Bausch + Lomb Canada Launches BEPREVE® (bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution) 1.5% w/v for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Latest Eye Health Innovation Indicated for Seasonal and Chronic Eye Allergies to "Stop the Itch"

LAVAL, QC, March 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company, today announced through its Canadian affiliate the availability in Canada of BEPREVE^® (bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution) 1.5%w/v, an innovative fast acting eye drop indicated for the treatment of itch associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eye caused by an allergic reaction to allergens such as pollen, house dust, or animal dander. Affecting as many as 30% of the population, allergic conjunctivitis is increasing in incidence.¹

"In my practice, I see many patients who suffer from allergic conjunctivitis and experience discomfort from itchy eyes," said Dr. Randall Thomas. "BEPREVE^® has been a welcome medicine that has allowed me to effectively help patients with itchy eyes due to seasonal and chronic allergies."

BEPREVE^® is the first innovative product for allergic conjunctivitis to be introduced to the Canadian market in six years. It is a dual acting antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine - a chemical that plays an important role in allergic reactions, and stabilizing mast cells - cells that contain chemicals involved in allergic reactions. In clinical trials, BEPREVE^® demonstrated a 73.4% reduction in itchy eyes in as rapidly as three minutes.²

"Bausch + Lomb Canada is proud to offer patients an innovative product that reduces the intensity of allergic reactions and associated eye itchiness, allowing them to focus on what is important in their lives," says Lorenzo Santini, general manager, Bausch + Lomb Canada. "BEPREVE^® will complement Bausch + Lomb's existing prescription ophthalmology family of products, including ALREX^®, LOTEMAX^® Gel, PROLENSA^®, and branded OTC eye vitamins, PreserVision^® and Ocuvite^®."

About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing and restoring people's eyesight. Its core businesses include over-the-counter supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures and markets one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry, which is available in more than 100 countries.

^®/™ are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
© 2017 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. 

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¹ Macejko TT , Bergmann MT, Williams JI, Gow JA, Gomes PJ, McNamara TR, Abelson MA, The Bepotastine Besilate Ophthalmic Solutions Clinical Study Group. Multicenter Clinical Evaluation of Bepotastine Besilate Ophthalmic Solutions 1.0% and 1.5% to Treat Allergic Conjunctivitis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul;150(1):  122-127.
² 1.     BEPREVE™ (bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1.5%) Product Monograph. Bausch & Lomb Canada Inc.; July 22, 2016.
2.     Meier EJ, Torkildsen GL, Gow JA, et al. Integrated phase III trials of bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1.5% for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Allergy Asthma Proc 2012;33:265–74.

SOURCE Bausch + Lomb

News Media Contacts: Elif McDonald, [email protected], 514-856-3855, 877-281-6642; Boyd Erman, Longview Communications, Inc., on behalf of Bausch + Lomb Canada, 416-649-8007 (direct), 416-523-5885 (mobile) or [email protected]