Allergan expands neurotoxin pipeline with Anterios acquisition

Allergan announced in a press release the acquisition of Anterios, a biopharmaceutical company developing a next generation neurotoxin delivery system and botulinum toxin-based prescription products.

Allergan agreed to an upfront payment of $90 million, and commercialization milestone payments related to NDS, Anterios’ proprietary platform delivery system that allows for targeted delivery of neurotoxins through the skin without an injection, according to the release.

Allergan also acquired the global rights to ANT-1207, an investigational topical formulation botulinum toxin type A in development for potentially treating hyperhidrosis, acne, and crow's feet lines, the release reported.

The acquisition will bolster Allergan’s neurotoxin pipeline, which includes Botox Cosmetic (onbotulinumtoxinA) in development for treatment of forehead lines, masseter hypertrophy and platysma bands, and Botox Therapeutic, which is in development for treating osteoarthritis and depression, according to the release.

"The potential for a novel delivery system like NDS and a new topical neurotoxin is exciting for the medical dermatology and aesthetic communities, given that our patients are seeking non-invasive approaches to treat their dermatologic and aesthetic conditions," William Coleman, III, MD, clinical professor of dermatology and adjunct professor of plastic surgery, Tulane Health Science Center. "Offering products that provide an enhanced delivery mechanism and an effective topical formulation to today's injectable botulinum toxin products would be an important advance for our specialty."

"Allergan has a long history in dermatology and aesthetics, a deep commercial and development network across these professional communities, and a strong commitment to innovation,” Jon Edelson, MD, CEO and founder of Anterios, said in the release. “They were the natural fit for us as we sought a partner to take our NDS platform technology and ANT-1207 program to the next stage of development and eventual commercialization.”

Reference: www.allergan.com