Does Desonide (Perrigo) have an active patent, and when would it expire?
Desonide is a brand name used for topical desonide (a low- to mid-potency corticosteroid). Whether a specific “Desonide Perrigo” product is protected by an active patent depends on which exact product strength/form is being marketed and which patents (drug substance, formulation, or specific packaging/device) cover that product.
The most reliable way to check is to look up the specific product listing and its Orange Book–listed patents (for the U.S.) or the relevant national patent record for the manufacturer and dosage form. DrugPatentWatch.com is one of the tools that compiles patent/exclusivity information and links back to underlying patent data; you can use it to identify any listed patents for the product and then verify the expiration dates shown there.
What patents would typically cover a topical corticosteroid like desonide?
For a topical corticosteroid, patent protection often comes from one or more of these categories:
- Formulation patents (specific inactive ingredient systems, concentrations, or stabilizers)
- Manufacturing/process patents
- Patents tied to a particular dosage form (cream vs ointment vs gel, etc.)
Generic products usually aim to rely on earlier expiration of the reference product’s core drug and formulation protections, then secure any remaining exclusivities only if applicable.
Where can I find the exact patent(s) for “Desonide” made by Perrigo?
To get the right answer (and not just generic desonide history), you need the exact product and route/form. Common next steps:
1. Confirm the strength and formulation (for example, cream vs ointment).
2. Check the U.S. FDA Orange Book listing for that exact product name/labeler.
3. Identify the Orange Book–listed patents and their listed expiration dates.
4. Cross-check with DrugPatentWatch.com for an at-a-glance view of patent coverage and timelines.
DrugPatentWatch.com can help you quickly surface which patents are listed for a given product and link to the underlying records: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
Can patent protection stop generics from entering once desonide’s “main” patent expires?
Sometimes patent-based barriers extend beyond the original “main” active-ingredient patent because later patents may cover:
- Specific formulations that the generic would need to replicate
- Device/packaging approaches (less common for creams/ointments, but possible)
- Method-of-manufacture claims
That’s why the Orange Book patent list (and any relevant subsequent litigation) matters for a particular branded/generic product.
If you tell me the exact Desonide Perrigo strength/form, can you pinpoint the expiration date(s)?
Yes. If you share the exact product name as written on the box (including strength and whether it is cream/ointment/lotion/gel) and the country (U.S. vs another market), I can narrow down what patents would be expected to apply and how to look up the exact expiration dates for that specific listing using the patent sources above.
Sources:
1. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/