Bausch & Lomb expresses commitment to eye health products

Bausch & Lomb is committed to developing innovative eye health products to enhance patients’ lives, it has declared.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Besivance (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) 0.6 per cent for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Last December the regulatory body’s advisory committee voted unanimously to recommend the topical ophthalmic antibacterial, which is the first fluoroquinolone developed for this problem.

Designed to be administered through a sterile drop, it offers broad-spectrum antibacterial activity – including activity against the strains that are the most common causes of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Corporate vice-president and global president of pharmaceuticals at Bausch & Lomb Dr Flemming Ornskov said he is pleased to be able to offer the medical community a new treatment option for this common condition.

“[The] FDA approval of Besivance provides patients with an advanced therapy that can eradicate bacterial conjunctivitis at its source both safely and effectively,” he commented.

It is expected the product will be available in pharmacies by the second quarter of 2009.

Earlier this month, the company launched two websites to inform customers about its surgical instruments for eye care and health.