Bioglan and Allergan Announce ZORAC Collaboration.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--April 15, 1999--

Bioglan Pharma Plc (London Stock Exchange and Irish Stock Exchange: BGP) and Allergan (NYSE:AGN) today announced the formation of a long term marketing, sales and development partnership to commercialise Allergan's novel proprietary psoriasis compound, tazarotene (ZORAC(R)) in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and other international markets, including certain countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bioglan will commercialise ZORAC(R) gel for psoriasis and other future dermatological indications in the territory, and has been granted rights to further develop and commercialise other ZORAC(R) dosage forms. Specifically, Bioglan receives exclusive development, registration and commercialisation rights in selected European and international markets. In exchange, Allergan receives upfront fees, royalty income on ZORAC(R) net sales, and the rights, in Allergan's territory, to market any improvements to tazarotene developed by Bioglan.

"We are delighted by the prospect of this collaboration with Allergan. ZORAC(R) represents a major step forward in the treatment of psoriasis, and is already available for marketing in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland and South Africa. ZORAC(R) gel complements our existing line of dermatological products, including the SYNALAR(R) and METOSYN(R) line of topical corticosteroid brands acquired from Zeneca last year for a number of international markets," said Terry Sadler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bioglan Pharma Plc. "We also feel that Bioglan's drug delivery expertise may help to enhance the opportunities for the use of tazarotene in other dermatological conditions."

"We are particularly pleased to be partnering with Bioglan Pharma as their market presence and recognized technological expertise in the dermatological field will enable Allergan to further its strategy of expanding ZORAC's(R) commercial success throughout Europe," said David E.I. Pyott, President and Chief Executive Officer of Allergan. "As we continue in our efforts to diligently execute against a focused dermatology strategy directed towards the North American market, Allergan will seek out relationships with innovative companies such as Bioglan Pharma with a focus of gaining access to proprietary skin care technology and establishing an outlet for our dermatology pipeline outside of North America."

Bioglan Pharma Plc is a fully integrated pharmaceutical company with activities in development, manufacture, and marketing a range of pharmaceutical products. Its principal therapeutic focus is on prescription dermatologicals. Bioglan also has a range of novel drug delivery systems for the delivery of compounds onto, through, and under the skin. Based in Hitchin in the United Kingdom, Bioglan has operating companies in various European countries and the USA. Bioglan markets its products in over 100 countries worldwide. (Note: Bioglan is a trademark of the Bioglan Group of companies.)

Allergan, headquartered in Irvine, California, is a technology-driven, global health care company, providing eye care and specialty pharmaceutical products worldwide. Allergan develops and commercialises 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

Except for historical information, this news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ based on a number of factors including ZORAC(R) and other product performance, the efficacy of use of ZORAC(R) in combination with corticosteroids, competitive products and competitive conditions, the success of licensees and marketing partners and programs, changing market conditions, uncertainty of future financial results and fluctuations in operating results, dependence on the companies' acquisition strategies, new product introductions and, currency exchange and other risks described from time to time in the companies' SEC and London and Irish Stock Exchange filings. These forward-looking statements represent the judgment of the companies as of the date of this release. The reader is cautioned not to rely upon these forward-looking statements and the companies disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.