Peapack, New Jersey (May 2, 2002) - Data presented for the first time at the XXIXth International Congress of Ophthalmology in Sydney, Australia, show that long-term (5-year) adjunctive treatment with XALATAN® (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) presented no new safety concerns and effectively lowered intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). XALATAN is the only prostaglandin analogue used in the treatment of OAG with 5-year efficacy and safety data to support its long-term use.

The data show that the IOP-lowering benefit of adjunctive therapy with XALATAN once daily was sustainable over 5 years. IOP was reduced by an average of 6.3 mmHg at 36 months, 5.9 mmHg at 48 months, and 6.0 mmHg at 60 months. During the 5-year study, IOP was well controlled without treatment modification or the need for surgery in 72 percent of patients.

"This study shows that XALATAN is effective and well tolerated both locally and systemically for long-term management of elevated IOP in open-angle glaucoma as adjunctive therapy," said Professor Albert Alm, Department of Ophthalmology, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden.

The study was conducted as a two-year extension of a three-year open-label trial in 519 patients with OAG and uncontrolled IOP, despite previous treatment; there were 380 participants in the two-year extension. IOP was measured regularly every four months until month 48, and then every six months.

Increased iris pigmentation was reported during the study - an effect which is seen with all ophthalmic prostaglandin OAG therapies - particularly in patients with green-brown, yellow-brown or blue-grey/brown irides.

Pharmacia Corporation manufactures XALATAN (latanoprost ophthalmic solution), the world's number one brand of glaucoma medication based on value share. XALATAN is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma, chronic angle closure gla
'"/>

Contact: Celia Williams
celia.williams@ketchum.com
20-7611-3866
Ketchum
2-May-2002

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Long-term high consumption of red and processed meat linked with increased risk for colon cancer
2. Long-term data show benefit of DETROL LA as first-line therapy for overactive bladder
3. Long-term benefits for newly diagnosed patients with CML receiving first-line therapy with imatinib
4. Long-term obesity linked to loss of brain tissue in women
5. Long-term study demonstrated ADDERALL XR is an effective option to treat adolescents with ADHA
6. Long-term study proves ADDERALL XR is a safe and effective option to treat adults with ADHD
7. Long-term use of antibiotics possibly linked with increased risk of breast cancer
8. Long-term follow-up of mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia
9. Long-term outcome of epilepsy surgery is favorable for many
10. Long-term ERT in postmenopausal women with Alzheimers may worsen memory
11. Long-term avoidance of milk in children results in poor bone health