Alcon eye drop receives approval

Alcon has said the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has approved its fixed combination eye drop, Azarga.

The ophthalmic suspension is used for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure, associated with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in adult patients.

Clinical studies showed the product is more comfortable and better tolerated in patients, in comparison to Cosopt, with 79 per cent of the glaucoma patients choosing Azarga as a result.

Sabri Markabi, senior vice-president of research and development and chief medical officer at Alcon, said: “This new product is a direct result of our commitment to offering more treatment options to patients affected by glaucoma.”

“It is important to have an effective treatment that is both comfortable and convenient for patients.”

Alcon says it hopes Azarga ophthalmic suspension will be available in Europe from early 2009.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve.

The onset of the condition occurs with no symptoms, however if untreated, a gradual loss of peripheral vision may occur.

Founded in 1945, Alcon employees 15,000 people around the world and has products in more than 180 countries.

Nestle currently own 75 per cent of the company.