




Healthcare Industry News: Allergan
News Release - January 18, 2010
Covidien and Allergan Extend Agreement to Promote LAP-BAND(R) Adjustable Gastric Banding System
NORTH HAVEN, Conn.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Covidien (NYSE: COV ), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced the extension of its agreement with Allergan, Inc. to jointly promote Allergan’s LAP-BAND® System, the top-selling adjustable gastric band for bariatric surgery, in the United States.Covidien’s comprehensive portfolio of innovative surgical devices, which includes a full line of surgical staplers and instrumentation used for minimally invasive bariatric surgery, is further enhanced with the LAP-BAND System. Additionally, Covidien offers surgeon and nurse education programs, customized consulting services and patient education programs for bariatric surgery – all aimed at continuously improving patient outcomes.
“At Covidien, we seek to be the partner of choice, collaborating with bariatric professionals, leading researchers and industry partners such as Allergan to provide innovative options for resolving diabetes and significantly reducing obesity,” said Jerry Liebrand, President of Covidien’s U.S. Surgical Devices business. “We are focused on offering a full range of surgical options and services to surgeons so that patients can improve their overall health through bariatric surgery. The LAP-BAND program, one of the many exciting initiatives we have under way for 2010, is an important part of our ongoing commitment to bariatrics.”
“Given the growing obesity epidemic and its known correlation to life-threatening diseases, Allergan, as the leader in the gastric banding industry, continues to invest in resources and programs to ensure widespread awareness and access to the LAP-BAND System,” said Jim Caggiano, Vice President of Health Sales and Marketing, Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc. “The continuation of our co-promotion agreement with Covidien underscores our leadership position, as it provides us with the opportunity to expand our field sales force efforts and further progress our work to educate and train surgeons regarding the benefits of the LAP-BAND System.”
The new agreement builds on a successful platform of products, training and services that the two companies offer to the bariatric professional community and patients, including:
- Covidien’s innovative endomechanical surgical devices used in concert with Allergan’s advanced gastric banding system to provide bariatric surgeons with state-of-the-art technology;
- Extensive product-based in-servicing and operating room support for bariatric surgeons across the country, provided by Covidien’s and Allergan’s highly trained sales forces;
- Widespread consumer programs focused on educating the public about morbid obesity and its correlation to life-threatening diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and about the need for and availability of surgical treatment options;
- Collaboration with leading bariatric surgeons to advance single-incision adjustable gastric banding procedures using Covidien’s groundbreaking devices for SILSTM;
- Covidien’s and Allergan’s bariatric practice support programs, which have helped surgical practices nationwide achieve Center of Excellence certification and implement best practices;
- Professional training in basic LAP-BAND System procedures and the newer SILS technique, co-sponsored by Covidien and Allergan.
ABOUT THE LAP-BAND SYSTEM
The LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved adjustable gastric band for use in weight reduction. With more than 550,000 LAP-BAND Systems sold worldwide, this reversible surgically implanted device has safely helped severely obese adults achieve and maintain long-term weight loss. The LAP-BAND System is approved for use with severely obese adults (those with a Body Mass Index [BMI] of 40 or more) or with adults who have a BMI of at least 35, along with at least one severe obesity-related health condition, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension or asthma. The LAP-BAND AP® System, launched in 2007, is the latest addition to the LAP-BAND System family. The LAP-BAND AP System incorporates the proprietary 360º OMNIFORM® technology and offers reliability based on advanced technology and proven performance.
IMPORTANT LAP-BAND SAFETY INFORMATION
Indications: The LAP-BAND System is indicated for use in weight reduction for severely obese patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40, or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe comorbid conditions, or those who are 100 lbs. or more over their estimated ideal weight.
Contraindications: The LAP-BAND System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results (e.g., inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, cirrhosis) who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, who have alcohol or drug addictions or who currently are or may be pregnant.
Warnings: The LAP-BAND System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition, may require deflation of their bands.
Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.
Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body.
Band slippage, erosion and deflation, reflux, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required.
Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.
Important: For full safety information, please visit www.lapband.com, talk with your doctor or call Allergan Product Support at 1-800-624-4261.
CAUTION: Rx only.
ABOUT COVIDIEN
Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures, distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading product lines in three segments: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies. With 2009 revenue in excess of $10 billion, Covidien has 42,000 employees worldwide in more than 60 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.
Source: Covidien
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