ALPHAGAN Is Fastest-Growing Medication for Reducing IOP in Glaucoma Patients; Proven Efficacy in Lowering IOP and Safety Advantages Over Beta-Blockers Create Therapeutic Versatility.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--July 14, 1998--Prescriptions for ALPHAGAN (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 0.2 percent grew faster during the first five months of this year than for any other medication for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, Allergan Inc. announced Tuesday.

Recent pharmacy audits compiled by Scott-Levin Associates show that total Alphagan prescriptions for the first five months of 1998 increased by 122 percent over the same period last year, representing the largest growth of any medication in this class. Total prescriptions for ALPHAGAN grew by nearly 70 percent in May 1998 as compared with May 1997, a period in which the glaucoma market as a whole was flat.

"Because its efficacy and safety profile make it useful in patients with glaucoma both as monotherapy and in combination with other agents, ALPHAGAN is becoming one of the most versatile agents in our therapeutic arsenal," said Louis B. Cantor, M.D., associate professor of ophthalmology and director of Glaucoma Service, Indiana University School of Medicine.

"To the degree that it enhances our flexibility in customizing therapy for each patient, ALPHAGAN will continue to grow in our practice."

New prescriptions for ALPHAGAN also increased faster than for any other agents in the category. The Scott-Levin data show that new prescriptions for ALPHAGAN written from January through May 1998 had grown by 64 percent over the same period in 1997, also the largest growth of any medication for reducing elevated IOP.

"The rate at which a product is growing gives you a dynamic picture of prescription trends, what the future utilization of the product might look like," said Bob Rhatigan, senior product manager, Glaucoma, at Allergan.

"Although a few other products still have larger market shares, the fact that ALPHAGAN is growing so much faster in all these measures suggests that ophthalmologists are finding it an increasingly useful agent. In other words, the future is bright for ALPHAGAN."

ALPHAGAN reduces IOP in patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is thought to work primarily by activating alpha2 receptors, which are believed to reduce the production of aqueous humor in the eye and also act to increase the flow of this fluid out of the eye (uveoscleral outflow).

This dual mechanism of action is believed to produce significant reductions in IOP, shown to be comparable to that of the beta-blocker timolol, and contributes to the usefulness of ALPHAGAN in the long-term management of patients with glaucoma.

However, ALPHAGAN has important safety advantages over beta-blockers, including no clinically significant effects on heart rate or blood pressure and no pulmonary contraindications. However, caution should be exercised in treating patients with severe cardiovascular disease.

Among the most frequently reported adverse events of ALPHAGAN therapy were oral dryness, ocular hyperemia, burning and stinging, headache, blurring, foreign body sensation, fatigue/drowsiness, conjunctival follicles, ocular allergic reactions, and ocular itching. ALPHAGAN should not be used in patients receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor therapy.

Allergan, with headquarters in Irvine, is a technology-driven, global health-care company, providing eye care and specialty pharmaceutical products throughout the world. Allergan develops and commercializes products in the eye-care pharmaceutical, ophthalmic surgical device, over-the-counter contact lens care, movement disorder and dermatological markets.

Any of the above statements that refer to the company's estimated or anticipated future results are forward-looking and reflect the company's current analysis of existing trends and information. Actual results may differ from current expectations based on a number of factors affecting Allergan's businesses, including competitive conditions and changing market conditions, and performance, including patient acceptance, of new products. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment only as of the date of this news release. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in this release. As a result, the reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT: Manning Selvage & Lee
              Scott Taylor, 323/782-6600, ext. 248