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Lumigan for eyelash growth? Allergan
says it’s a $500M market. Why not?

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080604/20080603006400.html

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Allergan Announces Intent to File New Drug Application for Bimatoprost as Novel Treatment to Stimulate Natural Eyelash Growth

Wednesday June 4, 12:00 am ET

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN ) announced today that it intends to file a New Drug Application by end of the third quarter of 2008 with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bimatoprost, a synthetic prostaglandin analog, as a treatment to stimulate eyelash growth. Allergan has completed its clinical trial program demonstrating that its patented formulation of bimatoprost, when applied directly to the base of the eyelashes, results in significant eyelash growth.

"Our exploration of bimatoprost as an eyelash growth enhancer reflects our continuing commitment to offer innovative medical aesthetic treatments that are science-based, with the clinically proven safety and efficacy that consumers have come to trust Allergan to provide,” said Scott Whitcup, M.D., Allergan’s Executive Vice President, Research and Development. “We are pleased with the results of our clinical program and believe this innovative product, if approved, could meet a significant and currently unmet demand in the medical aesthetic marketplace.”

The global mascara market is presently estimated to be $3.7 billion annually. If approved by the FDA for eyelash growth, which Allergan currently anticipates in 2009, the company estimates global peak sales of bimatoprost for this indication could exceed $500 million per year. Allergan has exclusive U.S. and foreign patents on the use of bimatoprost and other prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogs as a treatment to stimulate natural eyelash growth. If approved by the FDA, Allergan’s bimatoprost product for eyelash growth will be available by prescription only to consumers in the United States.

“The development of this innovative product stems from our 60-year expertise and leadership in prescription eye care products,” said David E.I. Pyott, Allergan’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “As the largest medical aesthetics company worldwide, we are particularly pleased with the prospect of bringing to market yet another science-based medical treatment that fits into our overall facial aesthetics product portfolio and further reflects our commitment to the Science of Rejuvenation™.”
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