Pharmacy

San Diego-Immusol has begun a phase II clinical trial for its VitrenASE, a potential treatment for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) that could reduce the incidence of repeat retinal detachment after surgical repair.

Vancouver, Canada-QLT and Novartis are running a new phase IIIB trial of verteporfin (Visudyne) to determine whether better outcomes occur if CNV leakage is treated with a more aggressive treatment regimen in the first 6 months.

Philadelphia-The performance of glaucoma medications in phase III FDA trials may not reflect their performance in a real-world clinical setting, according to researchers at Wills Eye Hospital.

Santa Ana, CA-"A new coMpany is bOrn" announced the print advertisement that appeared recently in the ophthalmic journals. The rays of a rising sun burst forth over an optic planet, symbolic of the dawning of a new company with "the future of sight."

Newton Square, PA-Consumers now have an interactive tool to help them determine if LASIK is right for them. The new "Am I a Candidate for LASIK?" feature can be found on www.AllAboutVision.com, an eye health Web site.

Durham, NC-Inspire Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s treatment for dry eye has yielded positive results from the completed phase III clinical trials.

New York-Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Inc. has completed enrollment in two phase III trials of Macugen, its treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and has received $54.2 million from investors for further development of the drug.

Philadelphia-In an uncertain economic climate, the ophthalmic market can take stock in knowing it is alive and well, according to Kenneth P. Taylor, an independent industry consultant.

The introduction of ocular aberrometers is providing vision and ophthalmology researchers with a new understanding about parameters affecting quality of vision.

Fairfield, CT-Pharmaceutical sales in the United States rose 16% during the year that ended May 31, the highest increase of all countries, according to IMS Health Inc.

New York-Pfizer's acquisition of Pharmacia Corp. in a stock-for-stock agreement poises both companies for growth and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry.

Philadelphia-Conductive keratoplasty (CK), a collagen shrinking procedure, has produced good visual results for patients treated for hyperopia and presbyopia, according to researchers at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Philadelphia-Patients with high myopia and high hyperopia seemed to have a good response to the implantation of the Phakic Refractive Lens (PRL, Medennium Inc.), according to Kenneth J. Hoffer, MD, who reported on the phase III trial for myopia and the phase II trial for hyperopia during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting here.

Santa Ana, CA-A brand new company (albeit with a long history) with a brand new headquarters and a brand new management team and board of directors. It's the stuff of which success is made.

New York-The official definition of glaucoma has changed over the years to downplay the role of IOP, although IOP does remain a central issue in the treatment and prevention of the condition. Such was the conclusion drawn from discussions at the Glaucoma 2002 meeting here.

Fort Lauderdale, FL-Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is a promising treatment of neovascularization brought on by various ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to Lawrence J. Singerman, MD.

As of July 1, a new marketing code adopted by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) takes effect. The code would put an end to gifts and dinners for doctors and their staffs, and even cash giveaways, in addition to all forms of recompense that have nothing to do with patient education.

FDA approves Refractec's CK nonlaser procedure for farsightedness

Peapack, NJ-For Pharmacia Ophthalmology, these can be considered exciting times.

Ocular allergies are a major source of discomfort and annoyance. Allergic symptoms often interfere with such common activities as reading, sports, or working on a computer. Greater public awareness of allergic conditions and less tolerance of their signs and symptoms are driving the need for better diagnosis and treatment.

Hamilton, Ontario-The results of a phase I clinical trial demonstrate the safety and potential efficacy of scleral expansion band (Presby Corp., Dallas, TX) surgery for reducing elevated IOP, according to Aaron W. Rifkind, MD.

Memphis, TN-Travoprost 0.004% ophthalmic solution (Travatan, Alcon) is an effective IOP-lowering medication in patients of all racial origins. However, travoprost reduces IOP more in black patients compared with non-black patients, and its efficacy in blacks exceeds that associated with both timolol (Timoptic, Merck) and latanoprost (Xalatan, Pharmacia), said Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD.

New Orleans - Based on 5 years of follow-up, medication and filtering surgery both appear to be effective and safe for initiating treatment in eyes with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma

All lots of Weider's eye drops, in1-ounce bottles, are being voluntarilyrecalled by Aloe Flex Enterprises for possible bacterial contamination linked to loss of vision.

STAAR Surgical Co. announced the FDA has given conditional approval for aninvestigational device exemption for the toric implantable contact lens (ICL).

The FDA has authorized Akorn Inc. to market Paramyd, a topical mydriatic/cycloplegic combination product in eye drop form.The drops work quickly to provide short-lasting pupil dilation.

Phakic, aphakic IOLs, bioptics, wavefront-guided correction are all undercurrent study

Irvine, CA-When David E.I. Pyott became president and CEO of Allergan Inc. in January 1998, the company was evaluating its position in the eye-care market.

Recognizing the slow process by which the FDA alerts companies to recallprescription drugs and other products, the agency is working to streamlineits procedures.

The FDA has approved phase I clinicaltrials on Medical Developmental Research Inc.'s Hydroflex II Advanced SeriesHydrophilic Acrylic IOL.