XEOMIN is a botulinum toxin type A product that has just been approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with cervical dystonia or blepharospasm. Other products of this type approved in the U.S. are Botox and Dysport.
XEOMIN—a product of Merz Pharmaceuticals—received FDA approval based on the results of two U.S. clinical trials. In addition, a study cited in the Journal of Neurological Sciences said XEOMIN showed “non-inferiority” to Botox when used in the same doses to treat cervical dystonia, concluding it is a safe and effective treatment for the disorder, which is a neurological movement disorder in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting of the neck. XEOMIN is also approved to treat excessive eyelid spasms (blepharospasm).
While XEOMIN has not been approved for cosmetic purposes, it could be in the future, and until then doctors may start to offer it as an off-label option to patients.
XEOMIN differs from Botox and Dysport in that it doesn’t require refrigeration prior to reconstitution. Merz believes this quality may “simplify product distribution and storage and help ensure product integrity at the time of injection.”
In early 2010, Merz announced it would be acquiring BioForm Medical, maker of the Radiesse dermal filler. Following completion of the acquisition of, Merz will be rebranded “Merz Aesthetics.”
Despite more competition, Botox does not show signs of slowing. An earnings release from Allergan this week reported that Botox sales rose 7 percent in the quarter to $360.5 million. Additionally, the Allergan report noted that the FDA has extended a review of Botox as a migraine therapy by three months. If approved for use as a migraine treatment, Botox sales could expand even further.
Tags: Botox, botulinum toxin, XEOMIN
This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 at 1:48 pm and is filed under Botox, In The News, wrinkle fillers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
