Executive summary

Allergan is a global pharmaceutical company which is located in Dublin Ireland and also its headquarters are located there. It is mainly focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing pharmaceutical, regenerative medicine products, surgical, biological products plus healthcare devices.

The markets quite a range of its own products and leading brands in many areas which includes; urology, women’s health, medical aesthetics and dermatology, gastroenterology, eye care and the central nervous system.

The company is an open science leader which has helped it so much in developing game changing ideas and innovations for the better and great care of the patients. It has over 100 operations globally and dedicated in working with healthcare providers and physicians in delivering meaningful and very innovative treatments to support and help people around the world to have healthier and longer lives.

Allergan pharmaceuticals in its operation, has received a share of litigations and lawsuits concerning its products. A lawsuit currently in place includes;

• Los Angeles lawsuit against Seri Scaffold surgical mesh

In November 2016, a Los Angeles woman sued the company over its conspiracy with a doctor to promote the use of Seri Scaffold surgical mesh and Natrelle breast tissue in an experimental manner without her knowledge and consent. She sued the company for fraud, negligence and failure to warn her of the consequences and that Seri Scaffold surgical mesh did not receive clearance from FDA for use in breast cancer reconstruction. She is seeking punitive damages for the case. 

History of Allergan pharmaceuticals

Allergan was established in 1948 by Gavin S. Herbert a pharmacist and Dr. Parmis Khatibi. They created the first drug which was an allergy nose drop in Los Angeles and was marketed using the name Allergan. This eye drops then propelled the company to the eye care field from then henceforth.

The Allergan pharmaceuticals became a company in 1950 officially and it focused more on the eye care and eye care products by then being under private and became public in the year 1970. 

In 1980, the company merged with Smithkline Beckman which lasted for 9 years and in 1989, the two companies separated and which afterward was acquired by Smithkline Beecham.

Allergan has been involved in making major treatments falling under the umbrella of eye care, neuroscience and medical aesthetics. It has been involved in major acquisitions and expanding its base in the pharmaceutical industry globally.

Subsidiaries of Allergan pharmaceuticals

1. Zeltiq Aesthetics

In March 2017, Allergan pharmaceuticals acquired Zeltiq aesthetics at a cost of $2.5 billion for complete acquire becoming part of Allergan family.

Zeltiq Aesthetics is a company which was established in 2005 and is located in California United States.

It is a science based company which deals with medical devices in developing the non-evasive procedures focusing mostly on reducing the unwanted body fat tissues.

1. Envy Medical Inc.

This is the latest acquire of Allergan. It was acquired in March 2019 at an undisclosed fee. This company was established in 2002. It is a biotechnology company which provides dermatology plus medical aesthetics solutions.

The company is mostly involved in skin therapy which delivers in excellent skin health and appearance to address the issues of skin concerns. It has well perfected this area of skin therapy through Dermalinfusion which is the skin resurfacing treatment.

1. Bonti

Allergan acquired Bonti in September at a cost of $195 million. The company was established in 2015. It was formerly called Endurance Biotech and changed this name to Bonti in 2015. It is a biotechnology company based in California United States.

1. Elastagen

Elastagen is a company based in Sydney, New south Wales, Australia and was established in the year 2003. It was acquired by Allergan pharmaceuticals in February 2018 at a cost of $95 million.

This company focuses on treatment of the skin and offers solution to the skin care health. It is a medical company with products based on the human protein tropoelastin. Its technology platform has potentials in focusing many areas which includes; scar remodeling, skin rejuvenation and repair of tissues.

1. Tobira Therapeutics

Tobira therapeutics is a company which is mostly engaged in the research and developing of compounds used for treating life threatening and very infectious diseases or ailments. It is located in New Jersey, United States. The company was established in 2006.

In September 2016, Tobira therapeutics was acquired by Allergan pharmaceuticals at a cost of $1.7 billion. This made the company to become whole subsidiary of Allergan.

The life threatening diseases which this company is involved are like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other infectious conditions.

1. Chase pharmaceuticals

Chase pharmaceutical is a company which is focused in medical clinical developments of improved treatments for the central nervous system. It is located in Washington, United States. It was established in the year 2007.

