Drugmaker Allergan has agreed to acquire LifeCell, a regenerative medicine unit owned by privately held medical device firm Acelity, for $2.9bn.

The deal will combine LifeCell's dermal matrix products with Allergan's medical aesthetics, breast implants and tissue expanders.

LifeCell's product portfolio includes regenerative and reconstructive acellular tissue matrices for repair of soft tissue defects, as well as autologous fat grafting solutions.

The company's acellular dermal matrices will provide soft tissue support in breast reconstruction procedures and complex hernia surgeries.

Alloderm human allograft tissue matrix will be used to repair or replace damaged or inadequate soft tissue, including breast reconstruction post-mastectomy.

Revolve single use high-volume fat grafting device uses patients' own fat to enhance volume in plastic and reconstructive procedures.

LifeCell’s Strattice porcine based tissue matrix has been developed to use in complex abdominal wall repair and surgical repair of damaged or ruptured soft tissue. Artia porcine based tissue matrix is approved and available in some European markets.

Subject to expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and other customary closing conditions, the deal is expected to complete in the first half of 2017.

Allergan chairman and CEO Brent Saunders said: "The acquisition of LifeCell is both strategically and financially compelling to Allergan and serves as our entry point into regenerative medicine as we create a world-class aesthetic and regenerative medicine business in plastic surgery.”

Acelity president and CEO Joe Woody said: "The LifeCell brand leads the industry for safety, efficacy and superior clinical results, and we are pleased to have found the perfect partner for LifeCell in Allergan.”


Image: Allergan to acquire regenerative medicine company LifeCell. Photo: courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.