RICHMOND, TEXAS (September 12, 2006) - CYNACON/OCuSOFT®, a broad based supplier of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and supplies today announced the findings of two recent independent studies focusing on the efficacy of eyelid cleansers as a means of reducing the presence of harmful bacteria. A comparison of bacterial kill rates as well as eye irritation scores were evaluated. These independent studies, reviewed by Paul Koch, M.D., Warwick, RI compared OCuSOFT®’s newest eyelid cleanser addition, OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub Plus Extra Strength to SteriLid® Eyelid Cleanser from Advanced Vision.

A respected independent laboratory, Care BioPharma, Mundelein, IL, conducted the time-kill study using a single pathogen, Staphylococcus epidermidis—long recognized as being a leading cause of post-operative endophthalmitis. Both products were subjected to the pathogen for 60 seconds after which, a measurement was taken to determine the log reduction. SteriLid® showed a 3.5 Log reduction while OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub Plus measured a 5.5 Log reduction. Accordingly, OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub Plus was found to be significantly more effective than SteriLid® showing nearly twice the amount of log reduction.

A separate study focusing on eye irritation was conducted by Tox Monitor Laboratories, Oak Park, IL. The Primary Eye Irritation Study, Draize1 Design found OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub Plus to be 1.67 / 110 placing it in the Practically Non-Irritating category as compared to SteriLid® which scored 4.0 / 110 which was found to be Minimally Irritating. OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub Plus Extra Strength was categorized as an entire Ratings Category milder than SteriLid®, a rating of some 300% lower. Following the results of these studies, Dr. Koch commented, “Not only was OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub Plus Extra Strength found to be more effective in the time-kill study but it was also found to be less irritating as well. That was surprising. Given patients’ likely inadvertent introduction into the eyes, the fact that OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub Plus is less irritating would seem to suggest it would offer improved patient compliance as well.”

OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub Plus Extra Strength is being promoted by CYNACON/OCuSOFT® as well as Alimera Sciences under a recent co-promotion agreement entered into between the two companies. OCuSOFT® Lid Scrub Plus Extra Strength is expected to be formally introduced at the upcoming American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in Las Vegas, NV.

1There are a variety of Ratings Categories used for rating comparative solutions under the Draize model: Non-Irritating (0.0—0.5); Practically Non-irritating (0.6—2.5); Minimally Irritating (2.6—15.0); Mildly Irritating (15.1—25); Moderately Irritating (25.1—50.0); Severely Irritating (50.1—80.0); Extremely Irritating (80.1—110). Please note laboratory pH testing resulted in solutions sufficiently mild to test with human volunteers. Following human volunteer testing (and only then) was the Draize Eye Irritancy Test used for scoring eye irritation.

For information or to order, please contact:

Rose Mary Martinez
Senior Vice President, Sales Operations
800.233.5469; 281.342.3350
rmmartinez@ocusoft.com
General Inquiry: ocusoft@ocusoft.com