Tag Archives: Botox

Allergen – facing increasing competition – March 2007

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US wrinkle market turns ugly in battle to save faces In only five years Botox, has literally changed the face of wrinkles and the fortunes of its US manufacturer Allergan Inc. But its stranglehold on the neurotoxin market may be coming to an end.

Arizona based Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp., which sells the No 1 filler Restylane in the US, recently bought its own neurontoxin, Reloxin, which is undergoing patient trials and says it will bring it to the market in 2008

Likewise Allergan is also in the process of rolling out its own dermal filler, Juvederm which it recently acquired as part of the recent $3.4m purchase of Inamed. This also included a line of silicon breast implants and the LapBand, an obesity treatment.. The FDA recently lifted a 14-year ban on silicon implants which opens up the market and also recently approved the filler Radiesse made by private US company Bioform Inc.

And there is a growing band of competitors: The FDA recently granted approval of Radiesse, made by private company Bioform and two new entrants in the European market, FzioMed, a California recently launched into the UK with synthetic filler called Laresse and Germany’s Merz Pharma with another hyalauronic treatment. Both will likely use this as a stepping-stone to the bigger US market.

The market for non-surgical treatments in the US including drugs, dermal fillers and other devices used in cosmetic medicine is growing and now totals about $15 billion, says Medical Insight Inc., a California market-research firm. While the demand for traditional face lifts and liposuction has fallen by 5% between 2000 and 2005.

The bigger drug companies are also showing interest in the aesthetic filler market – last year Johnson & Johnson bought a small Israeli company with a wrinkle-fighting collagen product called Evolence that is already available in the UK but may launch on the US market later this year.
In 2003, Arizona-based Medicis acquired the US rights for the dermal filler Restylane from Sweden’s Q-Med AB, and introduced it to the market in 2004, and it has grown rapidly since. The company began life in 1988 with “under a few million dollars” but it now has revenue of $360 million in 2005.

Allergan, based in Irvine, Calif., has been around for more than 50 years and first made its name name in eye-care medicines. In 2005 it reported sales of $2.32 billion of which Botox accounted for $1m of sales. Despite its popularity Botox is as expensive as ever with phial costing $505 – 50% more than nine years ago.
So while new entrants may mean more affordable treatments for the consumer, how will shareholders fare in 2007? Well, the market is huge and still growing so it may be able to sustain more competition, particularly if pricing makes it more widely available growing revenues. Allergan’s shares have increased steadily in value putting on 11% during 2006 to reach a high of $123. Medicis has also gained in value and its shares hit a year high of $40.31. Even so Allergan’s share’s a like gold dust.Buy

Botox maker launches new generation wrinkle eraser

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IRVINE, Calif: Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN), the maker of BOTOX(R) Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A), today announced the launch of a ‘next-generation’ hyaluronic acid dermal filler family of products, called JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS.

“We are pleased to now provide JUVEDERM(TM) dermal fillers to physicians and their patients across the country,” said Robert Grant, President of Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc. “We believe that the unique scientific benefits and technologically advanced, smooth formulation of JUVEDERM(TM) will establish the brand as a leader alongside BOTOX(R) Cosmetic in Allergan’s TOTAL FACIAL REJUVENATION(TM) offering.”

The JUVEDERM(TM) dermal filler family of products provides physicians with the flexibility to tailor each treatment to a patient’s particular needs. JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA is a highly cross-linked formulation for more versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds; and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS is a more highly cross-linked, robust formulation for volumizing and correction of deeper folds and wrinkles.

“In the clinical trials, I found JUVEDERM(TM) injectable gel to be a smooth-flowing product to inject, providing patients with a natural and smooth correction of facial wrinkles and folds,” said Dr. Mark Pinsky, clinical investigator in the JUVEDERM(TM) dermal filler study. “I have seen similar results with the patients I have currently enrolled in the JUVEDERM(TM) Experience Trial, and I look forward to providing both JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS dermal fillers to many more of my patients now that the product is widely available. The ease of the injection and its long-lasting smooth and natural results make JUVEDERM(TM) an important facial rejuvenation tool in my practice.”

