Alcon Affiliate Receives FDA Approval of Generic Anti-Infective Medication.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2004

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Falcon Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.'s (Falcon) generic Ofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.3%. Falcon is an affiliate of Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL), the world's leading eye care company. Ofloxacin is therapeutically equivalent to Ocuflox(a) and is indicated for treating infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria in both conjunctivitis and corneal ulcer conditions. The drug is available immediately, and comes in a Drop-tainer(b) dispenser in two sizes: 5mL and 10mL. At the time of manufacture, the product will have a 24-month shelf life.

Falcon's marketing and sales efforts will target wholesale distributors, retail pharmacies, hospitals and managed care organizations.

Falcon is the largest manufacturer and marketer of generic drugs for the eye and ear in the United States. Its parent company, Alcon, Inc., is the world's leading eye care company and has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for more than 50 years. Alcon develops, manufactures and markets the widest selection of pharmaceuticals, surgical products, contact lens solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye.

(a)Ocuflox is a registered trademark of Allergan Inc.

(b)DROP-TAINER is a registered trademark of Alcon Manufacturing,

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