06/05/2026
Upsher-Smith Laboratories announced the launch of generic cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%, a generic equivalent to Restasis. The medication is indicated to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with dry eye disease. The launch introduces another lower-cost option into one of the largest therapeutic categories in optometry. Dry eye disease remains one of the most commonly diagnosed and treated conditions in eye care practices, making pharmaceutical competition particularly relevant. For optometrists, additional generic availability may provide more prescribing flexibility when discussing treatment options with patients. Practice owners may see increased accessibility for patients who previously faced cost barriers to therapy.
Patients could benefit from broader access to a well-established treatment without relying solely on brand-name formulations.
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