JUVEDERM(TM) is the only hyaluronic acid dermal filler developed using the proprietary HYLACROSS(TM) technology, an advanced manufacturing process resulting in a malleable gel that flows easily into the skin and creates a smooth, natural look and feel. All other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers currently on the market, including Restylane(R) are granular consistency gels. An example of the granular consistency of Restylane(R) (under 2.4X magnification, 0.05 mL) can be seen in the accompanying photo and can be compared to JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS (under 2.4X magnification, 0.05 mL). The clinical significance of the differences has not been established.

Physicians and consumers are encouraged to visit www.Juvederm.com to receive additional information about JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA and JUVEDERM(TM) ULTRA PLUS dermal fillers. The Web site also offers a physician locator to help consumers find a trained and qualified health care provider in their area.

Like BOTOX(R) Cosmetic treatment, JUVEDERM(TM) dermal fillers should only be administered by a trained and qualified health care provider. Further product and prescribing information is available by visiting www.Juvederm.com and www.BotoxCosmetic.com.

Important JUVEDERM(TM) Dermal Filler Safety Information

In clinical studies, adverse events were usually mild to moderate in nature, did not require intervention and lasted seven days or less. The most common side effects included temporary injection site reactions including redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps and bumps and bruising. For complete patient safety information, please visit www.juvederm.com

Important BOTOX(R) Cosmetic Safety Information

BOTOX(R) Cosmetic is indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. BOTOX(R) Cosmetic is the only product of its type approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. BOTOX(R) Cosmetic should only be administered by a trained and qualified health care provider.

Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you are having an allergic reaction or other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, call your doctor immediately. The most common side effects following injection are temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

About Allergan Medical

Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc., offers the most comprehensive, science-based, aesthetic product offerings under its TOTAL FACIAL REJUVENATION(TM) portfolio, including BOTOX(R) Cosmetic; hyaluronic acid and collagen-based dermal fillers; and physician-dispensed skin care products. Allergan Medical also offers the industry’s widest range of silicone gel-filled and saline-filled breast implant options for reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery, and leading minimally invasive devices for obesity intervention treatment.

About Allergan, Inc.

With more than 55 years of experience providing high-quality, science-based products, Allergan, Inc., with headquarters in Irvine, California, discovers, develops and commercializes products in the ophthalmology, neurosciences, medical dermatology, medical aesthetics, obesity intervention and other specialty markets that deliver value to its customers, satisfy unmet medical needs, and improve patients’ lives.

Top surgery trends from UK’s leading cosmetic surgeon

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London: The increasing trend for cosmetic procedures worldwide will continue in 2007 with approximately a 25-30% increase in surgical procedures over 2006 and a 30-40% increase in non-surgical procedures such as Botox and dermal filler injections, predicts Rajiv Grover, Consultant Plastic SurgeonKing Edward VII Hospital & 144 Harley Street, London. www.rajivgrover.co.uk

Facial rejuvenation
The largest area of growth is likely to be in anti-ageing procedures such as facelifting, necklifting, blepharoplasty (eyelid reduction) and browlifts. This is fuelled by the large numbers of “baby boomers” born after the Second World War who are reaching 50 and 60 like the iconic Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger. This is a generation who gave us the summer of love in 1967 and whose joie de vivre has kept them young at heart but who now want to look as good as they feel. Improvements in the safety and recovery time following cosmetic surgery such as the use of minimally invasive key hole techniques and shorter scars have fuelled the increased demand in facial rejuvenation. Attention will focus on Brow lifting as a “hot” cosmetic procedure for women in 2007, performed either surgically (with key hole surgery) or non-surgically with Botox.

Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

Non surgical anti ageing treatments have seen the biggest growth of all in recent years. Botox remains the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world with dermal fillers such as Restylane and Hydrafill coming second. Research published in 2006 (Grover et al American Journal of Aesthetic Surgery) revealed that volume loss from the face was the first sign of ageing with gravity taking effect a few years later. Non-surgical volume replacement (such as Restylane sub-Q) for facial rejuvenation will therefore become an important trend in 2007. Changes in legislation will come into force during 2007 licensing practitioners and clinics for injectable treatments providing the public with added security.

