28-Jul-2015 - DUBLIN /PRNewswire/ -- First responders often work in conditions that can take a toll on their eyes. Exposure to heat, smoke, wind and dust may cause Dry Eye symptoms, such as irritated and painful eyes.[1] This is part of the day-to-day environmental challenges they must endure in order to do their job—saving lives. That is why today, Allergan is announcing the REFRESH AMERICA campaign to help our nation's best perform and alleviate their discomfort from dry eye. Every purchase of specially-marked packages in the REFRESH OPTIVE® product line between 8/1/15 – 7/31/16 will lead to donations of REFRESH® eye drops to select first responder groups nationwide. Allergan guarantees a minimum product donation with an approximate retail value of $250,000, regardless of the number of eligible products sold during the campaign period.
"We are pleased that we can offer comfort to first responders working in smoky and dusty conditions with quality eye care products," said Brent Saunders, CEO, Allergan. "REFRESH® is the number one doctor recommended brand of artificial tears, and we hope this philanthropic program will provide much-needed relief to the men and women who keep us safe."
Being in an environment with conditions that are severely dry, dusty and windy may result in development of Dry Eye symptoms.[1] REFRESH OPTIVE® Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops, also available in a preservative-free formula, provide long-lasting relief through an innovative, triple-action formula.
"There are an estimated 25 million Dry Eye sufferers in the United States.[2] More specifically, I see first responders in my practice who complain of eye dryness, burning and irritation brought on by environmental hazards like dust and smoke which are inherent to their work," said Marguerite McDonald, MD, FACS, board-certified ophthalmologist, Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island. "I recommend REFRESH OPTIVE®Advanced products to my patients because they are clinically proven to lubricate for Dry Eye relief, hydrate the eye surface cells and help protect your natural tears from evaporating."
Allergan's partnership with the U.S. First Responders Association will help designate where REFRESH® eye drop donations will do the most good for our nation's best.
"I am thrilled that we are able to partner with Allergan for REFRESH AMERICA," said Traycee Biancamano, CEO, U.S. First Responders Association. "As a first responder, I know first-hand the dedication first responders put into their jobs each and every day, as well as the risks they face. Allergan's generous contribution is a great way to give back and take care of those who are saving lives."
Learn more at helpREFRESHAmerica.com.
About the U.S. First Responders Association
U.S. First Responders Association is a non-profit, professional and social network of firefighters, EMS, rescue, police officers, military and civilian support teams. The purpose of the United States First Responders Association shall be to advance the profession of fire, emergency, police and military services through proactive community leadership, education, advocacy, policy, procedure, and guidelines that would best help our emergency services provide aid to the citizens of the United States and worldwide.
About Allergan
Allergan plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a unique, global pharmaceutical company and a leader in a new industry model – Growth Pharma. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative branded pharmaceuticals, high-quality generic and over-the-counter medicines and biologic products for patients around the world.
Allergan markets a portfolio of best-in-class products that provide valuable treatments for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics, gastroenterology, women's health, urology, cardiovascular and anti-infective therapeutic categories, and operates the world's third-largest global generics business, providing patients around the globe with increased access to affordable, high-quality medicines. Allergan is an industry leader in research and development, with one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry and a leading position in the submission of generic product applications globally.
With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives.
For more information, visit Allergan's website at www.allergan.com.
CONTACTS:
For Allergan Inquiries:
Mark Marmur
(862) 261-7558
For REFRESH® Inquiries:
Jessica Chao
Chao_Jessica@allergan.com
(714) 246-3151
[1] All About Vision. (2015). Dry Eye Syndrome.
[2] Market Scope. (2011). Comprehensive Report on the Global Dry Eye Products Market. St. Louis, MO.