Headlines

$200M Expansion of Eyecare Drug Plant Called Off

The factory produces Restasis.

Published

5 years ago

November 14, 2018

Allergan has called off plans for a $200 million expansion of its pharmaceutical plant in Waco, TX, which produces eyecare drugs.

Plans announced in 2016 had called for adding 322,000 square feet and 250 jobs, the Waco Tribune reports. Local governments were ready to provide incentives worth $4 million.

Allergan produces Restasis, a treatment for dry eye, in Waco. FiercePharma reports: “Because of a court ruling last year striking down its patents, the company expects to face generic competition soon, perhaps this year.”

Allergan told media outlets in a statement: “As part of Allergan’s commitment to operational excellence, we are focused on improving efficiencies at our global manufacturing sites, including Waco. This commitment, coupled with the expected loss of exclusivity for Restasis in 2018, has shifted our priority from expanding the Waco site to investing significantly in our existing operations.”

The Waco Tribune also quoted a spokeswoman saying the company “remains committed to our eye care business and operations in Waco.”

Read more at the Waco Tribune

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