Men and Mother in Laws!

Although cosmetic surgery has largely been a female preserve (90% plus over the last 5 years), the men are catching up. 2007 will see a continued trend for male plastic surgery with rhinoplasty, liposuction and anti ageing procedures topping the list. 2006 saw a number of reality tv shows following pre wedding cosmetic surgery for bride and groom. However, real life reality suggests that cosmetic surgery for the mother of the bride is the area of biggest growth in pre wedding surgery.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular procedures in the UK and the wider use of cohesive silicone gel implants, which reduce the risk of leakage, will provide added safety for women undergoing this procedure in 2007 as will their impending approval in the USA. The trend for the larger sized augmentations is falling with implant manufacturers reporting a drop in sales of the larger Jordanesque prostheses. Women are definitely opting for more natural looking breast enhancement emphasizing the philosophy that less is more.

The Body

Body contouring (liposuction, abdominoplasty and body lifts) is another area of growth in cosmetic surgery. Women recovering form the effects of childbirth seek help to reshape their abdomen and breasts with uplifts, tummy tucks and liposuction for stubborn areas of fat. As many women are now having children in their thirties rather than their twenties we recognize that recovery from the metabolic drive to gain weight is more difficult. This, along with rumours of younger celebrities having surgery to recover from childbirth have fuelled this trend, although it is never sensible to consider surgery for at least 6-9 months after childbirth.

The second trend in body contouring (body lifts, arm and thigh lifts) reflects the prediction that obesity will affect 1 in 6 of the population by 2012. Operations such as gastric banding (performed by Gastrointestinal Surgeons and not Plastic Surgeons) which help recipients to lose weight are responsible for creating loose skin around the waist, thighs and upper arms. Procedures to remove this skin excess and contour the body will not only increase in 2007 but continue over the next few years.

Botox tests for alopecia go ahead

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New York: Scientists are investigating whether Botox, the brand name for botulinum toxin, can be used to treat the common cause of hair loss – alopecia areata.

The disease which can affect the scalp and parts of the body, affects adults and children and is the cause of sudden hair loss.

Patients suffering from the disease are to be given Botox injections in the scalp in a six-month trial at British Columbia University.

It is thought that Botox will work by blocking the action of neurotransmitters which will block the chemical reaction that attacks the hair follicles.

Nanotechnology makes hair younger

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London: A new hair rejuvenation treatment using nanotechnology to inject keratin inside the hair shaft has been launched in the UK.

The treatment, called Tanagra, comes from Brazil, restores damaged and ageing hair giving in strength, flexibility and shine. The manufacturers say the treatment is permanent.

The in-salon treatment, a course of three, which costs £50 each, takes up to an hour and is adual-stage process. A fine mist of keratin is applied section-by-section to the hair, to insert the tiny particles of keratin into the damaged areas of the hair structure. The second stage is carried out in the same way as the first, but using the ‘sealing mist’ to lock the nanomolecules into the hair, forming permanent and insoluble keratin – just like natures own.

It is claimed that after just one treatment Tanagra will repair up to 80% of the damage to hair, 90% after the second treatment and 100% after the third. The result is hair that is structurally as good as new! And hair that has a great structure is beautiful, strong, flexible & manageable – hair insuperb condition with an incredible shine.

For salons contact 0871 520 4444 or by going to www.tanagra4hair.com

UK cosmetic doctors to counsel surgery addicts

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London: British cosmetic surgeons are to be trained to treat patients who have become addicted to surgery.

In the UK the number of procedures is spiralling with a 35% increase last year, including 5,646 breast augmentations. Altogether there were 222,041 surgical opertions carried out.

But there are fears, even by the surgeons themselves, that women and to a lesser degree men are undergoing unnecessary operations because of a psycological disorder known as body dysmorphic disorder. This is when people imagine they are ugly.

Adam Searle, the president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), says these people will never be happy with how they look but get a temporary buzz from surgery.

