Watson seeks approval for generic Lumigan, Latisse

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson is challenging the patent protection on two eye drugs made by Allergan, the generic drug maker said Tuesday.

Watson announced that it had filed with the Food and Drug Administration for generic versions of Allergan's Lumigan and Latisse (bimatoprost) ophthalmic solution. The products contain the same active ingredient in the 0.01% and 0.03% strengths, respectively, and are used to reduce pressure within the eye in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

In response to Watson's filings, Allergan filed suit against the company in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on March 23 to prevent Watson from launching a generic version of Lumigan. In addition, Allergan and Duke University sued Watson in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina on Saturday to prevent the launch of Latisse.

The lawsuits put a stay of final FDA approval on Watson's products for 30 months or until the companies reach a settlement.

Lumigan and Latisse had respective sales of $409 million and $80 million during the 12-month period ended in January, according to IMS Health.

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