Allergan Wants 100 Workers for Research Venture

Allergan Inc. expects to hire about 100 scientists and support personnel for a research venture that it plans to spin off this year, the company’s new chief executive said Thursday.

The Irvine drug and eye care company plans to hire the additional employees over the next several years to staff the proposed company, chief executive David Pyott said in a press conference. Pyott, formerly with Switzerland-based drug mega-giant Novartis, joined Allergan on Jan. 1.

The new venture would focus on developing treatments for cancer, psoriasis, glaucoma and acne.

If the spinoff plan is approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the new company would operate out of Allergan’s corporate headquarters and contract with Allergan for the employees’ services.

Last fall, the company announced plans to create the venture as a way to give shareholders an opportunity to own two distinct types of companies--one immediately engaged in production and sale of drugs and therapies, and the other involved in long-term research and development.