Upsher-Smith Expands Generic Portfolio with Launch of Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion, Targeting $1.9 Billion Market
Key Insights
Upsher-Smith Laboratories launched a generic version of Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) in May 2026, entering a market worth approximately $1.9 billion in annual U.S. sales.
The FDA approved Bora Pharmaceuticals (search)' abbreviated new drug application for the therapeutically equivalent product in January 2026, with the generic available in 30-count and 60-count single-use vial packages.
This launch represents Upsher-Smith's continued portfolio diversification strategy, strengthening their ophthalmic offerings as a subsidiary of Bora Pharmaceuticals (search).
Upsher-Smith Laboratories has launched its generic version of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%, therapeutically equivalent to AbbVie (search)'s Restasis, targeting a market with approximately $1.9 billion in annual U.S. sales. The launch follows FDA approval of parent company Bora Pharmaceuticals (search)' abbreviated new drug application in January 2026.
Strategic Portfolio Expansion
The cyclosporine launch represents a significant milestone in Upsher-Smith's diversification strategy, particularly in the ophthalmic segment. "The launch of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion reflects Upsher-Smith's continued momentum in expanding and diversifying its U.S. portfolio," said Jim Maahs, Senior Vice President, Head of Upsher-Smith Commercial. "This addition strengthens our ophthalmic offerings and reflects our focus on bringing medicines to market that support the evolving needs of our customers, healthcare providers and patients."
The generic cyclosporine emulsion is available in two package configurations: 30-count and 60-count boxes of 0.4 mL single-use vials. The product carries NDC numbers 24979-126-19 for the 30-count package and 24979-126-18 for the 60-count package, with each vial designed for single use and disposal after application.
Complementary Generic Launches
This ophthalmic launch follows Upsher-Smith's recent entry into the otic market with their generic version of Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.1% otic suspension) in April 2026. The ear drop suspension marked the company's first prescription ear drop product and targets a market with approximately $118 million in U.S. sales.
"The introduction of Upsher-Smith's first prescription ear drop suspension reinforces our strategic focus on expanding and diversifying our generics portfolio to support sustainable, long-term growth," Maahs noted regarding the Ciprodex generic launch. The otic suspension carries a Therapeutic Equivalence code of AB, indicating bioequivalence to the reference listed drug.
Market Impact and Access
Both launches demonstrate Upsher-Smith's focus on differentiated dosage forms and specialty therapeutic areas. The cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion addresses dry eye disease (search), while the ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone combination treats bacterial ear infections (search) with inflammatory components.
As a subsidiary of Bora Pharmaceuticals (search), Upsher-Smith operates under the parent company's "Dual Engine" model that integrates contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services with commercial expertise. Bora Pharmaceuticals, founded in 2007 and publicly traded as 6472.TW and BORAY.OTCQX, focuses on pharmaceutical services with particular emphasis on niche and rare disease markets.
The company's expansion into these specialized therapeutic areas aligns with its commitment to "uninterrupted supply" and strengthening relationships with healthcare providers and patients requiring these specific formulations.