Healthcare Industry News: AZOR
News Release - November 6, 2007
Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Enters into Strategic Collaboration with Allergan, Inc. to Expand and Strengthen Dermatologic Product Offering
CORAL GABLES, Fla., Nov. 6 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an arrangement with Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN ) to develop, manufacture, distribute and promote dermatological products containing tazarotene.Under the terms of the transaction, Stiefel will utilize Allergan's proprietary technology and tazarotene in several different ways. Stiefel's U.S. sales force will co-promote Allergan's TAZORAC® (tazarotene) to dermatologists. Stiefel also will capitalize on its existing patent-protected technology and Allergan's innovative tazarotene compound to bring unique therapeutic options to market for a common dermatological disease.
"This is a great opportunity," said Bill Humphries, Chief Commercial Officer, Stiefel Laboratories. "TAZORAC® will provide the perfect complement to our acne portfolio, which also includes Duac®, and it will allow Stiefel to offer best-in-class topical acne treatments to our customers. Given our long-standing and well-established presence in the dermatology arena, we will be able make an immediate and important impact with TAZORAC®."
"Allergan is pleased to enter into a relationship with Stiefel to further strengthen our presence in the medical dermatology market," said Julian Gangolli, Allergan's Corporate Vice President and President of North America Pharmaceuticals. "The TAZORAC® brand is already widely recognized by dermatologists as an effective treatment option for acne and psoriasis. Stiefel's experience, expertise and capabilities in the dermatology market will be instrumental in helping to develop and market new products involving tazarotene for global dermatological use."
According to Gavin Corcoran, Senior Vice President, Global Research and Development, Stiefel Laboratories, the development agreements with Allergan are an integral component of Stiefel's overall growth strategy.
"This strategic partnership between Stiefel and Allergan epitomizes the type of development agreements Stiefel is seeking to enhance our robust pipeline," Corcoran said. "We are able to integrate Stiefel's cutting-edge technology and products with Allergan's proprietary tazarotene compound in order to provide physicians and patients with advanced solutions for the prevention and treatment of common skin conditions."
About TAZORAC®
TAZORAC® (tazarotene) is a topical receptor-selective retinoid. TAZORAC® (tazarotene) Gel 0.1% is approved for mild-to-moderately severe facial acne, and TAZORAC® (tazarotene) Cream 0.1% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne. TAZORAC® treats whiteheads (closed comedones), blackheads (open comedones), red pimples, (papules), and pimples containing pus (pustules).
Retinoids may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. TAZORAC® Cream and Gel 0.1% are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, treatment should be discontinued and the patient apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of child- bearing potential should be warned of the potential risk and use adequate birth-control measures when TAZORAC® Cream or Gel 0.1% is used. Retinoids should not be used on eczematous skin, as they may cause severe irritation. The most frequent adverse reactions reported during clinical trials with TAZORAC® Cream 0.1% in the treatment of acne occurring in 10% to 30% of patients, in descending order, included desquamation, dry skin, erythema, and burning sensation. Full prescribing information for TAZORAC® is available at www.tAZORac.com.
About Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.
Founded in 1847, Stiefel Laboratories (a privately held company) is the world's largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology. The company manufactures and markets variety of prescription and non-prescription dermatological products. Some of the newest and best-known brands include Duac® (clindamycin, 1% -- benzoyl peroxide, 5%) Topical Gel; Evoclin® (clindamycin phosphate) Foam, 1%; Luxiq® (betamethasone valerate) Foam, 0.12%; MimyX®; Olux(TM) (clobetasol propionate) Foam, 0.05%; Olux-E(TM) (clobetasol propionate) Foam, 0.05%; Soriatane® (acitretin) CK Convenience Kit; Verdeso(TM) (desonide) Foam, 0.05%; Brevoxyl® Creamy Wash (benzoyl peroxide, 4% or 8%) packaged in the convenient new Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit; Extina® (ketoconazole) Foam, 2%; Oilatum®; Physiogel®; Stieprox® (ciclopirox olamine); REVALESKIN(TM); and Sarna®. Its wholly-owned global network is comprised of more than 30 subsidiaries, manufacturing plants in six countries, research and development facilities on four continents, and products marketed in more than 100 countries around the world.
Stiefel Laboratories supplements its R&D efforts by seeking strategic partnerships and acquisitions around the world. To learn more about Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. visit www.stiefel.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements." These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Stiefel's and Allergan's expectations and projections. Additional information regarding risk factors can be found in press releases issued by Allergan, as well as Allergan's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: Stiefel Laboratories
Issuer of this News Release is solely responsible for its
content.
Please address inquiries directly to the issuing company.
