Aton Pharma Acquires U.S. TIMOPTIC(R)( LAWRENCEVILLE N.J. Feb. 25 /- Ato...),Health

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Aton Pharma, Inc., a diversified specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced it has acquired the U.S. marketing rights to the TIMOPTIC(R) product line from Merck & Co., Inc. TIMOPTIC (timolol maleate) is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. As many as 2.25 million Americans suffer from open-angle glaucoma.

The U.S. TIMOPTIC product line includes TIMOPTIC(R) (timolol maleate) Ophthalmic Solution, TIMOPTIC (timolol maleate ophthalmic solution) in OCUDOSE(R) (sterile ophthalmic unit dose dispenser) and TIMOPTIC-XE(R) (timolol maleate ophthalmic gel forming solution) Ophthalmic. TIMOPTIC in OCUDOSE(R) is the only preservative-free medication for glaucoma available in the U.S. and aligns with Aton's strategy of providing unique, medically essential products.

Aton Pharma also provides the dry eye medication LACRISERT(R) (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert), a preservative-free, once-daily*, sustained release prescription insert indicated for moderate to severe dry eye, that helps to retain moisture, stabilize the tear film, and lubricate the eye.

"Aton has made the strategic decision to expand our commitment within the field of ophthalmology," stated Michael G. Wells, Chief Executive Officer of Aton Pharma. "The acquisition of the U.S. TIMOPTIC franchise significantly enhances our profile within the ophthalmology community while enabling us to serve yet another niche market that is greatly underserved."

"A large body of evidence has indicated that ocular preservatives, particularly benzalkonium chloride (BAK), impair surface tissues of the eye leading to inflammation, dry eye and other issues," explained Penny Asbell, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
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