Healthy Competition
First there was
Botox, then there was
Dysport, and now there is
Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA). Xeomin is the latest addition to a growing list of botulinum toxin type A injectables. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved this new botulinum product to treat severe frown lines between the eyebrows, and I'm anxiously waiting for its introduction.
Botox, Dysport and Xeomin seem to have a lot in common according to the literature I've read. In particular, Xeomin, like the other two, works by paralyzing muscles. It blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles. As a result, the targeted muscle cannot contract. All botulinum toxins must carry a boxed warning, and Xeomin is no exception.
But the three products also seem to have some important differences. Unlike its competitors, Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated. This would seem to be an advantage when it comes to distribution, making it less costly to ship. But the cost of Xeomin is predicted to be similar to that of Botox. Another difference of note is that Xeomin has no additives. Xeomin only contains botulinum toxin type A, nothing else. This nakedness should reduce a patient's likelihood of developing antibodies to Xeomin, thus increasing the probability of its desired effects.
Xeomin is said to be more like Botox, taking about 1 week for the full effects to be realized. Once this occurs, the results last from 3 to 6 months. Dysport, Xeomin and Botox should not be used interchangeably.
Having additional choices in botulinum toxin type A products will hopefully increase the likelihood of having a product that should be effective on any patient. The topical applications are expected to debut soon. I can't wait.