French Laboratoires Thea Acquires the Mydriasert(R) ophthalmic Insert From Carl Zeiss Meditec

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France, September 1, 2010 - Laboratoires Thea, the leading independent ophthalmic group in
Europe, completes its innovative product range with the announcement of the
final acquisition of Mydriasert(R). Mydriasert(R), the 1st mydriatic
ophthalmic insert, is indicated for dilated fundus examination (DFE) or
cataract surgery, the most widely implemented surgical procedure. Regarding
cataract surgery, the market represents close to 300 000 procedures in the UK
and Ireland and 3 million in Europe each year.

"This acquisition represents a significant addition to our
product range and is completely in line with our strategy to become a leading
provider of ophthalmic products. Our goal is to meet the needs of
ophthalmologists in all major therapeutic classes so that we can be their
daily partners, whatever their type of practice, and notably in ocular
surgery," according to Laboratoires Thea COO Jean-Frederic Chibret. The
agreement with Carl Zeiss Meditec includes the acquisition of the production
site of Mydriasert(R) located in La Rochelle, France along with relevant
staff. Mydriasert(R) is already commercialized in five European countries.
Thanks to this agreement, Carl Zeiss Meditec will continue to concentrate on
its core activities. Laboratoires Thea will develop sales through their
subsidiaries and distributors.

Mydriasert(R) provides a genuine alternative to the mydriatic eye drops
that are commonly used for mydriasis.

Mydriasert(R) allows one to obtain an effective and stable
mydriasis with just one simple medical act which helps to avoid repeat
installations of different mydriatic eye drops either for surgical procedures
or diagnostic purposes.

In comparison to traditional mydriatic eye drops,
Mydriasert(R) allows for fewer nursing procedures, this in turn helps to free
up nursing time, reduce the risk of human errors and allows healthcare staff
to spend more time with their patients[1]. The insert contains neither
preservatives nor solvents.

This device, shaped like an oblong tablet, is applied beneath
the eyelid and disperses both phenylephrin hydrochlorid and tropicamide,
whose mechanisms of action are synergistic. Indeed, the alpha-sympathomimetic
activity of phenylephrin induces an increase in pupil diameter, while the
anti-cholinergic activity of tropicamide prevents the iris from contracting.

Heading towards new technologies

The acquisition of this French technology offers Thea new
research and development opportunities. The system is comprised of a sterile,
bio-compatible and porous matrix containing the ingredients which are
gradually released into the lower conjunctival sac of the eye. The clinical
situations in which it may be interesting to control the quantities of active
ingredients administered onto the ocular surface are indeed quite numerous.

About Laboratoires Thea

Laboratoires Thea is the leading independent ophthalmic group
in Europe. Founded in 1994, the company is a family business built on the
heritage of over 150 years experience of the Chibret Family in Ophthalmology.

Today, Laboratoires Thea is ranked 3rd in France, 6th in
Europe and 7th worldwide in the field of Ophthalmology. The company is
present in 65 countries, owns 11 subsidiaries in Europe and had a turnover of
EUR 171 million in 2009.[2]

References

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[1] Korobelnik JF, Tavera C, Renaud-Rougier MB, El Meski S, Colin J.; The
Mydriasert insert: an alternative to eye drops for preangiographic mydriasis;
Le Journal Francais d'Ophtalmologie 2004 Oct;27(8):897-902

[2] www.laboratoires-thea.com/

    Media contact:

    Burson-Marsteller France
    Linda.pavy@bm.com
    Tel. +33-1-41-86-76-26 - Cell: +33-6-07-59-43-95

Media contact: Burson-Marsteller France, Linda.pavy at bm.com, Tel. +33-1-41-86-76-26 - Cell: +33-6-07-59-43-95