Allergan (NYSE:AGN) expanded its partnership with closely-held Histogen to include exclusive rights to incorporate and commercialize Histogen’s cell conditioned media (CCM) in microdermabrasion therapies along with exclusive rights to new Histogen intellectual property in the aesthetic field.
Allergan believes it can leverage Histogen’s novel intellectual property to develop innovative new skin care product lines in the future.
Since the original partnership in 2017, Allergan’s focus has been incorporating CCM into new products in its SkinMedica line, including TNS Advanced+ Serum, a next-generation version of Allergan’s best-selling, TNS Essential Serum, set for launch in the first half of 2020.
TNS Advanced+ Serum has been clinically proven to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, target dermal sagging and rejuvenate skin, and will be distributed through Allergan’s network of leading health care practitioners (HCPs). Allergan’s HCP-focused SkinMedica business remains the foundation of its skin care business.
During the past year, Allergan also has obtained rights to commercialize CCM through new distribution channels, including digital platforms, such as Amazon’s Professional Beauty storefront, and spas and salons.
“Given Allergan’s commitment to providing differentiated, evidence-based skin care products, we believe this partnership can maximize the potential for our multipotent cell conditioned media in these markets,” Richard Pascoe, chairman and CEO of Histogen, said in a statement. The latest agreement also has enabled Histogen to “strengthen its balance sheet with non-dilutive capital as we look to drive value with our pipeline,” he added.
Earlier this week, Histogen agreed to merge with Conatus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:CNAT) in an all-stock transaction. The combined company is expected to operate under the name, Histogen, and after closing, trade on Nasdaq under the stock symbol, HSTO.
The new company intends to focus on advancing its patented technology for dermatologic and orthopedic indications, including pursuing clinical trials for three key product indications in 2020: hair growth, dermal filler and joint cartilage regeneration.
