Combination drug gets nod in European Union

Irvine, CA-The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended that the European Commission approve Ganfort, Allergan's bimatoprost (Lumigan)/timolol ophthalmic solution combination product for glaucoma. The CHMP opinion serves as the basis for a European Commission approval, which is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2006.

The drug is indicated for reduction of IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who have insufficient response to topical beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogues. As a combination product, it is designed to boost compliance.

"We are very pleased to have received this positive opinion for Ganfort in the European Union and to present physicians and their patients with this latest advance in combination therapy for the treatment of glaucoma," said Scott Whitcup, MD, Allergan's executive vice president, research & development.