Allergan Q2 sales up 3.2%

IRVINE, Calif. — Allergan (NYSE: AGN) today announced second quarter 2001 worldwide sales of $417.2 million, an increase of 3.2%, or 7.9% at constant currency, over the second quarter of 2000.

Second quarter worldwide eye care pharmaceutical sales increased 7.7% from the year ago period to $181 million, including the effects of currency. Worldwide net product sales for the glaucoma drug Alphagan (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2%) increased 1.6% to $57.3 million in the second quarter of 2001. Year-to-date worldwide net product sales for the newer glaucoma drug Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%) were $9.6 million. Since its U.S. introduction, Lumigan has reached a 17.3% market share, according to Allergan executives.

Ophthalmic surgical sales were $65.7 million, fairly even with the same period in 2000 ($65.1 million). Among the highlights for the ophthalmic surgical sales division was the Japanese approval of the Sensar acrylic foldable IOL.

Contact lens sales decreased 8% to $75.4 million. However, worldwide net product sales for the company's Complete brand solutions for soft contact lens care increased to $35.1 million, a 19% increase in constant currency.

At constant currency rates, sales for the 6 months ended June 29, 2001, grew to $65 million, up 8.3% from the comparable year-ago period. Including the impact of currency, sales for the first 6 months were $813.3 million, a 4.2% increase over the $780.3 million reported for the comparable period in 2000.

David E.I. Pyott, Allergan's chairman, president and chief executive officer, believes the second half of the year will be equally strong for Allergan, with the planned U.S. launch of Alphagan P among the highlights.

Shares of Allergan closed at $69 yesterday, off $2.08.