022, with expectations to reach USD 320 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.2% (2023–2028) [3].

Regional Analysis

• North America: Leads due to high dermatologist adoption, strong healthcare infrastructure, and significant APL prevalence. The US accounts for about 60% of regional sales.

• Europe: Represents a mature market with steady demand, though constrained by regulatory and safety concerns.

• Asia-Pacific: Exhibits rapid growth driven by rising skin concerns, expanding healthcare access, and increasing APL diagnoses.

Key Drivers

1. Rising Dermatological Disorders: Increased awareness and social media influence have accelerated demand for acne treatments.
2. Oncology Advancements: Continued improvements in APL management with tretinoin, particularly in combination therapies, bolster its use.
3. Generic Availability: Patent expirations have led to a surge in generic formulations, making tretinoin more affordable and accessible.

Challenges

• Safety and Side Effects: Skin irritation, teratogenicity concerns limit some use cases, especially in pregnancy.
• Regulatory Environment: Stringent regulations, especially in Europe and the US, impact marketing and formulation approvals.
• Competition: The emergence of alternative therapies for acne (e.g., biologics, laser treatments) and newer differentiation agents influence market share.

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Competitive Landscape

Major players include Johnson & Johnson, Mylan (now part of Viatris), and Teva Pharmaceuticals. These companies dominate with established manufacturing, distribution networks, and brand recognition.

The presence of multiple generics has significantly reduced prices, enhancing accessibility but limiting profit margins for original developers.

Innovative formulations—topical gels, creams, and combination therapies—aim to improve patient compliance and efficacy, representing a strategic focus for competitors.

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Regulatory and Patent Trajectory

Patent protections for tretinoin typically expired in the early 2000s, leading to a wave of generic products. Future patent filings focus on novel delivery systems or combination formulations aimed at extending exclusivity or market share.

Regulatory agencies continue to scrutinize safety profiles, especially concerning teratogenicity, affecting labeling and prescription controls. Approval processes for biosimilars or similar compounds remain complex, influencing market entry strategies.

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Financial Projections and Investment Outlook

Given the moderate growth rate and market maturity, stakeholders primarily focus on generic sales, with limited scope for substantial premium pricing. The revenue is expected to stabilize around USD 310–320 million annually by 2028.

Investments in formulation innovation could catalyze growth, especially in niches offering improved safety or convenience. Moreover, expanding into emerging markets presents an opportunity, although price sensitivity poses challenges.

In the oncology segment, tretinoin-related therapies may experience incremental growth through combination regimens, warranting ongoing R&D and licensing strategies.

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Market Trends and Future Outlook

1. Personalized Dermatology: Tailoring tretinoin-based regimens according to genetic and phenotypic patient profiles could drive niche markets.
2. Safety Optimization: Development of formulations with reduced irritation profiles and pregnancy-safe options may expand patient base.
3. Synergistic Combinations: Integrating tretinoin with other agents (e.g., antibiotics, corticosteroids) enhances treatment efficacy and adherence.
4. Digital Engagement: Teledermatology platforms facilitate prescription and monitoring, influencing sales channels.

Emerging Challenges

• Regulatory tightening concerning teratogenic risks.
• Competition from novel dermatological agents and advanced laser treatments.
• Market saturation, especially in developed regions.

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Key Takeaways

• Tretinoin sustains stable demand driven by dermatology and oncology, but growth potential is moderate due to market maturity.
• Generic proliferation diminishes profit margins but enhances global accessibility.
• Innovation in delivery systems and safety profiles remains essential for capturing niche opportunities.
• Strategic expansion into emerging markets and oncology combination therapies could augment the financial trajectory.
• Regulatory landscapes continue to shape product positioning and market strategies, necessitating vigilant monitoring.

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FAQs

1. What factors primarily influence tretinoin's market growth?
Market growth hinges on dermatological demand, innovation in formulations, accessibility via generics, and ongoing advances in oncology treatments. Regulatory policies and safety profiles also play pivotal roles.

2. How do patent expirations affect tretinoin's market competition?
Patent expirations have led to increased generic availability, lowering prices and intensifying competition, which constrains profit margins but boosts accessibility.

3. Are there ongoing developments to improve tretinoin's safety profile?
Yes, pharmaceutical companies are researching formulations with reduced irritation and pregnancy-safe options. Such innovations could broaden the patient base.

4. What emerging markets offer significant opportunities for tretinoin?
Asia-Pacific and Latin America present growth opportunities due to increasing dermatology awareness, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and rising disposable incomes.

5. How is tretinoin positioned within the evolving landscape of acne and skin aging therapies?
While remaining a staple, tretinoin faces competition from biologics, laser treatments, and novel topical agents. Its future positioning depends on innovation, safety, and regulatory compliance.

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Sources

[1] Gollnick H. "Topical tretinoin for acne scarring: Efficacy, safety, and tolerability." Clin Dermatol. 2008.
[2] Lo-Coco F, et al. "Retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide for acute promyelocytic leukemia." N Engl J Med. 2013.
[3] Research and Markets. "Global Tretinoin Market Forecast 2023–2028."