Allergan India Pvt. Ltd. has strengthened its portfolio for glaucoma drugs with nine presentations. The latest products are Combigan (brimonidine tartrate/timolol maleate) and GanForte (Brimatoprost & Timolol).

The company which is a dedicated ophthalmic major has a broad range of drugs including Non steroidal anti inflammatory, dry eye, glaucoma, anti infectives, steroids and anti allergy conditions.

"We are known for our products in glaucoma, dry eyes and anti fungal segment," states Raghu Kumar, managing director, Allergan India Pvt. Ltd.

About 18 million people are getting affected with eye problems in India. Glaucoma is second only to cataract as the main cause of blindness in people over 40 years of age which increases Allergan's interests to focus on Glaucoma product range.

The introduction made in 2007 to treat Glaucoma included Combigan which is an alpha adrenergic receptor agonist with a beta adrenergic receptor inhibitor, for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension who require adjunctive or replacement therapy due to inadequately controlled IOP.

Among the other products for Glaucoma includes Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03 per cent and Alphagan P (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 0.1 per cent and 0.15 per cent.

With regards to Combigan, there is a well documented safety and efficacy data with the company which indicates that the drug has provided relief. Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma; nonetheless, lowering elevated IOP can slow the progression of the disease and help prevent further vision loss. Advanced IOP is a leading risk factor for glaucoma, and the only risk factor that can currently be treated with Combigan, according to ophthalmic care providers.

While Refresh Tears is the flagship brand going by the its efficacy and popularity to control dry eyes condition which is fast catching up because of computer dependent work environment and tropical climate conditions. Gauging the potential of the dry eyes market, the company has introduced by Optive which is a new generation tear control product.

The Bangalore-based Allergan India which commenced operations in 1996 holds a leadership status in the ophthalmology market in India which is valued at Rs 450 crore with 69 companies in the business including Sun Pharma, FDC, Cipla and Micro Labs. The Indian operation 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.

In early August 2007, the company set up the sets up Pharmaceutical Development Centre at an investment of $ 5 million which will be part of the Allergan's Europe and Asia R&D.