Actavis Pharmaceutical, formerly known as Watson Pharmaceuticals, is a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry. It became widely known for its production of both branded and generic medications. Actavis has undergone significant changes over the years, including mergers and acquisitions that have expanded its reach and capabilities in the pharmaceutical market.
Key Historical Developments
- Foundation and Early Growth:
- Watson Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1983 and quickly grew through a series of acquisitions, establishing a strong presence in the generic drug market.
- Rebranding to Actavis:
- In 2012, Watson Pharmaceuticals acquired Actavis Group, a leading generic drug manufacturer, and subsequently rebranded itself as Actavis to reflect its expanded global presence.
- Acquisition of Allergan:
- In 2015, Actavis acquired Allergan, a major pharmaceutical company known for its branded products, including Botox. Following this acquisition, Actavis adopted the Allergan name to leverage the strong brand recognition associated with Allergan’s products.
Operations and Products
Actavis, now operating under the Allergan name, offers a broad range of pharmaceutical products, including:
- Generic Medications: Actavis is known for its extensive portfolio of generic drugs, which includes treatments across various therapeutic areas such as cardiology, oncology, gastroenterology, and more.
- Branded Medications: Post the Allergan acquisition, the company also markets several well-known branded drugs, including cosmetic products like Botox, as well as treatments for conditions like chronic dry eye (Restasis) and irritable bowel syndrome (Viberzi).
Research and Development
Actavis has invested significantly in research and development, aiming to bring both new generic versions of existing drugs to market as well as developing novel medications. This dual focus allows the company to maintain a strong pipeline of products that address a wide range of medical needs.
Global Presence
The company operates globally, with manufacturing and distribution facilities in various countries. Its broad international presence ensures that it can meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers around the world, while also maintaining competitive pricing and accessibility for its products.
Recent Developments
- Generics and Specialty Pharmaceuticals: Actavis continues to be a leading force in the generics market while also expanding its specialty pharmaceutical offerings.
- Innovations: The company has been active in developing biosimilars, which are biologic medical products highly similar to already approved biological medicines, to provide more treatment options at lower costs.
Conclusion
Actavis Pharmaceutical, now known as Allergan, remains a significant entity in the pharmaceutical industry, known for its comprehensive range of products and its commitment to both innovation and accessibility. The company’s strategic acquisitions and rebranding efforts have positioned it as a formidable competitor in both the generic and branded pharmaceutical markets.