Aesthetic Solutions Improve Well-Being

Q: What are the benefits of the Growth Pharma model?

A: The healthcare sector is in a transformative moment and pharma models need to evolve with the sector. AbbVie’s acquisition of Allergan is one of the main examples of this, and of the Growth Pharma model. The acquisition, completed in May, will allow us to strengthen our leadership position in the industry and approach healthcare in a better way. Allergan will continue to work independently, but supported by the new conditions brought about by this acquisition. This synergy gives us greater R&D capacity. We can now address more than 60 health conditions because, together with AbbVie, we represent more than 30 brands. This allows us to widen our reach and work closely with local governments. In Mexico, for example, we want to be a support for the government and work as allies.

Q: How does Allergan ensure it remains at the forefront of innovation?

A: We invest a great deal in our R&D area. We are very focused on development, which has allowed us to deliver quick and constant innovation. Allergan is always researching solutions that help doctors to help their patients. We conduct surveys among doctors and patients to understand the market’s needs and develop adequate solutions.

Allergan was founded in 1948. It arrived in Mexico in 1970 and since then, we have been pioneers in the development of many products, including Botulinum toxin, which allowed us to gain strength and leadership in the market. As a result, we were able to deliver more solutions in the aesthetic area, such as hyaluronic acid facial fillers and body fat reduction solutions. Now that we are part of AbbVie, we hope to boost our operations in the country.

Q: What products will Allergan launch in the short term?

A: Our upcoming launches include products for the facial market, eyelashes, breast implants and body fat reducers. These are our main strengths in the market and we are constantly updating and improving these products as we work alongside doctors, who are our main clients and our reason for growth. Through them, we are able to deliver these innovative solutions to patients in Mexico and the rest of the world.

Mexico has a slower launch rate due to the sanitary registration process, but our mission is always to release our global products in the country.

Q: How have your products and solutions been received in the Mexican market?

A: The reception has been very positive but there is still a great deal of opportunity. The aesthetic sector in Mexico is growing and although the country faces many challenges regarding healthcare, beauty remains an important segment. There are many studies that show that beauty and aesthetics have a direct impact on health. This is also true in Mexico. Allergan is the leader in this regard, delivering double-digit growth each year. We see great potential in Mexico.

Q: What challenges has Allergan faced in Mexico?

A: When we compare our growth numbers in Mexico to the US or Europe, the country is still in its early adoption stages. There are still many myths and a great deal of ignorance regarding this side of healthcare. Our mission is to continue providing information and introducing beauty and the other side of well-being to the country because we know it has a positive impact on people’s lives.

Q: What is Mexico’s contribution to Allergan and AbbVie’s global operations?

A: Mexico is one of Allergan’s main markets. It is a priority market for both AbbVie and Allergan because of its potential, its qualified doctors and the number of patients, we could help with our products and services. Our products already are leaders globally, and they have shown a consistent growth potential in the country

Q: How has Allergan adapted to the changes in Mexico’s political climate?

A: Each government comes with changes and unique characteristics, which we are used to. Allergan is always open to dialogue with the government and to working together. We are always looking to understand the regulatory authorities so we can adapt and deliver our solutions to the market in the fastest way possible.

Q: How has COVID-19 impacted your operations in the country?

A: Our traditional business model involves many social contacts and presential activities, so we had to reinvent that. Everything migrated to a remote and digital approach and the impact has been abrupt.

AbbVie and Allergan united their expertise to come up with strategies to communicate with our employees and our clients. We knew we had to provide support for doctors and clinics as they have been struggling with limited income. We decided to share with them the company’s experience in different parts of the world. Additionally, we suggested tools on how to approach their patients and maintain close contact with them.

Internally, all employees who could work from home were sent home. We have been offering personal support and finding flexible solutions, while remaining understanding of everyone’s situation while they are at home. 

Q: What are the near-term goals for Allergan Mexico?

A: We want to become an even stronger partner for doctors in Mexico. We are an innovative company that has always worked alongside doctors so it is key to continue supporting them. Allergan and AbbVie are committed to growing in Mexico and we look forward to working with the government and health authorities to support patients in the best and fastest way possible.

Allergan plc, acquired by AbbVie in May 2020, is a pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets brand name drugs and medical devices in the areas of medical aesthetics, eye care, central nervous system and gastroenterology