Allergan’s Ganfort receives expanded European approval

Allergan has had the European marketing authorisation for its ophthalmic solution Ganfort extended to include a new formulation.

A preservative-free formulation of the drug will be made available in single-dose containers across all 27 EU countries, reaching the UK midway through September 2013.

It will be the first preservative-free prostaglandin fixed combination glaucoma treatment to be made available in Europe, providing a useful new therapy option for patients who are sensitive or intolerant to preservatives.

Ganfort is licensed for the reduction of intraocular pressure among patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension who are insufficiently responsive to topical beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogues.

Martin Gillen, country manager for the UK and Ireland at Allergan, said: "This new formulation provides a meaningful addition to our already well-established portfolio of effective glaucoma treatments."

Allergan employs around 11,100 workers worldwide and has a commercial presence in more than 100 countries.