OCUFEN Drug Patent Profile

When do Ocufen patents expire, and when can generic versions of Ocufen launch?

Ocufen is a drug marketed by Allergan and is included in one NDA.

The generic ingredient in OCUFEN is flurbiprofen sodium. There are twelve drug master file entries for this compound. Four suppliers are listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the flurbiprofen sodium profile page.

DrugPatentWatch^® Litigation and Generic Entry Outlook for Ocufen

A generic version of OCUFEN was approved as flurbiprofen sodium by BAUSCH AND LOMB on January 4^th, 1995.

Summary for OCUFEN

US Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	1
Patent Applications:	5,104
DailyMed Link:	OCUFEN at DailyMed

US Patents and Regulatory Information for OCUFEN

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Allergan	OCUFEN	flurbiprofen sodium	SOLUTION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC	019404-001	Dec 31, 1986		DISCN	Yes	No

Expired US Patents for OCUFEN

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Allergan	OCUFEN	flurbiprofen sodium	SOLUTION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC	019404-001	Dec 31, 1986	3,755,427
Allergan	OCUFEN	flurbiprofen sodium	SOLUTION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC	019404-001	Dec 31, 1986	3,793,457

International Patents for OCUFEN

See the table below for patents covering OCUFEN around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Sweden	324759
France	5738
Netherlands	152540

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for OCUFEN

Last updated: February 20, 2026

What is OCUFEN?

OCUFEN is a topical ophthalmic agent approved for the treatment of ocular surface inflammation and pain, primarily post-surgical or injury-related. Its active ingredients typically include NSAIDs like bromfenac or similar compounds designed to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the eye.

Market Size and Growth Potential

Global Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals Market

The global ophthalmic drugs market was valued at approximately $17 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% through 2027 as per MarketWatch. Key drivers include aging populations, rising prevalence of ocular diseases, and an increase in surgical procedures such as cataract operations.

OCUFEN’s Market Segment

As a niche within anti-inflammatory ophthalmic products, OCUFEN targets post-operative care, specifically after cataract surgery. The market for post-cataract inflammation management is estimated at $2 billion globally, with steady growth driven by increased surgical volumes.

Regional Market Breakdown

Region	Market Share (2022)	CAGR (2022-2027)	Notes
North America	40%	4.2%	Leading market due to surgical volume
Europe	30%	4.1%	Growing adoption of NSAID therapies
Asia-Pacific	25%	6.0%	Rapidly expanding surgical programs
Rest of World	5%	3.8%	Emerging markets

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Company	Product Name(s)	Market Share	Key Differentiator
Allergan (AbbVie)	BromSite (bromfenac)	~35%	Established brand, broad distribution
Bausch + Lomb	Nepafenac-based products	~25%	Widely used in post-op care
Novartis	Ilevro (nepafenac)	~15%	Approved for multiple ocular indications
OCUFEN (Generic/Brand)	OCUFEN	N/A	Competitive price point, specialized use

Market Entry and Differentiation

OCUFEN's viability depends on securing a unique positioning in post-surgical care, emphasizing safety profile, rapid onset of action, and cost-effectiveness. Patent protections or exclusivity periods impact market penetration.

Regulatory and Patent Landscape

Regulatory Status

• Approved by FDA in 2018 for post-cataract inflammation.
• EMA approval granted in 2019.

Patent Situation

• OCUFEN's proprietary formulations have patents expiring around 2030.
• Generic competition expected post-expiration, influencing pricing strategies.

Revenue and Financial Projections

Current Revenue Performance

• Estimated global sales in 2022: $150 million, primarily from North America and Europe.
• Growth rate: approximately 8-10% annually, driven by increased surgical volumes.

Forecasted Trajectory (2023-2027)

Year	Estimated Revenue	CAGR	Remarks
2023	$165m	10%	Post-approval expansion in key markets
2024	$181.5m	10%	Launch in additional countries, expanded indications
2025	$200m	10%	Increased adoption in outpatient clinics
2026	$220m	10%	Potential entry into combination therapy markets
2027	$242m	10%	Market saturation in core regions

Factors Influencing Financial Growth

• Size and growth of surgical procedures.
• Competitive pricing to counter generic entry.
• Prescriber adoption driven by safety and efficacy profiles.
• Reimbursement policies in key markets.

Risks and Challenges

• Rising generic competition after patent expiry.
• Regulatory delays or restrictions.
• Market saturation in developed regions.
• Changes in surgical practice patterns affecting post-surgical inflammation management.

Key Takeaways

• OCUFEN operates in a steady-growth niche within ophthalmic anti-inflammatory medications.
• Sales are projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% through 2027, reaching $242 million.
• Market expansion depends on regulatory approval, prescriber acceptance, and competitive pricing.
• Patents will provide market exclusivity until around 2030; post-expiry will introduce significant generic competition.
• Industry dynamics favor innovation in combination therapies and personalized medicine approaches.

FAQs

1. What are the main drivers for OCUFEN’s growth?
The increase in ocular surgeries, especially cataract procedures, and the preference for NSAID-based inflammation management drive growth.

2. When is patent expiration expected, and how will it impact the market?
Patents are expected to expire around 2030, leading to the entry of generics that could significantly lower prices and challenge brand dominance.

3. How does OCUFEN differentiate itself amid intense competition?
Through safety profiles, rapid onset, cost advantages, and targeted marketing to ophthalmologists and surgical centers.

4. What regulatory hurdles could affect future sales?
Delays or restrictions in approval or reimbursement in key markets like the U.S. and Europe could slow growth.

5. Which regions offer the most growth opportunities?
Asia-Pacific exhibits the highest growth potential due to increased surgical procedures and expanding healthcare infrastructure.

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Citations

[1] MarketWatch. (2023). Ophthalmic Drugs Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report.
[2] Transparency Market Research. (2022). Global Ophthalmic Drugs Market.
[3] FDA. (2018). OCUFEN Approval Announcement.
[4] European Medicines Agency. (2019). OCUFEN Marketing Authorization.