Results provide new evidence for the recommended formula determined in the AREDS2 study

– Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company of Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSETSX: BHC) (“Bausch Health”), today announced new data from the study of 10-year follow-up of the National Eye Institute (NEI). Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), which reaffirms the clinical results of the AREDS2 study. Based on this data, the NEI continues to recommend a specific nutrient formula to help reduce the risk of progression in patients with moderate to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 1 This formula is currently found in Bausch + Lomb PreserVision ® AREDS 2 Formula Eye Vitamins, which were provided to participants during the last five years of the follow-up study. The results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology on May 7, 2021. “These new, longer-term findings from the NEI build on the findings of previous AREDS studies. , which show that a precise blend and dosage of specific vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can help reduce the risk of progression in people with moderate to advanced AMD. Said Rishi P. Singh MD, professor of ophthalmology, Lerner College of Medicine and Cole Eye Institute surgeon, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. “These results further clarify the importance of an AREDS2 supplement as part of a patient’s plan, and the need for eye care professionals to provide a specific recommendation for this formulation in appropriate patients.” The NEI’s 10-year follow-up study on AREDS2 analysis included 3,887 people (6,360 study eyes) with intermediate to advanced AMD over a 10-year period. The study further validated the original results on the AREDS2 formulation with 80 mg of zinc and provided support for the continued benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin, which were shown to have an additional beneficial effect over beta. carotene. 1

“For more than 20 years, Bausch + Lomb has worked with researchers at the NEI to help eye care professionals and the 11 million Americans affected by moderate to advanced AMD,” said Joe gordon , US President, Bausch + Lomb. “Since 2001, we have offered a portfolio of eye vitamins based on the most recent scientific knowledge available, and this data supports the current formulation of our PreserVision. ^® AREDS 2 Formula Eye Vitamins. ”

For more information on PreserVision ^® Vitamins eyes formula AREDS 2, visit www.preservision.com .

About the results of the AREDS, AREDS2 and AREDS2 10-year follow-up study
The AREDS and AREDS2 studies are flagship clinical studies conducted for more than 20 years by the NEI. The 2001 AREDS study showed that taking a specific combination of antioxidants and zinc may help reduce the risk of progression of AMD in people with moderate to advanced AMD. In 2012, the NEI completed the AREDS2 study, which tested several formulation modifications, such as the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, the replacement of lutein and zeaxanthin with beta-carotene and / or reduction of zinc. The current AREDS2 nutritional formula recommended by the NEI is the result of this study. The results of the NEI 10-year follow-up study assessed the long-term outcomes of participants who participated in the AREDS2 study.

About age-related macular degeneration
AMD is a progressive eye condition that affects central vision and is a leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 50 and over. ² Early-stage AMD often has no symptoms or changes in vision, as symptoms usually appear gradually over time. ² This progressive disease can impact one or both eyes, causing people to have difficulty with everyday activities like driving, reading, or recognizing the faces of loved ones. ²

About PreserVision ^® AREDS 2 Formula Eye Vitamins
Eye Vitamins PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula, the most researched brand of eye vitamins ³ , contain the exact formula recommended by NEI based on the AREDS2 study. The daily dose (two capsules) of PreserVision AREDS 2 vitamins provides exactly the same levels of the six clinically proven nutrients as the formula supported by NEI: vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 IU / 180 mg), lutein ( 10 mg), zeaxanthin (2 mg), zinc (80 mg zinc oxide) and copper (2 mg cupric oxide).

About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company of Bausch Health Companies Inc., is solely dedicated to helping people see. Its core businesses include over-the-counter products, dietary supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures and markets one of the industry’s most comprehensive product portfolios, available in approximately 100 countries. For more information visit www.bausch.com .

About Bausch Health
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE / TSX: BHC) is a global company with a mission to improve people’s lives through our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of pharmaceutical, medical and over-the-counter products, primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology and dermatology. We deliver on our commitments by building an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health. More information can be found at www.bauschhealth.com .

Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which can generally be identified by the use of the words “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “should”, “could”, “Would”, “may,” believe “,” estimate “,” potential “,” target “or” continue “and similar variations or expressions. These statements are based on the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Bausch Health’s latest annual report on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in other documents filed by Bausch Health with the United States and Canada Securities and Exchange Commission. Securities Administrators, the factors of which are incorporated herein by reference. They also include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties caused by or related to the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fear of this pandemic and its potential effects, including the severity, duration and extent of the pandemic. ‘future impact are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, and which may have a material negative impact on Bausch Health, including, but not limited to, the development times of its projects and costs (which may increase) . Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Bausch Health assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect actual results, except as required by law.

The references

1. The results of the 10-year follow-up study of Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2); Emily Y. Chew, Traci E. Clemons , Tiarnan D. Keenan , Elvira Agron , Claire E. Malley , Amitha Domalpally.
2. National Eye Institute: Macular degeneration
3. Based on AREDS and AREDS2 studies

PreserVision is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its subsidiaries.
AREDS and AREDS2 are registered trademarks of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
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© 2021 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its subsidiaries.
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SOURCE Bausch Health Companies Inc.