Bausch & Lomb to introduce CROLOM™ cromolyn sodium sterile ophthalmic solution 4%

Business Wire, Feb 15, 1995

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 1995--Bausch & Lomb (NYSE:BOL) announced today that its U.S. Pharmaceutical business has received clearance to begin marketing CROLOM(TM) cromolyn sodium sterile ophthalmic solution 4%. CROLOM(TM), indicated for the relief of itching, redness and tearing associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, a seasonal allergic eye condition, will compete in the $50 million ophthalmic allergy market.

The Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceutical business also announced that it has signed a co-promotion agreement with Dura Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ NNM:DURA) of San Diego to promote CROLOM(TM). Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals will focus on promotion to ophthalmologists and optometrists, while Dura Pharmaceuticals' sales force will target allergists, pediatricians, and family practitioners.

Since November of 1993, Bausch & Lomb has led the industry with 24 generic new product authorizations, including Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution 0.3%, a widely prescribed antibiotic for superficial eye infections, and Levobunolol HCL Ophthalmic Solution, a beta-blocker for the lowering of intraocular pressure. In January 1995, Flurbiprofen Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.03%, the first generic version of Ocufen(R) which is indicated to inhibit the contraction of the pupil during cataract surgery, was cleared for marketing.

The CROLOM(TM) product authorization is another in an ongoing series of new products being added to Bausch & Lomb's U.S. Pharmaceutical business headquartered in Tampa, Fla. The associated scale-up in manufacturing will continue to have positive effects on the profitability of this business in 1995 and beyond.

CONTACT: Bausch & Lomb, Rochester

Barbara M. Kelley, 716/338-5386 (W)

or 716/621-7141 (H)