Allergan, a global pharmaceutical company, acquired Topokine Therapeutics, developer of XAF5 topical element for steatoblepharon, or bags under the eyes.

In the purchase, Topokine Therapeutics received a payment of $85 million. XAF5 sinks into the skin to shrink under eye bags, which can make the face look old, sad, tired or stressed.

“The acquisition of Topokine and its XAF5 technology adds an innovative technology to Allergan’s industry leading mid-to-late stage pipeline of more than 70 programs and bolsters our leadership in medical aesthetics,” David Nicholson, executive vice president and president, global brands research & development at Allergan, says in a media release from Allergan.

“XAF5 has the potential to be the first topical fat reduction product for the treatment of steatoblepharon, a condition with no current therapeutic options available to patients. We look forward to continuing the outstanding development work conducted by the Topokine team to bring this innovative medical aesthetic treatment to market,” he adds.

Steatoblepharon affects men and women and can cause psychosocial distress, according to the release.

“Physicians and their patients have been seeking an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment option to address under eye bags where current treatment options are limited,” Jeffrey Dover, MD, FRCPC, a board certified dermatologist and director of SkinCare Physicians, states in the release. “Adding a topical treatment that physicians could offer to their patients would be an important step forward in the treatment of steatoblepharon.”

[Source(s): Allergan, PR Newswire]