Bausch + Lomb Receives FDA Approval of LUMIFYtm - The Only Over-The-Counter Eye Drop With Low-Dose Brimonidine For The Treatment Of Eye Redness

Clinical Studies Showed 95% Symptom Improvement At One Minute, And Reduced Redness For Up To Eight Hours 

LAVAL, Quebec, Dec. 22, 2017 /CNW/ -- Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company and wholly owned subsidiary of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE: VRX and TSX: VRX) ("Valeant"), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved LUMIFYtm (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.025%) as the first and only over-the-counter (OTC) eye drop developed with low-dose brimonidine tartrate for the treatment of ocular redness. Brimonidine, which was first approved by the FDA in 1996 for intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in glaucoma patients, is available at higher doses in prescription eye care products.

"With today's approval of LUMIFY, consumers have a new and unique treatment option to relieve red, irritated eyes," said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO of Valeant. "LUMIFY is the first and only OTC eye drop with low-dose brimonidine, which has been clinically proven to be safe and effective since its initial approval as a prescription medication in 1996. We expect LUMIFY will be available for purchase in major retailers in the second quarter of 2018."

Ocular redness is a common condition that can be caused by inflammation of almost any part of the eye. With frequent use, non-selective redness relieving eye drops that constrict blood vessels in the eye can result in users developing a tolerance or loss of effectiveness, as well as rebound redness. In contrast, low-dose brimonidine, the active ingredient in LUMIFY, selectively constricts veins in the eye, increasing the availability of oxygen to surrounding tissue, thereby reducing the potential risk of these side effects.

"Patients with eye redness and irritation can experience negative social connotations, which may impact daily life," said Dr. Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, Director of Corneal Services at Kentucky Eye Institute. "Having a drop that reduces redness without the side effects of rebound hyperemia or tachyphylaxis, which may lead to overuse and potential corneal toxicity, is a very exciting option that I look forward to recommending to my patients."

For more information, please visit www.bausch.com.

The brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.025% product was licensed by Eye Therapies, Inc. to Bausch + Lomb.

About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing and restoring people's eyesight. Its core businesses include over-the-counter supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures and markets one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry, which is available in more than 100 countries.

About Valeant
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE/TSX: VRX) is a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products primarily in the areas of dermatology, gastrointestinal disorders, eye health, neurology and branded generics. More information about Valeant can be found at www.valeant.com.

Forward-looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company's most recent annual or quarterly report and detailed from time to time in Valeant's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Valeant undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.

LUMIFY is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
© 2017 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.

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SOURCE Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.; Bausch + Lomb