Almirall acquires Allergan’s U.S. dermatology portfolio

Almirall has closed on an agreement to acquire Allergan’s medical dermatology unit in the United States for $550 million. 

The deal, which closed in September, gives Almirall Aczone (dapsone), Tazorac (tazarotene), Azelex (azelaic acid) and Cordran (fludroxycortide), according to a news release. The company also gains a new product, Seysara (sarecycline), a tetracycline-derived antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties to treat moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris in patients ages 9 and older. The FDA may approve Seysara in the fourth quarter of 2018.

“The acquisition of the Allergan medical dermatology portfolio…will reinforce and consolidate our position in the U.S., which represents the largest and most profitable derma market worldwide,” Peter Guenter, Almirall CEO, said in a statement. “Now as we gain critical mass and growth potential in the U.S. dermatology market, it is also the right moment to look at strategic options for our aesthetics business.”

Allergan will continue to support Almirall during the portfolio transition.

Almirall recently rebranded itself, dropping its former name, Aqua Pharmaceuticals.