Aton Pharma Introduces Expanded Distribution of Lacrisert(R) (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) at Ha...( LAWRENCEVILLE N.J. Jan. 24 /- Ato...)

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Aton Pharma, Inc., a global specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that it has launched an expanded, comprehensive distribution program that incorporates sampling, reimbursement assistance and patient education resources, for the dry eye medication Lacrisert(R) (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert). Lacrisert is a unique preservative-free, once-daily*, sustained release prescription insert that helps to retain moisture, stabilize the tear film, and lubricate the eye.

"As part of Aton's mission to ensure patient access to important therapies, we have established supply chain and commercialization processes to make certain Lacrisert is well-supported and readily available to patients," said Michael G. Wells, Chief Executive Officer of Aton Pharma. "As a company specializing in essential treatments for under-treated diseases, we are proud to provide a therapeutic option for dry eye with a strong history of effectiveness and safety."

"Once the patient inserts Lacrisert in the morning, it usually lasts the entire day, so it's something that is helpful to offer patients suffering from chronic pain from dry eye disease," explained Penny Asbell, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine and co-author of the pivotal textbook 'Dry Eye Disease, the Clinician's Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment.' "One of the advantages of Lacrisert is that it is preservative- free."

Lacrisert is administered into the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye, where it gently dissolves to provide lubrication and protection to the surface of the eye. In some patients, Lacrisert may also help slow, stop or reverse further damage to the corneal surface.

"Due to the great variety among dry eye patient profiles, practitioners need to be armed with as many effective treatment options as possible," added Dr. Asbell. "Our challenge is to match the patients with the right medications to give
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