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Drug Approvals

The FDA has approved two drugs from Allergan.

Ozurdex (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) 0.7 mg has been approved for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment. Ozurdex is a biodegradable implant that delivers an extended release of the corticosteroid via intravitreal injection with Allergan’s proprietary Novadur solid polymer delivery system.

Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.01 percent has been approved as a first-line therapy indicated for the reduction of elevated IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Lumigan 0.01 percent is an optimized reformulation of Lumigan 0.03 percent.

The solution is a once-daily prescription eyedrop that is intended to provide effective and sustained IOP lowering. According to the company, in a three-month study of patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension with an average baseline of 23.5 mmHg, Lumigan 0.01 percent lowered IOP up to 7 mmHg from baseline, with only one-third the drug exposure of Lumigan 0.03 percent. The most common side effects of Lumigan 0.01 percent are hyperemia, eyelash growth and ocular pruritis.

Allergan
800-347-4500 or
714-246-4500
www.allergan.com

Vitreoretinal Surgery System

Volk Optical has announced the release of its Merlin Surgical System.

The Merlin system is intended for precise control of non-contact lens position and focus for clear views during vitreoretinal surgery. It mounts beneath the optical pathway of any surgical microscope for accurate positioning and fine focus control, then rotates out of the surgical field when not in use.

Volk Optical
800-345-8655 or
440-942-6161
www.volk.com