B&L to remove MoistureLoc from all markets

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Bausch & Lomb announced it is “permanently removing its MoistureLoc contact lens solution from worldwide markets effective immediately,” according to a press release.

“Bausch & Lomb’s top priority is the safety of our customers, and we want them to have complete confidence in our products,” said B&L chairman and chief executive officer Ronald L. Zarrella.

Health authorities in Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States previously reported that the MoistureLoc formula was used by many of the contact lens wearers treated for Fusarium keratitis. Last month, B&L asked U.S. retailers to remove ReNu with MoistureLoc; at the time, B&L did not make the request of retailers outside of the United States.

“After an extensive investigation … there is no evidence of product contamination, tampering, counterfeiting or sterility failure,” Mr. 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 in the interests of our customers by discontinuing the MoistureLoc formula. We are taking this action even in countries where we have seen no unusual trends in Fusarium infections.”

As of last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had received reports of 102 confirmed cases of Fusarium infections, with 12 possible cases and 81 still under investigation. A majority of the affected patients used a formulation of ReNu; three patients used an Advanced Medical Optics formula; and three used an Alcon formula, the report said.