Our History
Allergan, Inc., with headquarters in Irvine, California, is a technology-driven, global health care company that develops and commercialises speciality pharmaceutical products for the eye care, movement disorder and dermatological markets. In over 100 countries worldwide, Allergan markets products that deliver value to its customers, satisfy unmet medical needs and improve patients' lives.
Founded in 1950, Allergan has approximately 5,000 employees worldwide with 2004 sales of over US$2.0 billion. Allergan is a pioneer in speciality pharmaceutical research, with a strong pipeline of products and technologies related to specific disease areas such as glaucoma, retinal disease, dry eye, pain, movement disorders and retinoid technology platforms with applications in psoriasis, acne, photo-damage, metabolic disease and various types of cancer.
Allergan became a public company in 1970, merged with SmithKline Beckman in 1980 and was re-established as an independent entity in 1989.
In July 2002, the Allergan ophthalmic surgical and contact lens care businesses were spun-off to create a new company, Advanced Medical Optics.
Allergan common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AGN.