Alcon, Inc.
HUENENBERG, Switzerland, Oct 11, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Alcon, Inc. (NYSE: ACL),
the world's leader in eye
care, announced the launch of Systane(R) BALANCE Lubricant
Eye Drops, the newest lubricant eye drop in the Systane(R)
family of products. Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) are
unable to adequately prevent the evaporation of tears, resulting in dry
eye symptoms. Systane(R) BALANCE is a scientifically engineered
product that contains HP Guar, borate, sorbitol, propylene glycol and
Alcon's exclusive LipiTech(TM) System, a unique emulsion technology of
mineral oil and an anionic phospholipid. Systane(R) BALANCE is
designed to restore the lipid layer and the natural tear film to allow
for relief of dry eye symptoms.
"We are dedicated to applying scientific rigor to discover treatments
for chronic conditions such as dry eye. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is a
significant cause of dry eye symptoms and now patients who suffer from
dry eye associated with MGD can use Systane(R) BALANCE to
restore their lipid layer, re-establish their natural tear film and
maintain their tear film stability," said Sabri Markabi, M.D., Alcon's
chief medical officer and senior vice president of Research and
Development.
MGD is the most common cause of evaporative dry eye with an estimated 50
percent of dry eye patients experiencing MGD. Physicians observed an
association between the use of Systane(R) BALANCE and better
tear film stabilization as well as an improvement in the thickening of
the lipid layer, which are desirable characteristics in treating dry
eye. Unlike some other drops where blurring may be a concern, patients
reported minimal blur after instilling drops of Systane(R)
BALANCE.
Systane(R) BALANCE is widely available without prescription at
major retailers in the United States and will become available in Latin
America later this year.
About Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition caused by changes in the quantity or
quality of tears, causing eyes to feel dry and irritated. Tears are
composed of three main layers that work together to keep eyes
comfortable and protected. If anything affects the balance of these
elements, tears will dissipate too quickly, causing uncomfortable dry
spots. Dry Eye Syndrome, which affects both women and men, often goes
undiagnosed and if left untreated, can lead to long-term complications.
There is no cure for Dry Eye Syndrome, but there are many treatment
options available to help relieve symptoms.
About Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is when meibomian glands in eye lids
do not secrete adequate amounts of lipid
(oils) to seal the aqueous
tears and prevent evaporation, causing tear film instability.
About SYSTANE(R) Family of Products
Systane(R) Lubricant Eye Drops have been clinically proven to
reduce the symptoms of dry eye, providing immediate, long-lasting
protection and comfort. The Systane(R) brand is the number one
selling dry eye franchise in artificial tear solutions and its proven
performance has led to a #1 doctor recommended brand. Systane(R)
BALANCE Lubricant Eye Drops is indicated for the temporary relief of
burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye. Other products in the
Systane(R) family include Systane(R) Preservative-Free
formula, Systane(R) ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops, Systane(R)
ULTRA Preservative-Free formula, Systane(R) Nighttime Ointment
and Systane(R) Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops. While Systane(R)
ULTRA is designed for dry eye with aqueous deficient patients, Systane(R)
BALANCE Lubricant Eye Drops is designed specifically for dry eye
patients associated with MGD. For more information, visit www.systane.com.
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 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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forward-looking statements reflect the views of our management as of the
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