Clinical Studies Showed 95% Symptom Improvement At One
Minute, And Reduced Redness For Up To Eight
Hours
LAVAL, Quebec, Dec. 22, 2017 /CNW/ -- Bausch + Lomb, a leading
global eye health company and wholly owned subsidiary of Valeant
Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE: VRX and TSX: VRX)
("Valeant"), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved LUMIFY™ (brimonidine tartrate
ophthalmic solution 0.025%) as the first and only over-the-counter
(OTC) eye drop developed with low-dose brimonidine tartrate for the
treatment of ocular redness. Brimonidine, which was first approved
by the FDA in 1996 for intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in
glaucoma patients, is available at higher doses in prescription eye
care products.
"With today's approval of LUMIFY, consumers have a new and
unique treatment option to relieve red, irritated eyes," said
Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO of
Valeant. "LUMIFY is the first and only OTC eye drop with low-dose
brimonidine, which has been clinically proven to be safe and
effective since its initial approval as a prescription medication
in 1996. We expect LUMIFY will be available for purchase in major
retailers in the second quarter of 2018."
Ocular redness is a common condition that can be caused by
inflammation of almost any part of the eye. With frequent use,
non-selective redness relieving eye drops that constrict blood
vessels in the eye can result in users developing a tolerance or
loss of effectiveness, as well as rebound redness. In contrast,
low-dose brimonidine, the active ingredient in LUMIFY, selectively
constricts veins in the eye, increasing the availability of oxygen
to surrounding tissue, thereby reducing the potential risk of these
side effects.
"Patients with eye redness and irritation can experience
negative social connotations, which may impact daily life," said
Dr. Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, Director of Corneal Services at
Kentucky Eye Institute. "Having a drop that reduces redness without
the side effects of rebound hyperemia or tachyphylaxis, which may
lead to overuse and potential corneal toxicity, is a very exciting
option that I look forward to recommending to my patients."
For more information, please visit www.bausch.com.
The brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.025% product was
licensed by Eye Therapies, Inc. to Bausch + Lomb.
About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant
Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global
eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting,
enhancing and restoring people's eyesight. Its core businesses
include over-the-counter supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic
pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic
surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops,
manufactures and markets one of the most comprehensive product
portfolios in our industry, which is available in more than 100
countries.
About Valeant
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International,
Inc. (NYSE/TSX: VRX) is a multinational specialty pharmaceutical
company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of
pharmaceutical products primarily in the areas of dermatology,
gastrointestinal disorders, eye health, neurology and branded
generics. More information about Valeant can be found at
www.valeant.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release may
contain forward-looking statements which may generally be
identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "expects,"
"intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will,"
"believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and
variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon
the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject
to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company's most
recent annual or quarterly report and detailed from time to time in
Valeant's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are
incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of
the date hereof. Valeant undertakes no obligation to update any of
these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances
after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes,
unless required by law.
LUMIFY is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its
affiliates.
© 2017 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
LUM.0020.USA.17
Investor
Contact:
|
Media
Contact:
|
Arthur
Shannon
|
Lainie
Keller
|
arthur.shannon@valeant.com
|
lainie.keller@valeant.com
|
(514)
856-3855
|
(908)
927-0617
|
(877) 281-6642 (toll
free)
|
|
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SOURCE Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.; Bausch +
Lomb