Permanent worldwide withdrawal of ReNu solution with MoistureLoc

Last night Bausch & Lomb decided to permanently withdraw its ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution from all markets throughout the world. It appears that in some unusual circumstances, 'certain aspects of the MoistureLoc formula can increase the risk of infection from Fusarium'.

Initially, the company suspended product shipments to the US in April, and at the beginning of May it confirmed that there were some cases of infection in Europe. The decision to call the product back at world level is an important step in finding the causes behind the Fusarium-type keratitis epidemic which has affected 122 people in the US.

During a conference call with investors, Baush & Lomb CE Ronald Zarrella stated that the infection was probably caused by different factors. Zarrella explained that a thin film at the top of the MoistureLoc pack and in the lens container might be created and, in its turn, it could foster the growth of the fungus, commonly present in baths and washbasins.

'Because our other products are based on a completely different formula, they will remain on the market', Zarrella added.

The decision to withdraw the product was supported by the Food and Drug Administration. However, there are no problems with ReNu MultiPlus and ReNu Multi-Purpose.

(Sources: Reuters and Ansa)