ISTA Pharmaceuticals
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Pharmaceutical |
| Fate | Acquired by Bausch & Lomb |
| Successor | Bausch & Lomb |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Bromday, Bepreve, Xibrom, Istalol, Vitrase |
| Owner | Bausch & Lomb |
| Parent | Bausch & Lomb |
ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was an American pharmaceutical firm focused on developing and distributing ophthalmic treatments targeting inflammation, eye pain, glaucoma, allergic reactions, and dry eye conditions. On March 26, 2012, ISTA was purchased by Bausch & Lomb, which acquired the company at a price of $9.10 per share, resulting in a total valuation of approximately $500 million. Earlier that year, Valeant Pharmaceuticals had retracted its rival bid valued at $360 million.
Products
- Bromday (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) 0.09%, indicated for managing postoperative inflammation and ocular discomfort following cataract surgery
- Bepreve (bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution) 1.5%, prescribed to alleviate itching caused by allergic conjunctivitis
- Xibrom (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) 0.09%, formerly used to treat inflammation and pain after cataract procedures (discontinued as of February 2011)
- Istalol (timolol maleate ophthalmic solution) 0.5%, utilized for reducing elevated intraocular pressure in cases of ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma
- Vitrase (hyaluronidase injection) Ovine, 200 USP units/mL, employed to facilitate the absorption and dispersion of injected medications and enhance resorption during subcutaneous urography
Litigation
On May 24, 2013, ISTA Pharmaceuticals admitted guilt to federal felony charges involving conspiracy to distribute a misbranded drug across state lines and conspiracy to provide unlawful remuneration in violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The company consented to pay $33.5 million in order to settle both criminal and civil claims connected to the promotion, distribution, and sales practices related to its product Xibrom.