Allergan Inc., the $3-billion US-based pharma major, has set up its research and development centre here to undertake global R&D projects in ophthalmology, neurology and urology.
As part of its worldwide R&D operations, Allergan Pharamceutical Development Centre India Ltd will focus on therapies such as inflammatory and infective conditions of the eye, especially in retina, movement disorders and urological symptoms."The Indian centre will be our fourth R&D facility worldwide, with the other three operating in the US (California), Britain (London) and Australia (Sydney). A team of 15 clinical research and data management personnel will take up the projects to develop innovative treatments for patients in the subcontinent and the world over," Allergan managing director for R&D Scott M. Whitcup told reporters here Wednesday.
With 17-18 percent of the company's revenue spent on research activities annually, Allergan will work with other researchers and doctors in select public and private hospitals across the country to conduct clinical trials in opthalmology and neurosciences.
"The headcount will be doubled in the next 24 months to extend the scope of clinical trials in the areas of dermatology, gastroenterology, obesity and urology. As the research projects are conducted on a long-term basis, we have set a timeline of 12-18 months for product development by the Bangalore centre," Whitcup said, but declined to spell out investment amounts.
The R&D centre will also coordinate the various trials the company has been conducting in Chennai, Hyderabad and Madurai for eye diseases such as glaucoma and retina vascular defects.
Allergan has also been active in India with 35 products marketed through its distribution network. It has set up a joint venture with Nicholas Piramal at Pitambar in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to manufacture some of the drugs. Other products are shipped from its global plants at Waco in Texas and West Port in Ireland.
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