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| |  Alocril (Nedocromil) Drops Available In US For Itchy Eyes Due To Allergies IRVINE, CA -- March 1, 2000 -- The availability of Alocril(TM) (nedocromil sodium ophthalmic solution) 2%, an effective topical allergy treatment for itch associated with allergic conjunctivitis, was announced by Allergan, Inc. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Alocril in December 1999. Allergic conjunctivitis sufferers outside of the United States have reaped the benefits from nedocromil sodium 2% for a number of years where it is one of the leading ocular allergy medicines. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), approximately 22 million Americans experience seasonal eye allergies, the majority of which are allergic conjunctivitis sufferers. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include extremely itchy eyes, swelling of the eyelid and the conjunctiva, the clear membrane of the eye. The condition is caused by airborne allergens such as ragweed, pollen and cat dander. These allergens trigger specialized cells, called "mast cells," which provide an important line of defense by releasing "mediators" that help isolate and eliminate the effects of foreign agents. Alocril ophthalmic solution provides protection throughout the period of exposure even in the absence of symptoms, and has been shown to inhibit mediator release from a variety of inflammatory cell types associated with allergic conjunctivitis such as eosinophils, macrophages and neutrophils. "As the world leader in eye care research and development, we are excited to introduce this safe, effective treatment option that provides patients with relief within minutes of itch associated with allergic conjunctivitis whenever allergies strike," said David E.I. Pyott, president and CEO of Allergan, Inc. "The recent approval, and now the availability of Alocril, represents an advance for patients who suffer from this often troublesome condition." In contrast to other available treatments, Alocril ophthalmic solution is effective throughout the period of exposure, even in the absence of symptoms, generally providing relief within 15 minutes. Alocril is administered in a sterile, topical solution containing 2% nedocromil sodium. Convenient twice-a-day dosing for adults and children three years and above is recommended. "Alocril directly answers the needs of allergic conjunctivitis sufferers by giving them a fast-acting twice-a-day allergy medication that offers patients a highly effective treatment alternative for ocular itch," said Dr. Joseph Tauber, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Kansas University and Corneal and External Disease Specialist at Hunkeler Eye Center. In an environmental study (N = 79), 37 percent of the subjects participating reported experiencing relief from symptoms within two minutes of applying nedocromil sodium ophthalmic solution 2% topically; fully 77 percent achieved control over their symptoms within 15 minutes. Patients should be advised to follow the patient instructions listed on the Information for Patients sheet. The most frequently reported adverse experience was headache in approximately 40 percent of patients. Additional adverse events reported to occur in 10 to 30 percent of patients include ocular burning, irritation, stinging, unpleasant taste, and nasal congestion. Some of these events were similar to the underlying disease being studied. Allergan, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, California, is a technology driven global healthcare company providing eye care and specialty pharmaceutical products worldwide. Allergan develops and commercializes products in the eye care pharmaceutical company, ophthalmic surgical device, over-the-counter contact lens care, movement disorder, and dermatological markets that deliver value to our customers, satisfy unmet medical needs and improve patients' lives. Related Link: Allergan, Inc.
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