Allergan Expands Dry Eye Portfolio With Launch Of REFRESH OPTIVE® Gel Drops
In a Clinical Study, Patients Report Significant Reduction in Dry Eye Symptoms in Just 30 Days of Usage
In a Clinical Study, Patients Report Significant Reduction in Dry Eye Symptoms in Just 30 Days of Usage
DUBLIN, Oct. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Allergan plc, (NYSE: AGN), a leading global pharmaceutical company, today announced the launch of the over-the-counter artificial tear REFRESH OPTIVE® Gel Drops, a new aqueous gel expertly designed for patients who need or desire a more viscous artificial tear option to relieve their Dry Eye symptoms. From REFRESH®, the creators of the number one doctor recommended brand of artificial tears1, new REFRESH OPTIVE® Gel Drops are formulated with Glycerin and a unique blend of the active ingredient CMC which binds to the eye surface to provide long-lasting relief from Dry Eye discomfort.
"With REFRESH OPTIVE® Gel Drops, eye care providers now have an even more comprehensive line of artificial tear types to offer to their patients with individual needs," said Joseph Vehige, O.D., Vice President of Consumer Eye Care Research & Development, Allergan. "Leveraging the latest technology from OPTIVE®, the new multi-dose Gel Drops help Dry Eye patients find comfort any time, day or night.2"
An estimated 25 million people in the United States suffer from Dry Eye symptoms, including irritation, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, burning, stinging, dryness and excessive tearing.3 In a multicenter, double-masked, randomized study, Dry Eye patients (n=94) using REFRESH OPTIVE® Gel Drops showed a statistically significant reduction in symptoms at day 30.2 The innovative Gel Drops formula delivers a shear-thinning effect that spreads quickly and evenly over the eye surface to relieve Dry Eye symptoms while creating a soothing shield to protect the eye surface from hypertonic stress.
"Dry Eye is a reduction in your eyes' ability to produce or maintain sufficient quantity and quality of natural tears. Tears are important to the overall health of our eyes and our vision. My patients suffering from Dry Eye symptoms often ask me for a more hydrating artificial tear that will give them longer-lasting relief and comfort," said Milton M. Hom, OD, FAAO. "I like REFRESH OPTIVE® Gel Drops because of its advanced aqueous gel formulation that helps the ocular surface maintain its moisture level. REFRESH OPTIVE® products are effective in reducing Dry Eye symptoms and convenient to use with no shaking required—just drop and go."
As the latest addition to REFRESH OPTIVE® product line, REFRESH OPTIVE® Gel Drops are a part of Allergan's charitable program REFRESH AMERICA to supply America's heroic first responders with free eye drops. For every purchase of a package in the REFRESH OPTIVE® product line between 8/1/15-7/31/16, Allergan guarantees a minimum product donation with an approximate retail value of $250,000.4 REFRESH OPTIVE® Gel Drops is available in 10 mL multi-dose bottles and can be found nationwide at various retail locations where over-the-counter eye drops are sold.
Learn more about REFRESH OPTIVE® Gel Drops at www.refreshbrand.com and REFRESH AMERICA at www.helprefreshamerica.com.
About Allergan
Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a unique, global pharmaceutical company and a leader in a new industry model – Growth Pharma. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative branded pharmaceuticals, high-quality generic and over-the-counter medicines, and biologic products for patients around the world.
Allergan markets a portfolio of best-in-class products that provide valuable treatments for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics, gastroenterology, women's health, urology, cardiovascular and anti-infective therapeutic categories, and operates the world's third-largest global generics business, providing patients around the globe with increased access to affordable, high-quality medicines. Allergan is an industry leader in research and development, with one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry and a leading position in the submission of generic product applications globally.
With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives.
For more information, visit Allergan's website at www.Allergan.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
Statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Allergan's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from Allergan's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Allergan's business. These factors include, among others, the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of FDA approvals or actions, if any; the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and continued demand for Allergan's products; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Allergan's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Allergan's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 (such periodic public filings having been filed under the "Actavis plc" name). Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. APC66RI15
1 Encuity's Treatment Answers, based on frequency of Dry Eye product recommendations. Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013.
2 Data on file, Allergan, Inc. CSR 11193X-001.
3 Market Scope. 2011 Comprehensive Report on The Global Dry Eye Products Market. St. Louis, MO: Market Scope, November 2011.
4 For each purchase of specially-marked REFRESH® products in the U.S. between 8/1/15 and 7/31/16, Allergan will allocate 25 cents toward an in-kind donation of REFRESH® products to select U.S. first responder groups nationwide. Minimum donation valued at $250,000.
CONTACTS:
Investors:
Lisa DeFrancesco
(862) 261-7152
Media:
Mark Marmur
(862) 261-7558
Jessica Chao
(714) 246-3525
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SOURCE Allergan plc
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