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Allergan Settles Over Potential Eyelash Drug

Irvine-based Allergan Inc. logged a win in a battle over what could be its next big medical cosmetic product: a drug that promotes the growth of eyelashes.

The company said it is dropping a lawsuit against San Jose-based Jan Marini Skin Research Inc., a maker of skin care products and one for enhancing eyelashes.

Jan Marini said it will respect Allergan’s patents related to compounds that promote longer eyelashes, according to Allergan.

The company also plans to stop making products that could be considered as infringing on Allergan’s patents.

Lawsuits and potential legal action continue against other companies, according to Allergan.

Last month, Allergan said it plans to file for Food and Drug Administration approval of bimatoprost, the active ingredient in its Lumigan glaucoma drug, to grow eyelashes.

Allergan said it completed a clinical trial that showed bimatoprost, which is part of a family of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, grew eyelashes when applied directly to them.

The company estimates that global peak sales for bimatoprost for eyelash growth could exceed $500 million a year.

Bimatoprost for eyelashes eventually could follow in the path of Allergan’s flagship Botox, which the company turned into what the Wall Street Journal’s called “a cosmetic superstar” after discovering that it temporary reduces wrinkles.

News about the potential eyelash drug come as some are worried about sales of Allergan’s medical cosmetics in a slow economy.

A Citi Investment Research analyst put a “hold” rating on Allegan’s stock Friday, down from “buy.”

Weakness in the economy is hurting sales of Allergan’s wrinkle treatments, including Botox, and those problems could spread to other markets, analyst John Boris wrote.

Shares of Allergan were down slightly in midday New York trading with a market value of about $16 billion.

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