Allergan Launches Open Letter to Congress to Kick-Off the 2011 C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign

IRVINE, Calif., June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) today announced the launch of the second phase of its C.H.O.I.C.E. (Choosing Health over Obesity Inspiring Change through Empowerment) Campaign, a multi-faceted national public advocacy campaign that calls for a dual commitment to obesity prevention and treatment and acceptance of all effective treatments, including weight-loss surgery. This year's C.H.O.I.C.E. program begins with an Open Letter campaign, which urges Congress to acknowledge obesity as a disease and support legislation to ensure access to all effective treatments, including weight-loss surgery. The Open Letter is co-sponsored by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to giving a voice to those affected by obesity. Consumers, healthcare professionals, medical societies and advocacy groups are encouraged to sign the Open Letter, which will be hand delivered to Congress later this year. The following organizations have already signed the Open Letter to show their support for this important cause: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The COSHAR Foundation, the National Medical Association and The Obesity Society.

In 2010, Allergan initiated the C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign, of which the cornerstone was an advocacy day in Washington, D.C. During this day, patient advocates and public health experts met with legislators, advocacy organizations and media to drive home the need for stronger acknowledgement of obesity as a disease and greater acceptance of all effective treatments. The C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign is continuing in 2011 due to the stark facts about obesity in America:

• One in three adults - more than 72 million Americans - are affected by obesity.(1)
• Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, second only to smoking.(2)
• The annual cost of overweight and obesity is now projected at $147 billion per year, representing 10 percent of all medical expenses.(3)

Considering the economic and personal cost of obesity, it is clear that people must have access to proven, effective treatments and the C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign will continue to draw attention to these facts and urge for greater action regarding obesity treatment, to help improve the lives and the health of those affected by obesity.

"We know in this country alone, every two minutes a person dies of weight-related causes.(4) This daunting statistic sheds light on the reality that obesity is a health epidemic that will only be halted with greater acceptance of, and ultimately use of, proven treatments," said David E.I. Pyott, Allergan's Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As the leader in the obesity intervention market, Allergan remains committed to reducing the prevalence of obesity and the burden it has on those affected by the disease. This will only happen if consumers, healthcare professionals and Congress work together to resolve this epidemic. The C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign was initiated to achieve these goals, and while we made great strides last year, we are looking forward to continuing to carry the message to those who can make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans."

Stigma: A Major Obstacle To Treatment

In addition to addressing the necessity of obesity prevention and treatment, the C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign also aims to remove the societal stigma of obesity being viewed as a choice. Too often, obesity is misperceived as a personal choice resulting from bad lifestyle and eating habits, despite medical research which now indicates obesity has more to do with science and the biology of fat, rather than lack of willpower or discipline.(5) Obesity is not a choice, it is a disease. In fact, it is recognized by the National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute as a chronic disease(6) caused by social, cultural, genetic, physiologic, metabolic, behavioral and psychological factors.(7),(8)

Unfortunately, for people who are affected by obesity, the issue of stigma along with other challenges – physical and financial – continue to be major roadblocks in obtaining access to effective treatments. A recent survey of American adults conducted by Harris Interactive and commissioned by Allergan, Inc., shines a light on the societal misperceptions regarding obesity. When asked if they think people can choose whether or not they become obese, two-thirds (67 percent) replied they do believe it's a choice. Even more disconcerting, almost eight in ten adults (79 percent) believe people choose whether or not they remain obese. Until the stigma associated with obesity is removed and it is recognized as a complex disease that necessitates a focus on both prevention and treatment and acceptance of all effective treatments, including weight-loss surgery, the obesity epidemic will only continue.

"We hear all the time the stories of stigma those affected by obesity face because of their disease and it is heartbreaking," said Joseph Nadglowski, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of OAC. "Because we value the critical role of advocacy in giving a voice to patients and to increasing access to safe and effective obesity treatments, we are excited to be a part of the C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign, to encourage the public and legislators to take action, to stop the stigma against those affected by obesity and to work together to ensure those with this life-threatening disease obtain access to effective treatments."

About The C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign

The C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign provides a national platform for all people – consumers, advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, medical societies and members of Congress – to learn the facts about obesity, spread the word about the necessity of obesity prevention and treatment and actively participate in the campaign to call for greater action on both a federal and state level. People wanting to join the fight against obesity and sign the Open Letter to Congress and learn about additional ways to become involved, can go to the C.H.O.I.C.E. website at: www.mychoicecampaign.com

About The Survey

This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive by telephone within the United States on behalf of Allergan, Inc. between December 8 – 12, 2010 among a nationwide cross section of 1,022 adults (aged 18 and older). Figures for age, sex, race, education, region, number of adults in household, and number of telephone lines were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. For a full methodology, please contact Allergan.

About Allergan, Inc.

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 9,000 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 ophthalmology, neurosciences, medical aesthetics, medical dermatology, breast aesthetics, obesity intervention and urologics, Allergan is proud to celebrate 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 Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including, but not limited to, the statements by Mr. Pyott and Mr. Nadglowski, and other statements regarding the C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign, Congressional acceptance of obesity treatments, including weight-loss surgery, the economic and personal costs of obesity, and the safety, effectiveness, adverse reactions, market potential of and access to such obesity treatments. 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 medical device market conditions; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in the research and development and regulatory processes; challenges related to product marketing, such as the unpredictability of market acceptance for new products and/or the acceptance of new indications for such products; inconsistency of treatment results among patients; potential difficulties in manufacturing; general economic conditions; and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations. Allergan expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors can be found in Allergan's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Risk Factors" in Allergan's 2010 Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Additional information about Allergan is available on the World Wide Web at www.Allergan.com or you can contact the Allergan Investor Relations department by calling (714) 246-4636.

© 2011 Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA 92612.  ® marks owned by Allergan, Inc. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Allergan, Inc.

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