Allergan, a world-leading pharmaceutical company, is the creator of Latisse and Botox. It also recently acquired Zeltiq, the makers of CoolSculpting. The company certainly has an edge, and a recent news report on CNN explains why: it’s all about their ability to find new uses for their current products.
Latisse, the eyelash growth drug, is a perfect example. Latisse is actually the same formula as the company’s treatment for glaucoma, Lumigan. Lumigan users found that while the drug did treat their glaucoma, it also had an interesting side effect: longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. Allergan embraced this side effect and repackaged the same formula for cosmetic use, as a treatment for inadequate or not enough eyelashes (hypotrichosis). Sales of Latisse (not Lumigan) expect to surpass $500 million.
And Botox is another product that the company consistently finds new uses for. From wrinkles to spasticity, migraines to hyperhidrosis, what else will Botox be able to treat? The future is bright, and we’re looking forward to seeing what other cosmetic uses are discovered to fight the signs of aging.
Is it any wonder that Allergan invests millions of dollars into research and development?