Allergan Introduces Restasis in a MultiDose Bottle

Dublin, Ireland-based Allergan plc’s RESTASIS MultiDose™—which is the same preservative-free RESTASIS® formulation prescribed for 6.4 million patients—is now offered in a multidose bottle from Aptar Pharma.

According to the supplier, this product’s approval and launch makes the Aptar Pharma Ophthalmic Squeeze Dispenser the first, and only, U.S. FDA-approved multidose delivery system to handle prescription eye treatment formulations without any preservatives.

Allergan says RESTASIS is the first and only prescription medication approved by the FDA to help patients with a type of Chronic Dry Eye make more of their own tears. Since its 2003 launch, RESTASIS was accessible only in single-use vials.

The two companies worked closely to improve patient safety, achieve dosing accuracy and maintain product integrity.Dry eye patients use eye drops on a regular basis, and often for the rest of their lives.The increasing number of patients experiencing eye irritation or allergic reactions with preserved formulations may appreciate that preservatives can be removed from eye care medications with the dispenser system.

The Ophthalmic Squeeze Dispenser system is the result of more than 10 years of development and experience in the delivery of preservative-free ophthalmic solutions. Patients and consumers in Europe, Latin America and Asia have benefited from this technology since 2012, with more than 100 commercial references now available on the market according to Aptar Pharma.

The company’s President, Salim Haffar, says, “The ergonomic and pocket-size design and the intuitiveness of a squeezable container with a low actuation force contribute to the high levels of acceptance among patients and consumers around the world.”

RESTASIS MULTIDOSE is designed with a patented unidirectional valve and air filter technology. The new multi-dose bottle uses less plastic than a package of single-use vials and will be available for the same price.

"We are continuously looking to improve patient care through state-of-the-art product engineering, and RESTASIS MULTIDOSE reflects that commitment," says David Nicholson, Allergan’s Chief R&D Officer. "This new multi-dose bottle is designed to maintain the preservative-free formulation."

Allergan plc is a global pharmaceutical company and a leader in a new industry model—Growth Pharma. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing branded pharmaceuticals, devices and biologic products for patients around the world.