The Hindu Business Line : Allergan looks to launch wrinkle smoothner in ’09

Bangalore, Dec. 6 Allergan India, flush from an encouraging market response for its flagship neuro/dermatology product Botox, says it is getting ready to bring in a second skin rejuvenating item, Juvederm, in 2009, and an eyelash growth promoting prescription product in 2010.

Skin fillers are a popular age-defying agent in the West. Juvederm has been lined up for Indian regulatory approval. With a green signal coming, it could be launched across big cities around the first quarter of 2009, according to Mr Rajeev Nagi, Allergan India’s Director (Sales and Marketing), Medical Aesthetics & Neurosciences.

Medical aesthetics or cosmetic products are a focus area for Allergan, a company well-known for eyecare products. While the wrinkle smoothening Juvederm injection will complement Botox shots in India, the parent is awaiting US regulatory clearance for the patented eyelash growth product bimatoprost; this will take on the global mascara market estimated at $3.7 billion annually and generate $500 million a year from peak global sales

Mr Nagi said, “Juvederm will be launched in the country early next year. We are very excited and getting ready to launch it. We plan to make it the world’s No.1 skin filler brand in two years.”

Allergan India draws nearly 80 per cent of its Rs 100-crore-plus revenue from ophthalmic and therapeutic non-skin products. In November, the company tied up with the 68-outlet Kaya Skin Clinic to promote Botox through an unprecedented sub-brand, Botox@Kaya. Juvederm may get a similar push across plastic surgeons, dermatologists and beauty clinics.

Botox market

Mr Nagi said the current Indian Botox market, at 25,000 procedures a year and growing at 50 per cent since regulatory approval in 2006 for cosmetic use, was just the tip of the iceberg. The blockbuster has surpassed $1 billion in global sales or 25 per cent of the parent’s total 2007 revenue.

It is the therapeutic use of Botox for patients of cerebral palsy, movement disorder and post-stroke spasticity that gives credibility and generates half the sales, Mr Nagi said. Allergan looks at Botox, said to be the world’s No. 1 non-surgical skin procedure, as a full portfolio in itself. The company is testing its use in incontinence, migraine and more symptoms.

More Stories on : Outlook | Personal Products

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
New tube lights from Surya Roshni

M&M opts for partial closure due to demand slowdown

Foreign convertible bonds buyback with rupee resources allowed

Apollo declares lockout in Kalamassery unit

Allergan looks to launch wrinkle smoothner in ’09

FACT devises new system to produce major fertiliser

GVK Power set to acquire two power projects

Auto cos see no major boost to demand