Now Available Over the Counter, LASTACAFT® Provides Eye Allergy Itch Relief in Minutes that Lasts Through 16 Hours

Rhea-AI Summary

AbbVie announced that LASTACAFT (alcaftadine ophthalmic solution 0.25%) is now available over-the-counter, previously requiring a prescription. This antihistamine eye drop provides relief from itchy allergy eyes caused by seasonal and year-round allergens, working within three minutes and lasting for 16 hours. With an estimated 40% of Americans affected by ocular allergies, this move expands AbbVie's retail eye drop portfolio, alongside the REFRESH product line. LASTACAFT is available in a 5 mL bottle with a 60-day supply or a twin pack for 120 days, enhancing accessibility for allergy sufferers.

Positive

• LASTACAFT now available over-the-counter, increasing accessibility for allergy sufferers.
• Product relief onset is quick, within three minutes, lasting 16 hours.
• Addresses a significant market with 40% of Americans affected by ocular allergies.
• Expands AbbVie's portfolio in the eye care market, complementing existing REFRESH line.

Negative

• None.

-          Itchy allergy eyes affect an estimated 40% of Americans¹

-          LASTACAFT is a once-daily eye drop that works within minutes against seasonal and year-round allergens to relieve itchy eyes

-          Previously available only by prescription, LASTACAFT is now available over the counter nationwide

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., March 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allergan, an AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) company, today announced that LASTACAFT^® (alcaftadine ophthalmic solution 0.25%) is now available without a prescription for the estimated 40% of Americans¹ who live with ocular allergies. As demonstrated in clinical studies, one drop of LASTACAFT works in as little as three minutes to provide relief from itchy, allergy eyes lasting through 16 hours.² Following the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of a complete prescription to over-the-counter (OTC) switch, the original patented prescription-strength formulation of LASTACAFT is now available online and in retail stores where OTC eye drops are sold.

"Seasonal and year-round allergies affect millions of Americans, from young children to adults, and we are pleased that LASTACAFT is now available without a prescription as a safe and effective option to relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies within minutes," said Jag Dosanjh, president, U.S. neuroscience and eye care at AbbVie. "The LASTACAFT over-the-counter switch exemplifies our commitment to providing quality eye care products and expands our retail eye drop portfolio, which also includes the leading REFRESH family of products for relieving dry, irritated eyes."

Outdoor allergens, such as pollen from grass, trees, and weeds, and indoor allergens including pet dander, can trigger itchy eyes. LASTACAFT is an antihistamine eye drop that temporarily relieves itchy eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, and dander for ages two and older.

"Common eye allergy triggers are everywhere and can be year-round as well as seasonal with the eyes being an easy target because they are exposed and sensitive," said optometrist Rachael Wruble, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Immediate Past President of the North Carolina Optometric Society. "While many allergy sufferers use oral medications to manage their nasal allergy symptoms, LASTACAFT is instilled directly in the eye to block the histamines that initiate ocular itching to quickly calm the allergic response and provide relief throughout the day from itchy eyes. I'm excited that these prescription-strength drops are now accessible without a prescription for those who struggle with itchy, allergy eyes."

LASTACAFT is available in a 5 mL multidose bottle containing a 60-day supply, as well as a twin pack with two 5 mL multidose bottles for a 120-day supply. Visit lastacaft.com to learn more.

About Allergan Eye Care
As a leader in eye care, Allergan has discovered, developed, and delivered some of the most innovative products in the industry for more than 70 years. Allergan has launched over 125 eye care products and invested billions of dollars in treatments for the most prevalent eye conditions including glaucoma, ocular surface disease, and retinal diseases such as diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion.

About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, failure to realize the expected benefits from AbbVie's acquisition of Allergan plc ("Allergan"), failure to promptly and effectively integrate Allergan's businesses, competition from other products, challenges to intellectual property, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry and the impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics, such as COVID-19. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. AbbVie undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law. 

References:

1. Baab S, Le PH, Kinzer EE. Allergic Conjunctivitis. [Updated 2021 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448118/
2. Torkildsen, G., & Shedden, A. (2011). The safety and efficacy of alcaftadine 0.25% ophthalmic solution for the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 27(3), 623–631. https://doi.org/10.1185/03007995.2010.548797

LASTACAFT and REFRESH trademarks are the property of AbbVie.

 

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SOURCE AbbVie

FAQ

When did AbbVie announce LASTACAFT is available over-the-counter?

AbbVie announced LASTACAFT's availability over-the-counter on March 15, 2022.

What is LASTACAFT used for?

LASTACAFT is used to relieve itchy eyes caused by seasonal and year-round allergies.

How quickly does LASTACAFT work?

LASTACAFT works within three minutes to relieve itchy allergy eyes.

What is the duration of relief provided by LASTACAFT?

LASTACAFT provides relief from itchy eyes lasting up to 16 hours.

Which allergens can LASTACAFT help relieve?

LASTACAFT helps relieve itchy eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, and dander.

What is the recommended age for using LASTACAFT?

LASTACAFT is recommended for those aged two and older.