Allergan sets up Pharma R&D centre

Bangalore, Aug 8 (UNI) The US-based pharma major Allergan today announced its foray into India by opening its Pharmaceutical Development Centre in the city.

Talking to newspersons here, Company Executive Vice President Scott M Whitcup said the centre would focus on implementing global pharmaceutical research and development projects that the company will conduct in India.

The centre would initially focus on therapies in areas such as inflammatory and infective conditions of the eye including the back of the eye conditions, movement disorders and urological indications, he said.

Answering a question, Mr Whitcup said the company would spend three to five millions dollars in India in the next few years, to spread its presence.

Company Head in India, Dr Raman Shetty, who was also present, said the centre would allow close scientific collaboration with leading researchers and medical professionals in India. ''Our goal is to develop new and innovative treatments that will benefit patients in India and rest of the world,'' he added.

Dr Shetty said the centre would have a staff size of 15 clinical research and Data Management personnels and was also expected to double its size within two years. The centre would be a part of Allergan's Europe and Asia R and D organisations which employ 125 people, he added.

UNI