Allergan's ALOCRIL Receives FDA Marketing Approval for Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Dec. 13, 1999--

Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN) today announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the marketing of ALOCRIL(TM) (nedocromil sodium ophthalmic solution 2%) indicated for the treatment of itch associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Allergan expects to launch the product by March, 2000.

Clinical studies demonstrated that ALOCRIL(TM) provides effective treatment for itch due to allergic conjunctivitis. ALOCRIL(TM) has been shown to inhibit mediator release from mast cells as well as decreasing chemotaxis and decreasing activation of other cell types. In addition, the drug's safety profile allows it to be used on children three years and older.

"The approval of ALOCRIL(TM) provides an important new option for the treatment of a common ocular disorder," said Dr. Lester J. Kaplan, Corporate Vice President and President, Research and Development. "This technology provides Allergan with an opportunity to further penetrate a rapidly growing segment of the ophthalmic market."

Allergan, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, California, is a technology-driven, global health care company providing eye care and specialty pharmaceutical products worldwide. Allergan develops and commercializes products in the eye care pharmaceutical, ophthalmic surgical device, over-the-counter contact lens care, movement disorder, and dermatological markets that deliver value to our customers, satisfy unmet medical needs and improve patients' lives.

Forward-looking Statements

Any of the above statements that refer to Allergan's estimated or anticipated future results or product performance are forward-looking and reflect the company's current analysis of existing trends and information. Actual results may differ from current expectations based on a number of factors affecting Allergan's businesses, such as changing market conditions, competitive conditions, and, in particular, the uncertainty of market acceptance of ALOCRIL(TM). In addition, matters generally affecting the economy, such as interest and currency exchange rate fluctuations, the state of the economy worldwide, and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations, including healthcare reform, can affect Allergan's results. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgement only as part of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from expectations reflected in this release. As a result, the reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Additional information concerning these factors can be found in other press releases as well as in the company's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Certain Factors and Trends Affecting Allergan and Its Businesses" in the company's 1998 Form 10-K and in its 1999 Form 10-Qs. These filings are available publicly and upon request from Allergan's Investor Relations Department: 714/246-4636 or on the Internet at http://www.allergan.com.