ISTA Pharmaceuticals Highlights BEPREVE(R) Clinical Data at the 2011 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

IRVINE, CA, Mar 22 (MARKET WIRE) --
ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISTA), today announced additional
results from the Company's BEPREVE(R) (bepotastine besilate ophthalmic
solution) 1.5% Phase 3 clinical studies in allergic conjunctivitis. These
results were presented in poster sessions at the 2011 American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting in San Francisco,
CA.

In a poster presentation titled "Bepotastine Besilate Ophthalmic Solution
1.5% Reduces Nonocular Composite Symptom (NOCS) Scores 16 Hours Following
Dosing in the Conjunctival Allergen Challenge (CAC) Model of Allergic
Conjunctivitis," the Phase 3 studies demonstrated BEPREVE was
statistically superior to placebo in reducing summed NOCS scores up to 16
hours after ophthalmic dosing. The data shows support for the clinical
effectiveness of BEPREVE in reducing nonocular symptoms associated with
allergic conjunctivitis. Authors of the poster were J. I. Williams, T. T.
Macejko, M.T. Bergmann, E. J. Meier, M. B. Abelson, J. A. Gow, and T. R.
McNamara.

ISTA presented additional effectiveness results from the BEPREVE CAC
clinical studies in the following poster presentations at the same
meeting:

Bepotastine Besilate Ophthalmic Solution 1.5% Produces Strong Clinical
Benefit for Ocular Itching Immediately Following Dosing in the
Conjunctival Allergen Challenge (CAC) Model of Allergic Conjunctivitis

Authors: J. C. Clark, J. I. Williams, P. J. Gomes, M. B. Abelson, J. A.
Gow, and T. R. McNamara

Bepotastine Besilate Ophthalmic Solution 1.5% Reduces Tearing 16 Hours
Following Dosing in the Conjunctival Allergen Challenge (CAC) Model of
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Authors: J. A. Gow, E. B. McLaurin, F. K.
Kurata, M. B. Abelson, J. I. Williams, and T. R. McNamara

ABOUT BEPREVE(R) (BEPOTASTINE BESILATE OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION) 1.5%
BEPREVE
is a non-sedating, highly selective antagonist of the histamine (H1)
receptor. It has a stabilizing effect on mast cells, and it suppresses
the migration of eosinophils into inflamed tissues. The compound's
primary mechanisms of action are believed to make it an effective
treatment against ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

BEPREVE was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in
September 2009 for the treatment of ocular itching associated with
allergic conjunctivitis. Bepotastine has been approved in Japan for
systemic use in the treatment of allergic rhinitis since 2000 and
urticaria/pruritus since 2002. It is marketed in Japan by Mitsubishi
Tanabe Pharma Corporation (formerly Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) under the
brand name TALION(R). TALION was co-developed by Tanabe Seiyaku and Ube
Industries, Ltd., who discovered bepotastine. In 2001, Tanabe Seiyaku
granted Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. exclusive worldwide rights, with
the exception of certain Asian countries, to develop, manufacture and
market bepotastine for ophthalmic use. In 2006, ISTA licensed the
exclusive North American rights from Senju to an eye drop formulation of
bepotastine for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. In 2007, ISTA
licensed the exclusive North American rights to nasal dosage forms of
bepotastine from Tanabe Seiyaku and obtained a future right to negotiate
for a North American license to oral dosage forms of bepotastine for
allergy treatment.

Full prescribing information for BEPREVE is available on ISTA's website
at http://www.istavision.com/pdf/Bepreve_insert.pdf.

ABOUT ISTA PHARMACEUTICALS
ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is the fourth
largest and fastest growing branded prescription eye care business in the
United States, with an expanding focus on allergy therapeutics. ISTA
currently markets four products, including treatments for ocular
inflammation and pain post-cataract surgery, glaucoma and ocular itching
associated with allergic conjunctivitis. The company's development
pipeline contains additional candidates in various stages of development
to treat dry eye, ocular inflammation and pain, and nasal allergies.
Headquartered in Irvine, California, ISTA generated revenues of $156.5
million in 2010. For additional information about ISTA, please visit the
corporate website at www.istavision.com.

BEPREVE(R) is a trademark of ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. TALION(R) is a
trademark of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation.

CONTACTS
For Investor Relations:
Lauren Silvernail
949-788-5302
lsilvernail@istavision.com

Jeanie Herbert
949-789-3159
jherbert@istavision.com

Juliane Snowden
Burns McClellan
212-213-0006
jsnowden@burnsmc.com

For General Media:
Justin Jackson
Burns McClellan
212-213-0006
jjackson@burnsmc.com

For Trade Media:
Tad Heitmann
BioComm Network
714-273-2937
theitmann@BioCommNetwork.com

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