Patients using Botox injections and other aesthetics for wrinkles may also be suffering from this condition. Botox is the fastest growing procedure in the UK.

The popularity of TV shows on cosmetic surgery and celebrities admitting to surgery is fuelling the demand, say experts.

Cindy Crawford confesses to being human

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Supermodel Cindy Crawford has confessed that she keeps her looks in pristine condition with the help of aesthetic treatments such as Botox and collagen.

In a magazine interview the 40-year-old mother of two said she has getting cosmetic help for the past 11 years.

“I’m not going to lie to myself: past a certain age, creams work on the texture of your skin but, in order to restore elasticity, all I can really count on is vitamin injections, Botox and collagen,'”she tells this week’s Gala magazine.

“I have a very simple, healthy life, which works miracles. I drink a lot of water, watch what I eat and exercise. ‘But I owe the quality of my skin to my cosmetic surgeon.”

Miss Crawford who has her own skincare range called Meaningful Beauty. Products includes facial mask, skin softening cleaners, moisturisers and neck rejuvenating creams.

She says of her products: ‘I believe Meaningful Beauty is the best skin care available, and soon you will be able to discover the difference yourself. ‘Improve the tone and texture of your skin. Reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.

Reveal skin that is smoother, softer and more radiant. They’re products that treat your skin in a meaningful way now for more beautiful, younger-looking skin tomorrow.’

Botox used to ease scars

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New York: Botox has been found to be helpful in lessening the scar tissue of facial wounds.

Treating a wound prevents facial movements making the scar worse and reducing the need for cosmetic surgery later, according to research carried out by the Mayo Clinic.

The researchers found that an injection with botulinum toxin at the site of a wound early on following an accident paralyses the area, creating a smooth surface in which the wound can heal.

This prevents muscle movement from wrinkling the wound site, allowing for a flat surface for healing and leaving a smoother final scar. The same process also could work if an unsightly older scar is surgically removed, and then botulinum toxin is injected into the wound at the time of the scar revision surgery.

Repeated muscle movements can distort wounds and healing, resulting in inflammation which means a patient ends up with a thicker or wider scar. Scar reduction techniques designed to reduce the effects of muscle tension on a wound and to improve the final appearance of the scar include special stitches that pull the wound together and local flaps that bring additional skin into the wound bed.

The researchers undertook this trial after seeing significant results in wound healing with botulinum toxin in a basic research study. In the human trial, the researchers recruited patients with forehead wounds from trauma such as auto accidents, or from surgery, such as skin cancer excision. Forehead wounds were selected for study as they are a frequent site of facial scarring. Patients were randomly selected to receive injections with botulinum toxin or with saline, a benign substance used for comparison. All 31 patients’ wounds were photographed at the time of the initial treatment and injection and again six months after initial treatment. Two experienced facial plastic surgeons rated the wounds’ appearance on a scale in which 0 was the worst appearance and 10 was the best. These assessors were not informed about which patients received which treatment. The researchers averaged the ratings of the two surgeons for a final scar appearance score for each patient’s wound. They found that the facial plastic surgeons rated the cosmetic results of the wounds injected with botulinum toxin more favorably than the wounds injected with saline. Median scores for wounds injected with botulinum toxin were 8.9, versus a median score of 7.1 for those injected with saline, a significant difference in appearance, according to the researchers.

Although injections with botulinum toxin would be available at local physicians’ offices throughout the country, the injections are not yet approved for this use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The next step in this research would be to conduct a Phase III, multicenter trial with hundreds of patients to determine the appropriate dosage of the botulinum toxin; discover whether the injections are useful for better healing of scars elsewhere on the body, such as heart surgery wounds; and to provide more findings to present to the FDA to seek approval for this treatment.

Allergan – Botox manufacturer – 4 August 2006

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New York: USA-based Allergan says that its diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2006 reached $0.49, a massive 96% increase on the like, year-ago period, as its total net product sales jumped 32% to $787.0 million. This includes $128.3 million of revenue acquired from its $3.1 billion purchase of Inamed (Marketletter April 3).

