X marks the spot? Was is this new Xeomin and all of the buzz?

Posted on March 9, 2012

Xeomin is a botox competitor. 

Botox is manufactured by Allergan.  It is the medical grade botulinum toxin we have been using for over a decade.  Dysport is also a medical grade botulinum toxin.  It varies a little from Botox in that it is abobotulinumtoxin A, where botox is onabotulinumtoxinA.

Xeomin is incobotulinumtoxin A.  It is the same dosage relationship as Botox.  It was approved by the FDA in July 2011 and has been used in Europe. 

They were planning their big US launch at the Dermatology convention this month in San Diego, but the US launch of Xeomin botulinum toxin has been delayed by an injunction from Allergan against Merz, the manufacturer of Xeomin. 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-07/allergan-wins-court-ruling-blocking-merz-s-botox-competitor-1-.html

What do I think of Xeomin?

I don’t know yet.  Botox is tried and true, it works well, it comes in small vials so I can use fresh botox on my patients (which I think helps extend the effect of the botox), and it has a consumer loyalty program which helps my patients save money.  I have heard about Xeomin for a while, and I know it is more similar to Botox than Dysport is.  I haven’t used it yet, so I don’t have personal experience to comment on if it is better, cheaper, etc.  Generally competition benefits the consumer with lower pricing.  Regardless, from what this article said today, Allergan is trying to ban Xeomin sales in the US for 12 months. If that happens, we won’t see it here for another year.