Newsroom
Bausch & Lomb
Acquires Soothe® Emollient (Lubricant) Eye Drops
from Alimera Sciences - Expands Product Line
FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2007
ROCHESTER, N.Y. and ATLANTA — Bausch & Lomb (NYSE: BOL) today announced
its acquisition of Soothe emollient (lubricant) eye drops from Alimera
Sciences, a privately-held ophthalmic pharmaceutical company. Financial terms
were not disclosed.
Bausch & Lomb will expand upon the Soothe brand’s success,
establishing a broader line of professionally-recommended, over-the-counter
products to relieve dry eye symptoms. The company will initially focus on two
technologies, each designed to target a different layer of the tear film.
Introduced in 2004, Soothe — now renamed Soothe XP — was
the first over-the-counter multi-dose, emollient-based (lubricating) artificial
tear product, offering relief to an estimated 12 million Americans who suffer
from dry eye. The Soothe XP formulation is unique in that it
re-establishes the eye’s protective lipid layer, reducing tear evaporation and
sealing in essential moisture, providing up to eight hours of relief from dry
eye discomfort. This advanced formula is a meta-stable oil-in-water emulsion —
a combination of oils (Restoryl® mixture) and a key interfacial
molecule — developed after years of research into replicating the lipid layer
of the tear film.
Bausch & Lomb has also begun shipping a new over-the-counter formulation,
Soothe Lubricant Eye Drops Long Lasting Relief Preservative Free. In an
innovative approach to relieving dry eye, this formulation uses a novel
hydrophilic polymer to interact with the eye’s mucin layer. The polymer-mucin
interaction stabilizes and rebuilds the tear film by forming a scaffolding
system, allowing water and the product’s demulcent active ingredients to be
retained on the cornea.
For a recommendation regarding which Soothe product best meets their
individual dry eye needs, consumers should consult their eye care
professionals.
This transaction follows Bausch & Lomb’s December 2006 purchase of
Alimera’s OTC allergy franchise, including Alaway™ (ketotifen fumarate
ophthalmic solution) antihistamine eye drops indicated for up to 12 hours of
relief for itchy eyes due to ragweed, pollen, grass, animal hair and
dander.
“We are pleased that Bausch & Lomb is committed to advancing the growth of
the Soothe line, which has been an excellent addition to the market and
a good performer for us,” said Dan Myers, president and chief executive of
Alimera. “This sale strengthens our cash position, enabling stronger investment
and focus behind our strategy of improving the delivery of ocular
therapeutics.”
“Our pharmaceutical business continues to grow, due in part to the expansion of
our OTC product lines,” said Gary Phillips, M.D., corporate vice president and
global pharmaceutical category leader for Bausch & Lomb. “The Soothe
brand acquisition further strengthens our portfolio, and provides a first-rate
platform for further line extensions in this fast-growing segment of the
ophthalmic industry.”
Soothe products will be widely available at retail stores across the
United States, with the potential for future international distribution.
Packaging will be changed to reflect Bausch & Lomb branding on a stock
turnover basis, beginning immediately.
Alimera’s complete divestiture of its over-the-counter portfolio marks the
company’s increased focus on improving the delivery of therapeutic agents to
enhance patients’ and physicians’ ability to manage ocular conditions — in
particular, fluocinolone acetonide (FA) in the Medidur™ delivery technology, an
investigational product for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).
Alimera Sciences and pSivida Limited (NASDAQ:PSDV, ASX:PSD, Xetra:PSI) have a
worldwide agreement to co-develop and market FA in Medidur to treat DME.
In April, Alimera and pSivida announced that Phase 3 global clinical trial
enrollment for Medidur had exceeded 500 patients.
# # #
About Alimera Sciences, Inc.
Alimera Sciences Inc., a venture backed
company, specializes in the development and commercialization of
over-the-counter and prescription ophthalmology pharmaceuticals. Founded by an
executive team with extensive development and revenue growth expertise, Alimera
Sciences’ products are focused on improving the delivery of therapeutic agents
to enhance patient’s lives and to strengthen physicians’ ability to manage
ocular conditions. For more information, please visit
www.alimerasciences.com.
About Bausch & Lomb
Bausch & Lomb is the eye health
company, dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers around
the world. Its core businesses include soft and rigid gas permeable contact
lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical and pharmaceutical
products. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best known and most
respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the company is
headquartered in Rochester, N.Y. Bausch & Lomb’s 2006 revenues were more
than $2.2 billion; it employs more than 13,000 people worldwide and its
products are available in more than 100 countries. More information can be
found at www.bausch.com.
Soothe, Restoryl and Alaway are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
