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| |  Betimol (Timolol Ophthalmic Solution), For Open-Angle Glaucoma, Now Available In US OSAKA, JAPAN -- January 11, 2001 -- Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce today it has begun U.S. marketing and sales of Betimol® (timolol ophthalmic solution) 0.25% and 0.5%, a topical beta blocker indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. The marketing and sales rights, which had been licensed to CIBA Vision (now Novartis Ophthalmics) by Santen Oy, reverted to Santen as of January 1, 2001. The company will market Betimol through its U.S. subsidiary Santen Incorporated (Napa, California). Betimol is the only branded formulation of timolol hemihydrate, a topically applied ophthalmic beta blocker (non-selective beta adrenergic antagonist). Beta blockers have been the standard of care for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma for over two decades, and act by decreasing the production of aqueous humor and thereby lowering elevated intraocular pressure. Betimol's efficacy and safety have been shown to be equivalent to the leading product in the beta blocker category. While generic versions of all other ophthalmic timolol products exist, Betimol is the subject of a unique patent with no generic form expected until patent expiration in 2010. It is the most cost-effective branded beta blocker when once-daily dosing is achieved and is priced at lower levels than some generics. Betimol currently accounts for five to six percent of the ophthalmic beta blocker market share. Santen Inc.'s U.S. sales force has begun direct promotion of Betimol to the U.S. eye care market, along with its other products ALAMAST(TM) and QUIXIN(TM). A new logo and package design for Betimol reflecting the Santen Inc. company identity have been introduced. A professional advertising campaign will debut on January 15, and professional education activities will be launched at the upcoming American Glaucoma Society meeting in March. Betimol is available in concentrations of 0.25% and 0.5%, and in 5 mL, 10 mL and 15 mL packages. The usual starting dose is twice-daily dosing; if the IOP is maintained at satisfactory levels, the dosing may be changed to once-daily.
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