Content about Allergan

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in favor of Watson Pharmaceuticals during patent litigation concerning the drug maker's abbreviated new drug application for an overactive bladder treatment.

The appeals court affirmed a U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware's decision — made March 31 — that asserted that patents related to Allergan's Sanctura XR (trospium chloride extended-release capsules) are invalid. Watson's ANDA for a generic version of Sanctura XR is pending with the Food and Drug Administration.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson is challenging the patent protection on two eye drugs made by Allergan, the generic drug maker said Tuesday.

Watson announced that it had filed with the Food and Drug Administration for generic versions of Allergan's Lumigan and Latisse (bimatoprost) ophthalmic solution. The products contain the same active ingredient in the 0.01% and 0.03% strengths, respectively, and are used to reduce pressure within the eye in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

IRVINE, Calif. — Allergan reappointed David Pyott as president earlier this week, adding to his role as chairman and CEO. Pyott will succeed Michael Ball, who has accepted the position of CEO at Hospira, a specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company, Allergan reported.

The changeover takes place March 27.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Valeant Pharmaceuticals subsidiary Biovail Labs International has licensed Canadian rights to a treatment for acne from Allergan, Valeant said Tuesday.

Under the terms of the agreement concerning the drug Aczone (dapsone) gel in the 5% strength, Biovail will pay Allergan about $500,000 Canadian dollars (about $504,693) upfront, as well as payments based on net sales.

IRVINE, Calif. — Anticipating regulatory approval, MAP Pharmaceuticals and Allergan will collaborate to promote a drug for treating acute migraine to physicians.

The two companies announced the collaboration Monday for Levadex (dihydroergotamine), an inhaled drug. Phase-3 trials for the drug are finished, and MAP plans to submit an approval application for the drug to the Food and Drug Administration in the first half of this year.

TOKYO The president and CEO of Agensys, a subsidiary of Japanese drug maker Astellas, will retire, Astellas said Tuesday.

Donald Rice founded Agensys as UroGenesys in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1996 for the development of biotech drugs for treating cancer. Astellas acquired Agensys in December 2007.

Former Allergan SVP, head of global drug development and chief medical officer Sef Kurstjens will replace Rice as president and CEO of Agensys.

IRVINE, Calif. Allergan's optimized reformulation of Lumigan has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration, the drug maker said Wednesday.

Lumigan 0.01% (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is a first-line therapy indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, Allergan said. Lumigan 0.01% will be available in fourth quarter 2010 as the newest addition to Allergan’s comprehensive glaucoma portfolio.