Bausch & Lomb's Eye Drug Retisert Gains FDA Approval

The FDA has approved Bausch & Lomb's single-indication orphan drug Retisert (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) for the treatment of chronic noninfectious uveitis, a sight-threatening inflammatory disease.

The company's patented drug-delivery microtechnology in Retisert consists of a tiny drug reservoir designed to deliver sustained levels of an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, fluocinolone acetonide, for approximately two-and-a-half years (30 months) directly to the back of the eye. Bausch & Lomb is targeting a mid-2005 launch for the product.