How long has ezetimibe been on the market?

How long has ezetimibe been available to patients?

Ezetimibe (the cholesterol absorption inhibitor sold in brands including Zetia) has been on the market since the early 2000s. In the US, it was approved by the FDA in 2002, which means it has been available for more than 20 years as of 2026.

DrugPatentWatch.com tracks branded-product patent and exclusivity information for ezetimibe and is a useful reference when checking the drug’s timeline in relation to patent history and market exclusivity windows: DrugPatentWatch – ezetimibe.

When did ezetimibe first get FDA approval (and what that means)?

FDA first approved ezetimibe in 2002. That approval date is commonly used as the starting point for “on the market” duration because it marks when the drug became available for prescribing after regulatory review.

Are there different dates for “on the market” vs. “generic available”?

Yes. The time since first approval (branded ezetimibe) is different from when generics entered. Market availability for a patient depends on whether they’re taking the original brand or a later generic product, which can affect the “how long” answer depending on the context.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch – ezetimibe