Allergan is launching a new therapeutic named Lastacaft (alcaftadine ophthalmic solution) 0.25%, which is indicated for the prevention of ocular itching due to allergic conjunctivitis. Alcaftadine, the active ingredient in Lastacaft, is a completely new chemical entity with an affinity for H1, a histamine receptor in the early phase of allergic conjunctivitis.

Lastacaft, a once-daily therapy for patients with allergic conjunctivitis, was shown to provide relief of ocular itching within three minutes in 97 percent of study participants (n=909), and one drop was shown to prevent ocular itching through 16 hours in 87 percent of study participants. Lastacaft is approved for use in pediatric patients over 2 years of age, as well as for use in pregnant patients. It was to scheduled be available at the end of January.

Lastacaft brings Allergan back to its allergy origins, as 60 years ago the company launched its first product, called Allergan, which was an antihistamine nose eye drop. Later, the drug was reformulated as an eye drop to treat allergic conjunctivitis, which resulted in the first antihistamine eye drop in the United States. For information, visit allergan.com.


Fashion Optical Collection Makes an Impression
Fashion Optical Displays says its new affordable Impressions Collection of Modular Displays showcases eyewear with distinctive styling so that any wall becomes a profit center. The Impressions Collection features a variety of elements that include horizontal and vertical framed Display Back Panels, Graphic Display Panels and mirrors. These custom-built display panels have been designed to provide a multitude of configurations that uniquely fit each dispensary.

Additionally, when a practice needs to seasonally change or expand its frame inventory, the mirrors can be easily interchanged with any frame panel. Each panel holds eyewear on Fashion’s stable three-point Concord frame support system. The Impression Collection also incorporates the use of free graphics from magazines or sales materials that can be easily inserted into the Graphics Display Panel.
For information, visit fashionoptical.com or call the company toll-free at 1 (800) 824-4106.


Kowa Offers Certified E-Rxing
Kowa Optimed and EMRlogic Systems announce the integration of the DrFirst e-prescribing solution into activEHR electronic medical record management solution software. ActivEHR offers a knowledge-based practice management core and informs the user of best-practice protocols and information to aid in clinical decision-making, outcome tracking and overall patient care. DrFirst’s Rcopia-MU, Version 3, is 2011/2012 compliant and was certified as an EHR Module by the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology. For information, call 1 (800) 966-5692 or visit kowa-usa.com.