TearLab Corporation Reports Q3-13 Financial Results

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TearLab Corporation (Nasdaq:TEAR) (TSX:TLB) ("TearLab" or the "Company") today reported its consolidated financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013. All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. currency and results are reported in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, TearLab's net revenues were $4.2 million, up 247% from $1.2 million for the same period in 2012 and an increase of 19% sequentially from $3.5 million in the previous quarter. A total of 467 orders for TearLab® Osmolarity systems were booked in Q3-2013. Of those, 385 systems were under the Company's Masters Multi Unit Program, 78 were through its minimum use access programs, direct purchases decreased by a net of 2 due to conversions to the other programs and 6 were purchased outside of the U.S.

The Company's net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $4.2 million, or $0.13 per share. This included approximately $0.4 million, or $0.01 per share, in non-cash expense related to the revaluation of warrants issued in June 2011. In last year's third quarter, the net loss was $4.6 million, or $0.17 per share. This included approximately $2.0 million or $0.07 per share, in non-cash expense related to the revaluation of warrants issued in June 2011 and the issuance of shares for management bonuses.

Cash used for operating activities in Q3-13 was approximately $1.7 million. As of September 30, 2013, TearLab had $42.0 million in cash and cash equivalents.

"Awareness and use of the TearLab Osmolarity test continued to build in the third quarter, as demonstrated by our strong system order volumes and revenue growth in what is historically a seasonally weaker period in the eye care industry," commented Elias Vamvakas, TearLab's Chief Executive Officer. "Over the next few days, we expect a strong showing at the American Academy of Ophthalmology ("AAO") annual meeting in New Orleans, driven by a variety of posters, presentations and instructional courses highlighting the significant role that tear osmolarity testing can play in the objective diagnoses and management of Dry Eye Disease."

Conference Call and Webcast Information

TearLab will hold a conference call to discuss these results today, November 12, at 4:30pm Eastern Time at 877-303-1593. The call will also be broadcast live and archived on TearLab's website at www.tearlab.com under the "webcasts" link in the Investor Relations section. For those wishing to listen to a recording of the call via telephone, a replay will be made available as soon as possible after the conclusion of the live call and will remain posted for a period of seven days. To listen to the recording, simply telephone (Toll free) 855-859-2056 or (Toll) 404-537-3406 and enter reservation #90315243 when prompted.

About TearLab Corporation

TearLab Corporation (www.tearlab.com) develops and markets lab-on-a-chip technologies that enable eye care practitioners to improve standard of care by objectively and quantitatively testing for disease markers in tears at the point-of-care. The TearLab Osmolarity Test, for diagnosing Dry Eye Disease, is the first assay developed for the award-winning TearLab Osmolarity System. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TearLab Corporation's common shares trade on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol 'TEAR' and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'TLB'.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about TearLab. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding our future recurring revenue expectations, the future potential of the TearLab^® Osmolarity System and the related impact on our sales. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Actual events or results may differ materially. Many factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, including the factors detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to our annual and quarterly reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Stephen Kilmer
         (647) 872-4849
         skilmer@tearlab.com