Dysport – The New Botox Competitor – Gets FDA Approval

Published May 8, 2009 by Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown

Dysport, the new wrinkle treatment from Medicis, has received FDA approval for treating wrinkles and dystonia. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists could have the drug available in just 3o days.

Instead of re-branding the drug ‘Reloxin’ as planned, Medicis Pharmaceutical had to retain its original European name.

Along with the April 30th announcement came a 3 percent drop in Allergan’s (maker of Botox) shares, and a 14 percent increase in the shares of Medicis. Analysts and industry professionals expect Medicis to market the drug at a slightly lower price than Botox, and say it could capture as much as 30 percent of the current market.

Botox and Dysport both perform the same basic function – neuromuscular blocking to relax and prevent wrinkles. Dysport however, is said to be more diluted than Botox and thus, more cost effective for providers.

The recent FDA approval of dysport also came with a unique warning label describing the risks associated with the botulinum toxin.