Is a Generic Version of Istalol Available?
Istalol® (
timolol maleate) is a prescription eye drop approved for the treatment of
glaucoma and high eye pressure. It belongs to a group of medications known as
beta blockers and is used just once a day.
Istalol is made by Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and is marketed and distributed by ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Istalol from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Istalol Be Available?
The first patent for Istalol currently expires in November 2018. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Istalol could become available.
However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period of Istalol. This could include such things as lawsuits or other patents for specific
Istalol uses. Once Istalol goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic Istalol drug.
Is Timolol a Generic Istalol?
No -- timolol is the active ingredient in Istalol, but it is not a generic version of Istalol. Other timolol eye drops (including generic timolol and other brand-name products) are not equivalent to Istalol.
Istalol is uniquely formulated in such a way that provides superior absorption of the medication into the eye. This allows for once-daily dosing (unlike other timolol drops), without a high risk for blurring (unlike timolol gel-forming drops). If you would like to use a generic timolol eye drop, ask your healthcare provider about switching. However, keep in mind that such products are not equivalent to Istalol.
