Allergan reports increased sales and pipeline progress

Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox, has announced that its total product net sales grew by almost a third during the third quarter of 2006.

In particular, its pharmaceutical net sales increased by 11.5 per cent in comparison to the same period in 2005.

However, Allergan’s diluted earnings per share were reduced to $0.70 (36 pence) per share from $1.12 during the same period last year, due to a number of factors including the costs associated with integration of Inamed, the streamlining of operations in Europe and an “unfavourable” income tax adjustment.

The American company reported some progress in launching the Juvederm hyaluronic acid dermal filler and also in its marketing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline for Botox.

Furthermore, Allergan also announced it has agreed to acquire Groupe Corneal Laboratories, which will help it to expand its Juvederm development.

David E I Pyott, Allergan’s chairman and chief executive officer, remarked: “Strong organic double digit sales growth continues on a broad basis in our ophthalmology and Botox businesses.”

“Furthermore, we are pleased with the progress and completion of a substantial part of the integration of Inamed which is now part of our newly established Allergan Medical division,” he added.

Mr Eyott concluded by saying that the Inamed products have “greater potential” than Allergan originally envisaged.

A recent study from the Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation, supported by Allergan, found that Botox injections for the treatment of spasticity in stroke patients could improve quality-of-life for both patients and caregivers.