Catalin, a product originally from Takeda Chemical Industry, Japan, is manufactured by the Biddle Sawyer group of companies, now part of Glaxo India.

Sources at Glaxo India said that the decision to tie-up with Allergan for Catalin was in in view of their partner's dominance/specialisation in the field of ophthalmology. When contacted Allergan India director (operations) KT Rajan confirmed the arrangement.

Catalin, which is used to treat cataract (primary, senile and diabetic), costs roughly Rs 129 per pack.

Industry experts say that while Catalin delays cataract formation, operations continue to be the preferred route to check this condition in India. The product registered sales of approximately Rs 1.25 crore in 1999, though analysts expect the arrangement with Allergan to significantly improve the numbers.

"Allergan is a market leader both in the segment of phacomulsification machines as well as intra-ocular lenses with products like Epoch, AMO etc. Its field force reaches around 6,500 ophthalmologists all over the country, so it certainly should improve brand focus," an analyst with a foreign brokerage said.

The latest deal is significant given that Allergan has a joint venture (JV) with Nicholas Piramal. The venture currently manufactures its products at Nicholas Piramal's Pithampur facility in Madhya Pradesh, based on technology transferred from Allergan's US parent company. Allergan had, in the recent past, acquired two brands - Albucid and Genticyn - from Nicholas Piramal and is reportedly on the lookout for more brand acquisitions.