PURSUING THE POTENTIAL FOR DRAMATIC CHANGE
Opportunites come from innovation.
In recent years we have charted a new path in the management of chronic dry eye with RESTASIS®, and our work with BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic continues to map promising new avenues for exploration into areas of need. Today our global research and development (R&D) organization remains centered on programs where both the market opportunity and the potential for making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives are most significant.
Research and Development
For instance, Allergan is maintaining a rigorous strategic focus on the development of treatments for back-of-the-eye diseases, including macular edema, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. These diseases cause sight loss in thousands of patients each year. Because prevalence is increasing as the population ages, the opportunities for truly innovative products are substantial — and the need is imperative. We are also exploring POSURDEX®, currently in Phase III clinical trials, to combat diabetic and non-diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. POSURDEX® involves a novel bioerodable extended-release drug delivery system that can deliver sight-saving medications to the back of the eye, precisely where needed, and can last for months following a single intraocular injection.
In neurosciences, Allergan is conducting Phase III studies of BOTOX® for the treatment of chronic migraine — a debilitating and costly condition that currently defies much standard treatment. We also are investigating BOTOX® as a treatment for overactive bladder, where there is a need for efficacious treatments with better side effect profiles. Beyond BOTOX®, we are collaborating with ACADIA Pharmaceuticals to investigate a unique class of alpha adrenergic agonists for neuropathic pain to meet the need for non-sedating and non-addicting compounds in the treatment of this debilitating condition. We see a need for an even greater range of treatment techniques, procedures and products in medical aesthetics, which reflects our commitment to the Science of Rejuvenation™ — that is, to developing and delivering innovative and high-quality, science-based medical solutions in the areas of facial and breast aesthetics. Allergan is focused on the development of next-generation dermal fillers for facial aesthetic use. We are also working on innovations in breast aesthetics, including new materials, enhanced manufacturing processes and product designs to offer women and their surgeons a wider range of breast implant options.
Partnerships and Acquisitions
Most of Allergan’s R&D programs are initiated internally, which sets us apart from many other health care companies. Simultaneously, we actively explore new market opportunities and engage in strategic research collaborations that are complementary to our own business model. For instance, recognizing the urgent need for new strategies to fight the global obesity epidemic, in 2007 we further strengthened our obesity intervention portfolio with the acquisition of Swiss technology developer EndoArt SA. The acquisition gave us ownership of EndoArt’s proprietary FLOWATCH® technology, which powers the EASYBAND™ Remote Adjustable Gastric Band System, a breakthrough, telemetrically-adjustable banding device that will offer patients new options in the treatment of severe obesity and other conditions. In 2008, we entered into a strategic collaboration with Clinique, the number-one prestige North American cosmetics brand with a strong dermatology heritage. This collaboration combines Clinique’s formulation expertise with our leadership in medical aesthetics to address the need for specialized skin care treatments provided in the physician’s office. The new skin care line will be sold exclusively through the physician channel and will offer clinically-proven skin care products under the Clinique name that will complement in-office aesthetic procedures.