Allergan Launches First EU Public Awareness & Education Campaign on the Importance of Quality in Medical Aesthetics

MARLOW, England, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Allergan today announces the European launch of their landmark public awareness and education initiative highlighting the importance of quality in medical aesthetics. In the aftermath of the recent Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) breast implant scandal, consumers and healthcare practitioners have taken an increased interest in manufacturing standards and product safety within the medical aesthetics industry. As the leading manufacturer of breast implants and facial injectable products, Allergan has taken the initiative to develop this first-of-its-kind communications campaign designed to educate both consumers and healthcare practitioners about the importance of quality when making choices in medical aesthetics. The 'Quality is Key' campaign will be rolled out across eight European countries, with the aim of guiding over 150,000 conversations between consumers interested in medical aesthetics procedures and their healthcare practitioner.

"Product quality, more than any other feature, should be the key differentiating factor when healthcare practitioners make product choices with their patients regarding medical aesthetics procedures", says Douglas S. Ingram, President of Allergan EAME. "Scandals like PIP, while rare, risk a loss of confidence in the integrity of the medical aesthetics industry and the products used for aesthetic procedures. Empowering healthcare practitioners and consumers to make choices about the products they use based on quality will help avoid another scandal like PIP happening again. That is where our 'Quality is Key' campaign comes in. The campaign is designed to arm both the patient and the healthcare practitioner with objective information about product and manufacturing quality so they can have a meaningful consultation that centres around why quality matters."

The 'Quality is Key' campaign consists of a variety of tools and resources for consumers interested in medical aesthetics, including five key questions to drive informed conversations with healthcare practitioners. By seeking answers to these questions from their chosen consultant, patients can feel more confident that they are choosing the best quality procedures and products. Simultaneously, Allergan are working with healthcare practitioners across Europe to provide them with the facts, information and tools they need to confidently address patients' concerns.

Dr Nigel Mercer, former President of BAAPS (The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) says "I believe this campaign has come at a crucial time, and I strongly feel that a good quality consultation is the foundation of every successful medical aesthetic procedure. The tools being put together for this campaign are a welcome aid to help patients ask the right questions of their healthcare practitioner are better able to have a meaningful conversation about so that together they can make a confident, informed choice."

Allergan, along with experts from the medical aesthetics industry, have prepared five questions that are designed to highlight whether a company producing medical aesthetics products is committed to quality. These questions have been structured to help a consumer understand more about the products and how they are manufactured, what sort of investment the company has made to understanding these products, and what level of commitment the company has to quality control, as well as research and development.

1. Which brands of products do you use, and why?

When it comes to quality, not all aesthetic products are the same. Understanding how they may differ is important and something to discuss with your practitioner.

2. Has the product been extensively tested and researched?

Aesthetic products should be backed by science and have a proven track record, so make certain you ask about the information available that supports the product's safety and effectiveness.

3. Is the manufacturer one you trust, and why?

You only want the best for your body. Learn more about the heritage, quality and reputation of the company who makes the product.

4. How widely is the product used around the world?

Confidence comes with knowledge and experience. Find out more about the product's use by patients and practitioners around the world.

5. How satisfied are your patients with the results?

To receive the product that best meets your needs, explain the result you want to achieve and ask to see other patients' outcomes.

"We believe it is vital to ensure consumers considering a medical aesthetic procedure are given as much information and support as possible in choosing the right product, the right procedure and indeed the right healthcare practitioner to suit their individual needs", says Sally Taber, Director of the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services and Director of the Department of Health backed register of regulated injectable providers called Treatments You Can Trust. "When done well, a cosmetic procedure can be a positive, life enhancing experience, but it's important to remember that these are still medical procedures and should be approached with consideration and care".

The five key questions are available to download from http://www.qualityiskey.com, along with other useful resources to help guide consumers who are considering a medical aesthetic procedure.

About Allergan

Allergan is a multi‐specialty health care company established more than 60 years ago with a commitment to uncover the best of science and develop and deliver innovative and meaningful treatments to help people reach their life's potential. Today, we have more than 10,000 highly dedicated and talented employees, global marketing and sales capabilities with a presence in more than 100 countries, a rich and ever‐evolving portfolio of pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices and over‐the‐counter consumer products, and state‐of‐the‐art resources in R&D, manufacturing and safety surveillance that help millions of patients see more clearly, move more freely and express themselves more fully. From our beginnings as an eye care company to our focus today on several medical specialties, including eye care, neurosciences, medical aesthetics, medical dermatology, breast aesthetics, obesity intervention and urologics, Allergan is proud to celebrate more than 60 years of medical advances and proud to support the patients and physicians who rely on our products and the employees and communities in which we live and work.

Forward‐Looking Statement

This press release contains "forward‐looking statements", including but not limited to the statements by Doug Ingram , Mr Nigel Mercer and Sally Taber. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Allergan's expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, general industry and pharmaceutical market conditions; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in the research and development and regulatory processes; challenges related to new product marketing, such as the unpredictability of market acceptance for new pharmaceutical products and/or the acceptance of new indications for such products; inconsistency of treatment results among patients; potential difficulties in manufacturing a new product; general economic conditions; and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors can be found in press releases issued by Allergan, as well as Allergan's public periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Risk Factors" in Allergan's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10‐K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10‐Q.