In The NewsCompany Yanks Contact-Lens Cleaner Linked to InfectionsMay 16, 2006 ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Bausch & Lomb Inc. has permanently withdrawn a new-formula contact-lens cleaner viewed as the “potential root cause” of a far-flung outbreak of fungal eye infections known to cause blindness. Its stock, hit hard over the last month, rose nearly 13 percent. The Food and Drug Administration said Monday that the eye-care company thinks ReNu with MoistureLoc’s unique disinfecting and moisturizing agents “in certain unusual circumstances can increase the risk” of developing Fusarium keratitis, adding that the way some people used the solution might have contributed. “Based on the understanding we have now, there are a large number of factors that sort of have to come together for this to come into play,” said Daniel Schultz, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “That is what makes this more different than your average user-error scenarios.” The company suspended U.S. sales of MoistureLoc, manufactured in Greenville, on April 13 after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was investigating a spike in infections in Americans using the product. The outbreak first surfaced in the Far East, leading to a halt in sales in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia on Feb. 18. The fungus is commonly found in plant material and soil in tropical and subtropical areas, with strains often showing up in sinks, drains or bathrooms where people handle their lenses. Without treatment, which can last two to three months, the infection can scar the cornea and blind its victims. “Bausch & Lomb’s top priority is the safety of our customers, and we want them to have complete confidence in our products,” chief executive Ronald Zarrella said in announcing that MoistureLoc was being removed immediately from markets worldwide. Extensive federal inspections of the Greenville factory have not turned up evidence of “contamination, tampering, counterfeiting or sterility failure,” Zarrella said. “That leads us to conclude that some aspect of the MoistureLoc formula may be increasing the relative risk of Fusarium infection in unusual circumstances. We are continuing to investigate this link, but, in the meantime, we’re taking the most responsible action ... by discontinuing the MoistureLoc formula.” The CDC said the number of confirmed cases of Fusarium keratitis in the United States has climbed to 122, most of them contact-lens wearers who reported using MoistureLoc. Bausch & Lomb shares, which peaked at $87.89 in July after more than two years of robust growth, had sunk 35 percent this year before jumping $5.64, or 12.7 percent, to close at $50.08 on the New York Stock Exchange. The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) is currently investigating the fungus outbreak and its potential links to Bausch & Lomb products. Pending an outcome of the investigation the Louthian Law Firm is urging anyone in the South Carolina area who has suffered any side effect from their contact lens solution to contact our office as quickly as possible. The state and federal legal guidelines surrounding such suits dictate that they must be filed before their specific deadlines. Contact our office for more information about the new legal changes that are being made throughout South Carolina. By keeping yourself informed you will be able to retain your rights and protect yourself and your family from harm. back to articlesSouth Carolina Bausch & Lomb Injury Attorney Disclaimer: The defective product accident, product injury, hazardous products injury or other legal personal injury information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Further communication with our attorneys through the website and email may not be considered as confidential or privileged. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact a Columbia South Carolina product liability lawyer at the Louthian Law Firm, P.A. for a consultation on your particular personal injury matter. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of South Carolina. |