MADISON, NJ — Bausch + Lomb, the leading global eye health company, today announced the introduction of a new PreserVision® AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamin and mineral supplement, the first and only commercially-available supplement in the United States that exactly matches the updated formula based on the latest clinical evidence from the National Eye Institute (NEI) Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2). This patented formula will be introduced at the 2013 American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) Annual Meeting (Toronto, Canada, August 24-28).
The daily dose (two soft gels) of new PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula provides the exact same levels of all six clinically proven nutrients as the NEI supported formula: vitamin C (500mg), vitamin E (400 IU), lutein (10mg)/zeaxanthin (2mg), zinc (80mg zinc oxide), and copper (2mg cupric oxide). The combination of these nutrients at the specific levels recommend by the NEI is only available from Bausch + Lomb.
“When recommending an AREDS supplement, doctors want to be sure that they are selecting a formula that is appropriate for their patient and supported by the latest scientific evidence,” said Michael J. Cooney, M.D., MBA, retina specialist at the Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York. “Having this new formula, which exactly matches the most recent recommendation from the NEI, simplifies that decision.”
Bausch + Lomb originally introduced a PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula that included lutein, zeaxanthin and 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids in 2010, reflecting existing evidence of potential benefit for these nutrients that also formed the rationale for the AREDS 2 protocol. When the AREDS 2 findings were published, Bausch + Lomb confirmed its intention to reformulatePreserVision AREDS 2 to match the updated recommendation as quickly as possible. The reformulated product began shipping to wholesalers in the United States in late July, less than three months from the release of the AREDS 2 data.
“As the leader in ocular nutrition, Bausch + Lomb is committed to providing the most current, science-based eye vitamin formulations," said Calvin Roberts, M.D., chief medical officer, Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Bausch + Lomb. "We are proud to be able to offer this updated AREDS 2 formulation that exactly matches the NEI supported formula so soon after the study results were announced."
New PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamin and mineral supplement will soon be available at food, drug and mass retailers throughout the United States. Patients should consult an eye care professional before using any AREDS or AREDS 2 supplement.
For more information on PreserVision eye vitamins, please visit www.bausch.com.
For information about the AREDS and AREDS2, please visit www.nei.nih.gov/amd/.
About PreserVision
PreserVision®, developed by Bausch + Lomb, is the leading doctor-recommended eye vitamin brand. PreserVision Eye Vitamins are available in four different formulas, including the new PreserVision AREDS 2 formula eye vitamin and mineral supplement,PreserVision AREDS tablets, PreserVision AREDS soft gels, and PreserVision AREDS Lutein soft gels (replaces the beta-carotene with lutein in the AREDS formula).
About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals Inc., is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing, and restoring people’s eyesight. Our core businesses include ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. We globally develop, manufacture and market one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry, which are available in more than 100 countries.
®/™ are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
©Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
# # #
News Media Contacts:
Jane Mazur
Bausch + Lomb
(585) 338-5636, (585) 355-5978 or jane.mazur@bausch.com
Tad Heitmann
BioComm Network on behalf of Bausch + Lomb
(714) 273-2937 or theitmann@BioCommNetwork.com
United States
