Aton Pharma, Inc.
Timoptic Brand is Highest Rated in Survey of Ophthalmologists
Lawrenceville, NJ – March 4, 2010 – Aton Pharma, Inc., a diversified specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that in an independent survey of U.S. ophthalmologists by Frost & Sullivan, Timoptic® was rated the leading brand name of beta blockers for glaucoma. Timoptic received Frost & Sullivan’s 2010 Best Practices Award as the “Best Brand Name of Beta Blockers for Glaucoma,” based on its Brand Perception Index (BPI) score, reflecting strong brand reputation, recognition and customer loyalty.
Provided by Aton Pharma, Timoptic (timolol maleate) is a non-selective, beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.
Frost & Sullivan surveyed 150 U.S. ophthalmologists using a web-based survey methodology during November 2009. In the survey, 50 percent of ophthalmologists ranked Timoptic as the #1 brand name of beta blockers – overwhelmingly above the nearest competitor. Overall, 54 percent of U.S. ophthalmologists surveyed use Timoptic as their primary beta blocker product for the treatment of glaucoma. Among those who use it, nearly all report Timoptic as one of the top three beta blockers for glaucoma.
“We are pleased that ophthalmologists recognize the Timoptic product line,” stated Michael G. Wells, Chief Executive Officer of Aton Pharma.
“Based on its positive, strong brand reputation and high percentage of loyal ophthalmologist customers, Timoptic’s Brand Perception Index (BPI) score qualified it as the ‘Best Brand Name of Beta Blockers for Glaucoma,’” commented Tonya M. Fowler, Frost & Sullivan’s Global Director of Customer Research.
Aton CEO Wells added that the company is particularly pleased to build on Timoptic’s reputation by providing Timoptic in Ocudose®, the only preservative-free medication for glaucoma available in the U.S. “With preservative-free Timoptic in Ocudose, Aton is able to enhance its mission of providing medically essential therapeutics that serve a critical role in the practice of medicine.”
A preservative-free beta blocker is an important option for many glaucoma patients, who must use medication for long periods of time. Preservatives in glaucoma medications have been noted in the medical literature to cause some patients discomfort upon installation and may have toxic effects, compromising tear film stability and causing damage to the cornea and conjunctiva. This is a particular concern for those who already have dry eye, are at increased risk for ocular surface disease or are taking more than one prescribed medication for glaucoma.1-3
In an additional survey of ophthalmologists in March 2009 sponsored by Aton Pharma, virtually all (97%) believed preservative-free glaucoma medications may enhance the ocular comfort of glaucoma patients, while 86 percent believed that preservative-free glaucoma medications may enhance patient quality of life.
About Timoptic
The U.S. Timoptic product line includes Timoptic (timolol maleate) Ophthalmic Solution, Timoptic (timolol maleate ophthalmic solution) in Ocudose® (sterile ophthalmic unit dose dispenser) and Timoptic-XE (timolol maleate ophthalmic gel forming solution) Ophthalmic. Timoptic in Ocudose is the only preservative-free medication for glaucoma available in the U.S. and aligns with Aton’s strategy of providing unique, medically essential products.
Timoptic is indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Timoptic is contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma; a history of bronchial asthma; severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; sinus bradycardia; second or third degree atrioventricular block; overt cardiac failure; cardiogenic shock; or hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Because of the potential effects of beta-adrenergic blocking agents on blood pressure and pulse, these agents should be used with caution in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency. The same adverse reactions found with systemic administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur with topical ophthalmic administration. The most frequent adverse events have been burning and stinging upon installation. For more information, see www.ocudose.com.
About Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards
Frost & Sullivan Best Practice Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Customer Research analysts conduct the survey research to identify best practices in the industry.
About Aton Pharma, Inc.
Aton Pharma, Inc., headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ, is a global, diversified specialty pharmaceutical company providing essential treatments for under-treated diseases. Aton’s mission is to improve patient outcomes and quality of life worldwide by enhancing and expanding access and availability of medically essential therapeutics. Aton’s portfolio of products, with sales in over 30 countries, focuses on ophthalmic diseases and orphan conditions. For more information, see www.atonrx.com.
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1. Baudouin C. The ocular surface in glaucoma, Cornea, Volume 28, Number 9, Suppl. 1, October 2009.
2. de Jong C, Stolwijk T, Kuppens E, et al. Topical timolol with and without benzalkonium chloride: epithelial permeability and autofluorescence of the cornea in glaucoma. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 1994;232: 221–224.
3. Jaenen N, Baudouin C, Pouliquen P, et al. Ocular symptoms and signs with preserved and preservative-free glaucoma medications. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2007;17:341–349.