FDA approves treatment for itchy eyes

IRVINE, Calif. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medication for treating itchy eyes in people with allergies.

Ista Pharmaceuticals announced the approval of Bepreve (bepotastine besilate) ophthalmic solution in the 1.5% strength, a twice-daily eye drop for itching eyes in patients aged 2 and older with allergic conjunctivitis.

“Bepreve offers a new, safe and effective way to treat the itching caused by ocular allergies,” Ista president and CEO Vicente Anido said in a statement. “We expect to have Bepreve available to ophthalmologists and patients in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2009.”