It was acquired by Allergan pharmaceuticals in November 2016 at a cost of $125 million.

1. Motus Therapeutics

Motus therapeutics is a company which is involved in the treatment of metabolic diseases. It is located in Boston, Massachusetts, United States and was established in 2008.

The company was acquired by Allergan pharmaceuticals in October 2016 at a cost of $200 million making it a whole subsidiary of Allergan pharmaceuticals.

1. Forest Laboratories Holdings

In November 2014, Allergan pharmaceuticals acquired Forest Laboratories at accost of $66 billion. The company was established in 1992 and is based in Dublin Ireland.

This company focuses on developing, discovering and researching the therapeutics and pharmaceutical drugs for the unmet needs of patients all over the world.

Popular products of Allergan pharmaceuticals

1. Celexa

Its generic name is Citalopram. 

It belongs to the class of antidepressant agents which is widely used in the treatment of depression symptoms. It is always used in the treatment of depression as indicated in the label and is not also limited to the treatment of post stroke behaviors, ethanol abuse and sexual dysfunction and in children used for OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder).

1. Botox

Its generic name is called Botulinum toxin type A.

It is used to treat neck pains and abnormal head position which are associated with cervical dystonia. Also used to temporarily treat the appearance of moderate frown lines between the eyebrows and treatment of excessive underarm sweating.

1. Lexapro

Its generic name is Escitalopram.

It is mostly used for major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

1. Viberzi

Its generic name is called Eluxadoline

It is used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

1. Linzess

Its generic name is called Linaclotide

It is orally administered. It is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic constipation.

1. Dalvance

The generic name for this product is Dalbavancin.

Dalvance for injection is used to treat adult patients with bacterial skin infections.

1. Fetzima

The generic name for this product is called Levomilnacipran.

It is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Product Recalls and Lawsuits

1. Taytulla 2018 Recall

In May 2018, Allergan pharmaceuticals made a recall for Taytulla, a birth control pill. The reason for the recall was due to the packaging error which could result in one getting pregnant.

The four placebo capsules were placed out of order and this meant that patients could receive four non hormonal capsules for the first four days of the therapy instead of the active pink capsules which should be taken as one daily and the followed by four maroon capsules up to the end of the month.

After this recall, some lawsuits were filed against the company for damages caused after using the drug with the wrong instructions. 

1. 2015 Refresh Lacri-Lube, Refresh P.M., FML, Blephamide Recall

Allergen Pharmaceuticals issued a voluntary recall in August 2015 of Refresh Lacri-Lube, Refresh P.M., FML, Blephamide due to potential contamination that could result to eye pain, swelling, irritation and ocular discomfort.

This recall was initiated by the company receiving complaints from customers of a small black particle contained in the drug which made the company to make this immediate and voluntary recall of the lots affected. This was in the interest of patient safety.

Litigation Settlements

1. $600 Million Botox Settlement

In September 2010, Allergan pharmaceuticals paid $600 million in settlement of charges that it promoted and sold illegally it Botox drug from the year 2005 for unapproved uses.

The government trough a civil case alleged that the company with vigor and without thought of the negative effects health wise illegally promoted this drug Botox for uses that were not deemed safe by FDA.

The company developed and put a vigorous marketing strategy program and even included paying kickbacks to doctors who prescribed this drug for the unapproved uses.

Allergan agreed to pay $375 million to the government for one criminal charge it pleaded guilty to and $225 million to be submitted to Medicaid, Medicare and other government programs for civil charges of causing false claims.

1. $313million  Celexa marketing claim Settlement 

In September 2010, Forest laboratories (now part of Allergan) the maker of Celexa paid $313 million to settle criminal and civil charges against it. It was alleged that the company drug for use in children for uses that were not yet approved by the FDA.

The company between the year 2000 and 2005 promoted and marketed the drug Celexa for uses which included cerebral palsy in children and headache instead the drug was approved for adult depression.

Sources:

https://www.allergan.com/about/company-profile

https://www.drugwatch.com/manufacturers/allergan/

https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/health/16drug.html

https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/allergan/acquisitions/acquisitions_list#section-acquisitions

https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00083