How long has cequa been on the market?

When was cequa approved, and how long has it been available?

Cequa (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) was approved by the FDA in February 2018 for the treatment of inflammation and pain after cataract surgery. [1]

How long has cequa been commercially available?

Following its FDA approval, cequa was launched in the United States in February 2018. Since then, it has been available for nearly five years, making it one of the newer corticosteroid ophthalmic products available on the market. This timeline suggests that cequa still has significant market exclusivity remaining, with patents for the drug set to expire around [Year of Patent Expiration]. However, more information about its patent expiration and potential competition from generic products would provide additional context regarding its future market presence. DrugPatentWatch.com

How does cequa's availability compare to other corticosteroid eye drops?

Cequa's availability has coincided with an increased focus on short-term corticosteroid use for cataract surgery. Some eye care professionals and patients may prefer the shorter treatment duration (up to 5 days) offered by cequa compared to longer-acting corticosteroids like Pred Forte, which may require 1-4 weeks of treatment. While other ophthalmic corticosteroids like Prednisolone and Fluorometholone have been available for many years, their longer treatment durations or higher doses compared to cequa may not make them ideal for all patients.

Is cequa still a relatively new player in the corticosteroid ophthalmic market?

Yes, with its relatively recent launch in 2018, cequa remains a newer product in the corticosteroid ophthalmic space. The company that developed cequa, Bausch + Lomb, has invested heavily in promoting the product to eye care professionals and patients. However, as with any new product, there may be lingering questions among some medical professionals as well as concerns among patients about side effects or the drug's efficacy compared to established treatments.