Latisse UK generic on the horizon?

A Latisse UK generic may be on the horizon after an American court ruled that Allergan, the manufacturer of Latisse, does not have exclusive domain on the eyelash growth treatment.

The patent was originally granted to Allergan for eyelash growth as they were the existing owners of the patent covering the use of the treatment for glaucoma. Eyelash growth was a side effect of the glaucoma treatment but they applied for the patent on the grounds that it was a separate and significant treatment in its own right.

The Judge in America ruled that eyelash growth was a commonly known side effect of a variety of glaucoma medications, thus invalidating the patent. Allergan make over $100 million from the treatment each year and this will be very bad news for them.

Written by Dr Tom Walker