Wockhardt gets USFDA nod for generic eye drops

NEW DELHI: Drug maker Wockhardt on Friday said it has received tentative approval from the US health regulator to market Olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops in the American market.

The company has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market 0.1% solution of Olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops, used in treating allergic conjunctivitis, Wockhardt said .

“This is a major approval for Wockhardt in opthalmic segment,” Wockhardt Chairman Habil Khorakiwala said, adding that sterile products, including opthalmic products, continue to form an important part of the company's US product portfolio.

Olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops are the generic equivalent of Alcon Laboratories Inc's Patanol brand. “The patent covering this product is under litigation in the US courts and Wockhardt will launch the product after resolution of the same,” the company said.