Alcon, Inc.
New Product Targets Inflammatory Eye Conditions Such as Blepharitis
HUENENBERG, Switzerland, Sep 22, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Alcon
(NYSE: ACL),
the world's leading eye care company, announced the launch of its new
combination anti-inflammatory/anti-infective product, TobraDex(R)
ST suspension in the United States. TobraDex(R) ST
(tobramycin/dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) 0.3/0.05% is indicated
for steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions for which a
corticosteroid is indicated and where bacterial infection or risk for
infection exists.
TobraDex(R) ST suspension was formulated to enhance
bioavailability to targeted tissues. This makes TobraDex(R) ST
a good treatment choice for conditions such as acute blepharitis and
other inflammatory conditions where an infection may also exist.
"This product was specifically designed to increase retention time on
the eye, allowing the drug to calm inflammation and fight bacteria
effectively," said Stuart Raetzman, vice president, Global Marketing and
area president for the United States. "Clinical studies indicated that
10 minutes after dosing, concentrations of TobraDex(R) ST
remained on the ocular surface at levels high enough to kill 99.9% of
ocular bacteria."
TobraDex(R) ST suspension is designed with stable suspension
properties that prevent settling, thereby ensuring the desired amount of
dexamethasone delivery. In addition, TobraDex(R) ST is
formulated with low viscosity in the bottle allowing for easier
dispensing. These two factors contribute to making this an ideal
treatment for eye conditions where both infection and inflammation
exist, like acute blepharitis or bacterial conjunctivitis.
"This product's superior staying power offers an advantage for patients
to receive a treatment that provides fast and effective relief from
uncomfortable symptoms of inflammatory ocular conditions, such as acute
blepharitis," said Stephen Lane, M.D., clinical professor at the
University of Minnesota. "This represents an excellent clinical option
when treating blepharitis that is quite common."
About TobraDex(R) STSuspension
TobraDex(R) ST suspension is a topical antibiotic and
corticosteroid combination for steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular
conditions where superficial bacterial ocular infection or a risk of
infection exists. The most common side effects experienced with the use
of TobraDex(R) ST include: eye pain, eyelid itching, eyelid
swelling, eye redness and possible increases in pressure in the eye
leading to glaucoma.
About Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common disorder that occurs in two forms - anterior and
posterior. Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids and
may be associated with a low-grade bacterial infection or a generalized
skin condition. Common symptoms can include irritation, burning,
tearing, foreign
body sensation, crusty debris (in the lashes, in the corner of the
eyes or on the lids), dryness and red eyelid margins.
About Alcon
Alcon, Inc. is the world's leading eye care company, with sales of
approximately $6.5 billion in 2009. Alcon, which has been dedicated to
the ophthalmic industry for more than 65 years, researches, develops,
manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and
devices, contacts lens solutions and other vision care products that
treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon
operates in 75 countries and sells products in 180 markets. For more
information on Alcon, Inc., visit the Company's web site at www.alcon.com.
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