Cypress launches generic Elestat

MADISON, Miss. — Cypress Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic version of an eye care drug made by Boehringer Ingelheim and marketed by Allergan, the company said.

Cypress announced the launch of epinastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05%, a generic version of Elestat; BI owns the trademark to Elestat and licenses rights to the drug to Allergan. Elestat is used to relieve itching of the eyes resulting from allergic conjunctivitis.

Cypress’ approval application for the drug included a paragraph IV certification, a legal assertion that the branded drug’s patents are invalid, unenforceable or won’t be infringed by a generic version.