Allergan takes legal action over licence

Osaka-based Santen Pharmaceutical has said that the Californian company, which is the licensee of Daiichi Pharmaceutical and Santen Pharmaceutical for ophthalmic preparations containing a patented compound ofloxacin, has filed a complaint in the US against Santen and named Daiichi. The complaint includes allegations that Santen is planning to market ophthalmic preparations containing levofloxacin, and that this will infringe Allergan's right pursuant to its licence under the ofloxacin patent. However, Santen has stated it is to continue with its plans to market ophthalmic compounds containing levofloxacin. A spokesman for Santen said the company intended to defend the case 'vigorously'. - Meanwhile, Allergan has announced it is to enter a strategic partnership in Europe, Africa and the Middle East with Allegiance Sante, a subsidiary of Cardinal Health. Under the agreement, Allergan will sell ophthalmic surgical products to Allegiance.