Bausch & Lomb Expands OTC Product Line
Bausch & Lomb acquires Soothe emollient eye drops from Alimera Sciences, a privately-held ophthalmic pharmaceutical company. Bausch & Lomb plans to expand upon the Soothe brand's success, establishing a broader line of professionally-recommended, over-the-counter (OTC) products to relieve dry eye symptoms. This transaction follows Bausch & Lomb's December 2006 purchase of Alimera's OTC allergy franchise, including Alaway (ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution) antihistamine eye drops. "Our pharmaceutical business continues to grow, due in part to the expansion of our OTC product lines," says Gary Phillips, M.D., corporate vice president and global pharmaceutical category leader for Bausch & Lomb. "The Soothe brand acquisition further strengthens our portfolio, and provides a first-rate platform for further line extensions in this fast-growing segment of the ophthalmic industry."