Allergan announces availability of Restasis MultiDose (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion) 0.05% — the first FDA-approved preservative free prescription eye drop available in a multidose bottle.

Allergan plc announced the availability of Restasis MultiDose, which is the same preservative-free Restasis formulation, but now offered in a multidose bottle. Restasis is the first and only prescription medication FDA-approved to help patients with a type of chronic dry eye make more of their own tears.

Restasis MultiDose is the first and only FDA-approved preservative-free, prescription eye drop in the U.S. to be available in a multidose bottle. Restasis was accessible only in single-use vials, since its launch in 2003 until now.

Restasis helps increase your eyes’ natural ability to produce tears, which may be reduced by inflammation due to chronic dry eye. Restasis did not increase tear production in patients using anti-inflammatory eye drops or tear duct plugs.

“Since Restasis MultiDose is the only FDA-approved preservative-free prescription eye drop in the U.S. to be offered in a multidose bottle, patients now have a choice of a multidose bottle or single-use vials,” said Neda Shamie, M.D., of Advanced Vision Care, in Los Angeles, CA.

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,” said David Nicholson, Chief R&D Officer at Allergan.  “This new multidose bottle is designed to maintain the preservative-free formulation.”

Aptar Pharma supplies the patented Ophthalmic Squeeze Dispenser, the first U.S. FDA-approved multidose delivery system to handle prescription eye treatment formulations without any preservatives.

(Source: PR Newswire; Business Wire)