Important news came from the world of anti-wrinkle injections. Botox has been a long undisputed 
market leader in anti-wrinkle injections because it is the only one approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Botox is made by Allergan and they have had a monopoly in this area of the cosmetic market for over a decade.
Now news is breaking that Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation of Scottsdale, Arizona will soon announce it has submitted an application to the FDA to obtain approval for a Botox competitor. Medicis’ drug is called Reloxin. Reloxin has been approved in Europe for non-cosmetic purposes under the brand name Dysport. They have not yet obtained permission in Europe or the United States to use Dysport for cosmetic purposes. Medicis hopes that they will obtain approval for Reloxin in 2008. This would be huge news in the treatment of anti-wrinkle therapy. If Botox has a competitor, it is thought by many observers that this can only be good for patients.
Reloxin is not identical to Botox. Reloxin may have a faster onset than Botox and may diffuse further in the muscles. This has pros and cons and good results, as usual, depend on the experience of the treating physician. Keep your eyes out for an FDA approval in 2008 for a new addition to the cosmetic anti-wrinkle market.
