In a major business initiative to leverage the Indian clinical research capabilities, Allergan India Pvt Ltd., the ophthalmic major, is turning into a facilitator for clinical trials in the country for its parent company Allergan Inc. of the US. A three-year clinical study for an Inflammation control drug is on at four leading eye care centres in India.

For Allergan Inc., the Indian clinical trial advantages are an easy access to naïve patient pool, availability of medical expertise and modern eye care infrastructure.

The Indian arm is now assisting its parent company to capitalize the Indian clinical trial expertise, Yatin Samant, managing director, Allergan India told Pharmabiz.

The clinical trial initiative could be followed up by contract R&D going by India's ability to offer quality and efficient research besides economies of scale that makes considerable business sense for the parent company.

The decade-old Allergan India was formed after a joint venture between Nicholas Piramal India (NPI) and Allergan Inc. The Indian sales and marketing arm deals with around 40 brands, which are from its global portfolio and R&D pipeline. The NPI is the company's preferred source of product manufacture. All products are manufactured at its unit in Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh.

With an objective to meet specific eye disease management needs, Allergan India is also engaged in product development for the national and Asia Pacific markets through NPI. Around 10 drugs have been introduced through this effort and many more expected in the future, stated Samant.

In early 2006 three products: NSAID ( non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), glaucoma and anti-infective were introduced. A three- year strategic plan supports Allergan India's new drug launches.

The ophthalmic segment in India has 69 companies competing in the Rs 400 crore market. Allergan is the only dedicated ophthalmic player in the country having the largest presence with a market share of 16 to 18 per cent. Other leading companies are Cipla, Sun Pharma and FDC. In terms of market leadership, drugs for Glaucoma, dry eyes, steroids and NSAIDs hold the sway for Allergan. In the dry eye category, 'Tear Plus' is the largest sold pure ophthalmic product.

Allergan India is unaffected by excise duty on MRP and is confident to do well going by its prescription success. Even an acquisition is definitely not on the cards to supplement its business operations, stated Samant.

The present focus for the Rs. 100 crore company, which is growing at 16 per cent, is to consolidate its presence. Strengths in innovation, ability to market science and provide international quality products at Indian prices are the key differentiators of Allergan India.

Through a strong-skilled sales force, Allergan India is also engaged in awareness drives on disease management through patient education.