BHC Bausch Health Companies Inc

• ^PrVYZULTA^® Added Under Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Plans

LAVAL, QC, Sept. 24, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Bausch + Lomb., a leading global eye health business of Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE: BHC) (TSX: BHC), announced that ^PrVYZULTA^® (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution, 0.024% w/w), which is indicated for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertensionⁱ, now has expanded public drug program reimbursement in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and as part of the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). 

These provinces join Ontario, which made VYZULTA available to patients in December 2019.ⁱⁱ

Affecting over 400,000 Canadians, glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve and the leading cause of blindness in North America.ⁱⁱⁱ

"We are pleased that a growing number of provinces and the federal government recognize the impact of glaucoma on patients and the health care system and are increasing access to VYZULTA, a new option that can help patients manage this potentially life-altering condition and possibly preserve eyesight," said Richard Lajoie, President and General Manager of Bausch Health, Canada. "Bausch + Lomb is very proud of the part we play in helping Canadians live better by enabling them to see better with our products."

VYZULTA has a dual mechanism of action for lowering intraocular pressure by increasing outflow of aqueous humor through both uveoscleral and trabecular meshwork routes.ⁱ VYZULTA  is to be administered once daily.

"VYZULTA is the first molecule introduced into Canada in approximately 20 years with a unique mode of action for reducing eye pressure, and is an important advancement in the medical management of glaucoma because it offers a novel therapeutic option for our patients," said Dr. David Yan, Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, Sinai Health System. 

For Canadians, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness.^iv Glaucoma is defined as a group of eye diseases that slowly and progressively affect the optic nerve,^v which can lead to irreversible vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease and is associated with elevated pressure caused by a backup of fluid in the eye.^vi

"The governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the federal government, through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program are showing their commitment to advancing the standard of care for glaucoma patients by making Vyzulta available to patients on public formularies," said Doug Earle, President & CEO, Fighting Blindness Canada. "On behalf of the constituents of Fighting Blindness Canada, I am heartened to see that people in these provinces and jurisdictions living with open-angle glaucoma now have access to another treatment option that they can discuss with their optometrist or ophthalmologist."

VYZULTA received its Notice of Compliance (NOC) from Health Canada on Dec. 27, 2018 and is currently covered by most private insurance plans in Canada.

About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health business of Bausch Health Companies Inc., is solely focused on helping people see better to live better. Its core businesses include over-the-counter products, dietary 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 the industry, which is available in approximately 100 countries. For more information, visit www.bausch.ca.

About Bausch Health 
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global company whose mission is to improve people's lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of pharmaceutical, medical device and over-the-counter products, primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology and dermatology. We are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health.

In Canada, our areas of focus include eye health, dermatology and cardio metabolic. More information can be found at www.bauschhealth.ca. 

SOURCE Bausch + Lomb Canada