Liverpool, UK, May 30, 2015 – Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, announced the results of a new in vitro study on wetting substantivity effects of AOSEPT^® PLUS with HYDRAGLYDE^® Moisture Matrix. The study results will be presented at the 2015 Annual Conference of the British Contact Lens Association, May 29-31, in Liverpool, UK. The study shows AOSEPT PLUS with HYDRAGLYDE Moisture Matrix technology reconditions silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lenses and provides superior wetting substantivity compared to the commercially available hydrogen peroxide products evaluated.

"Our challenge was to synthesize a novel compound within the HYDRAGLYDE Moisture Matrix technology family that was compatible in a hydrogen peroxide system and that would provide improved wetting substantivity as well as re-conditioning of contact lenses," said Dr. Leroy Muya, Sr. Research Scientist, Alcon Vision Care. "We are pleased as a team to have been successful in doing so and providing this next generation product."

Study Details:

• Three SiHy contact lens types were evaluated for wetting substantivity via the sessile drop technique after multiple disinfection cycles using the manufacturer-recommended regimen. Six commercially available hydrogen peroxide solutions were tested, including AOSEPT PLUS with HYDRAGLYDE. Contact angle measurements were obtained after multiple disinfection cycles in order to capture changes in contact angle over time.
• Results concluded all SiHy lenses soaked in AO SEPT PLUS with HYDRAGLYDE Moisture Matrix were associated with a statistically significant lower contact angle compared to lenses treated in all five commercially available hydrogen peroxide products (p< 0.01). Depending on the SiHy lens material, these contact angle measurements were between ~20-70° higher than lenses cycled in AOSEPT PLUS with HYDRAGLYDE. Additionally, the contact angle of lenses treated in AOSEPT PLUS with HYDRAGLYDE Moisture Matrix both before and after equilibration in saline was less than or equal to the contact angle of the same lens out-of-pack.

"For many silicone hydrogel materials, maintaining wetting substantivity over the course of the replacement cycle is challenging. AOSEPT PLUS with HYDRAGLYDE Moisture Matrix technology is an excellent new cleaning and disinfecting solution that uniquely helps maintain wetting substantivity," said Dwight Akerman, OD, FAAO, FBCLA, Head of Global Professional Affairs for Alcon.

About AOSEPT PLUS with HYDRAGLYDE
Moisture Matrix technology

The AOSEPT PLUS Cleaning & Disinfecting Solutions with HYDRAGLYDE Moisture Matrix technology (CLEAR CARE PLUS in some markets) contains 3% hydrogen peroxide and is indicated for use with soft (hydrophilic) and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. During the cleaning process, the hydrogen peroxide is neutralized in the special lens case provided to leave behind a preservative-free saline solution that is gentle on the eyes. Cleaned and disinfected lenses can be stored in the neutralized solution in the unopened lens case up to seven days.

AOSEPT PLUS with HYDRAGLYDE Moisture Matrix technology requires patients to follow special cleaning and disinfecting instructions, including ensuring the lenses remain in the special lens case for at least six hours to allow the hydrogen peroxide to neutralize. Special care is needed to follow directions to avoid accidental misuse.