AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company based in the US, has received acceptance from the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the proposed consent order in connection with its pending acquisition of Allergan (NYSE: AGN), an Ireland based global pharmaceutical company, it was reported on Tuesday.

The acceptance by the US FTC satisfies all required antitrust approvals needed to be received for AbbVie's acquisition of Allergan.

Under the proposed consent, Allergan has agreed to divest brazikumab, an investigational IL-23 inhibitor in development for autoimmune diseases, to AstraZeneca and Zenpep, a treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis and other conditions, to Nestle. Nestle will also be acquiring Viokace, another pancreatic enzyme preparation, as part of the same transaction.

AbbVie and Allergan have amended their Transaction Agreement. According to the amended agreement, only one Allergan director will join the AbbVie board following close. Allergan's present chairman and CEO, Brent Saunders, has elected not to join the AbbVie board.

The completion of the deal remains subject to other customary closing conditions set forth in the transaction agreement and Irish High Court approval.