Actavis Acquires Botox Maker Allergan Pharmaceuticals

November 19, 2014
By Beverly Brooks
The Plastic Surgery Channel

Some changes are in the works for Botox® maker Allergan. Botox, the gold standard for non surgical removal of frown lines, will now be run by pharmaceutical giant Actavis, in what’s perceived as a positive move by many board certified plastic surgeons.

“Despite market trends and shareholder demands, Allergan has remained focused on research and development,” says Caroline Glicksman, MD, a board certified plastic surgeon in New Jersey. “It is my sincere hope that their commitment to our patients through medical innovation continues after the acquisition by Actavis.”

Allergan Dodges Hostile Takeover by Valeant

Allergan dodged a hostile takeover by another pharma company Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Inc., with a recent offer valued at $54 billion.

Hundreds of letters from the medical community expressed concern about Valeant Pharmaceuticals.  The disagreement revolved around fears that Valeant would sharply cut Allergan’s funding in research-and-development.

“Research, development, and clinical education have always been very important for Allergan, which is why the Valeant hostile bid was disconcerting,” says Pat McGuire, MD, a board certified plastic surgeon in St. Louis.

Will Actavis Support Botox® and Research?

“Actavis seems to have a similar philosophy to Allergan, with a strong commitment to research and development, so this appears to be a positive merger,” says Dr. Pat McGuire.

“I work for an innovative company — that’s why I’m working for Allergan,” says Philippe Schaison, President of U.S. Medical for Allergan, “I’m all about science, and we have the duty to bring innovation to patients and physicians.”

While Botox is a game changer when it comes to eliminating frown lines, Allergan has also captured a huge market share with the recent introduction of JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC to the United States. Voluma is the first and only FDA-approved injectable gel to instantly add volume to the cheek area and give the face a subtle lift for up to two years.

Allergan also recently launched SERI Surgical Scaffold, a bio-degradable material used in procedures requiring tissue support in the breast and abdomen.

The recent acquisition is perceived as a win-win in many medical circles because it positions Actavis as a top ten global pharmaceutical company, with more than a dozen medical advances already in the ‘pipeline’ or development stage.