NEWS spectrum

AMO Launches Solution

Early last month, Advanced Medical Optics began shipping its Complete MPS Easy Rub Formula, a new Complete product using an existing formulation containing Poloxamer 237, which became available to U.S. and European practitioners and patients in late August. This marks the company's re-entry into the multipurpose market following the May recall of Complete MoisturePlus. AMO had originally expected that the product wouldn't be available until later this month.

"The proprietary formula we are re-launching has all the necessary regulatory approvals and has been sold globally for a number of years. The product has earned an excellent safety record and provides effective disinfection capability and comfort," said Randy Meier, CFO, COO and head of the eye care business in an Aug. 2 live Web cast. "We will actively promote the product with a rub and rinse lens cleaning regimen, as well as consumer education to achieve patient compliance, an approach that has been endorsed by virtually every major optometric and ophthalmic professional organization."

CMP Still in Use?

In related news, on Aug. 1 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that many consumers may not be aware of the May 2007 recall of AMO's Complete MoisturePlus solution and have continued to use the recalled product. Several cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that involve the use of the solution.

B&L Closer to Merging

■ Bausch & Lomb shareholders are set to meet Sept. 21 to vote on the proposed merger of B&L with Warburg Pincus. B&L's Board of Directors, acting upon the recommendation of an independent Special Committee, unanimously approved the agreement and advised that all shareholders approve the merger agreement. If approved by shareholders this month, affiliates of Warburg Pincus will acquire all outstanding shares of B&L common stock for $65 per share in cash. B&L filed definitive proxy materials in connection with its pending merger agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in August.

The Board's decision came after what became a somewhat heated exchange between B&L and Advanced Medical Optics, who had entered into a go-shop process to purchase B&L for $4.2 billion, or $75 per share.

B&L asked AMO to revise its bid in late July. AMO responded that it was still interested in the merger and believed it had made the superior offer. A few days later, AMO received a letter from B&L requesting, among other assurances of a positive outcome to the deal, evidence that AMO shareholders were in favor of the merger. AMO responded that the time frame to gather the requested information was too short and requested weeks instead of days to respond to the request. B&L refused to give AMO more time, and AMO withdrew its bid.

Survey Shows Patients Unaware of Lens Options

Many patients are unaware of new lens options and how to correctly care for their contact lenses, according to a recent survey by the Contact Lens Council.

The "Eye on Innovations" survey of 500 patients and 298 practitioners revealed that 83 percent of respondents said they would like to try contact lenses if the technology met their needs. However, the majority were unaware of the new technology that would meet those needs including silicone hydrogel lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism and UV protection.

The study also highlighted different perceptions about comfort between patient and practitioner. While only 27 percent of practitioners think comfort is the main reason for the purchase of contact lenses, wearers who responded to the survey cite comfort as the most important reason.

The recent lens care solution recalls have prompted a lot of coverage in the consumer press about proper lens care, but the May survey revealed that current contact lens wearers are still unaware of proper cleaning and care techniques for their lenses. More than 44 percent of contact lens wearers surveyed always or occasionally top-off their contact lens solution and less than half (46 percent) of the respondents clean their lens case after each use, despite the fact that the majority of practitioners (71 percent) recommend patients clean their case after each use. Nearly half (49 percent) of the respondents also reported wearing their lenses longer than recommended.

B&L Facility Passes Inspection

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration completed an inspection of Bausch & Lomb's Greenville, S.C., solutions manufacturing and distribution plant, confirming that both facilities are in acceptable compliance.

The assessment of the facility was a follow up to the agency's inspection conducted from March 22 through May 15, 2006, following the global recall of ReNu with MoistureLoc manufactured at the facility. At that time, the FDA issued a Form 483 report containing a series of observations. B&L responded with a comprehensive plan of corrective actions on June 30, 2006. In October 2006, the FDA issued a Warning Letter summarizing the agency's assessment of the corrective actions completed as of June 30 and documenting those corrective actions still in process at the time.

Earlier this year, B&L conducted a voluntary recall of 12 lots of ReNu MultiPlus manufactured at the Greenville plant in early 2006.

At the conclusion of the most recent inspection on June 29, 2007, the agency communicated to the company that all corrective actions had been completed appropriately and no objectionable observations were made.