Excluding special items, Allergan made $0.86 per share during the reporting period, beating the $0.85 average from a poll by Reuters Estimates. The firm’s sales also exceeded the consensus average of $763.0 million.

During the period, pharmaceutical sales increased 17.9%, or 17.4% at constant currency, as turnover of Allergan’s eye-care products and Botox anti-wrinkle therapy rose 17% to $379.0 million and $248.0 million, respectively.

As a result of its solid performance, Allergan is increasing its total product net sales guidance to fall within the range of $2.86 billion and $3.0 billion, and anticipates pharmaceutical product net sales to reach between $2.50 billion and $2.60 billion, excluding income from Inamed products.

The world’s top cosmetic surgeons revealed

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London:The world’s top surgeons are the experts who count celebrities, royalty and the rich among their clientele. These doctors carry out subtle surgery rather than radical procedures and is the reason they are most in demand.

SWEDEN

Breasts:

Dr Carl Troilius, Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in Malmo has a celebrity following because of the privacy afforded in Sweden. He uses state-of-the-art, cohesive gel implants which are made to last and not leak. The operation is carried out through an incision high in the armpit, leaving a small 3cm scar. The operation costs from around £4,000.
Contact details:
Plastikkirurgicentrum, Regementsgatan 35, S-21753 Malmo. Tel: 00 46 40 263000.

LOS ANGELES

Liposuction

Dr Leslie Stevens of Beverly Hills, California is known as the ‘King of Nip and Tuck’ and specialises in liposuction, treating all areas of the body – knees, chin, cheeks and neck, hips, thighs and buttocks. He uses a process known as ‘tumescent
technique’, in which a solution of saline and painkillers is injected into the area to loosen the fat, making removal both easier and less painful. Liposuction costs from £1,900 plus £1,000 for anaesthesia.

Contact details:
Lasky Clinic, 201 South Lasky Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90212. Tel: 001 (310) 556 1003.

FRANCE

Botox

Dr Nelly Gauthier is a Paris surgeon who works with fillers and injectibles including Botox. She believes that clients should not undertake extreme procedures and uses long-lasting formulas. A consultation costs about £70 with a Botox injection costing from £200.

Contact details:

9 Rue de Marignan, 75008 Paris. Tel: 00 33 1 53 75 04 60.

NEW YORK

Facelift

Dr Alan Matarasso of Manhattan is renowned for his subtle, face rejuvenating surgery. He performs short scar facelifts, which use less incisions that are usually carried out in this type of treatment. He also carries out a . He also uses a preand post-treatment regime using vitamins and homeopathic remedies to reduce inflammation and bruising. The cost of a face lift by Dr Matarass is from £6,500.

Contact details:

1009 Park Avenue, New York. Tel: 001 212 249-7500.

SPAIN

Reconstructive Surgery

Dr Javier de Benito. Barcelona who specialises in reconstructive surgery including reversing ageing and rebuilding the face as a result of disease or injury. In particular he has a reputation for designing implants to add volume to the face, putting fullness back into sunken cheeks and redefining the chin. He has recently developed a neck and face lift, using Gore-Tex (flexible stitches) to create a ‘supportive bra’, pulling slack muscles back into shape for a firmer, more defined profile. An face and neck lift cost about £4,050 and £6,080 respectively.

Contact details:

Instituto Dr Javier de Benito, Marquesa de Vilallonga, Barcelona. Tel: 00 34
932 530 282 or www.institutodebenito.com

GREECE

Eyelid surgery

Dr Nick Metaxatos of Athens who was trainined in the UK offers up-to-the-minute
‘procedures’ at a fraction of the price charged by U.S. and British surgeons.
His main specialism is blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin) which extracts less fat that usual and gives a more flattering finish. He also offers healthcare packages including surgery, five-star accommodation and aftercare,
with lymph drainage massage to speed recovery. A blepharoplasty operation costs from £700.

Contact details:

5-7 Skoufa Street, 10673 Athens.

BRAZIL

Bottom lift

Dr Ivo Pitanguy, known as the ‘The king of plastic surgery’ is based in Rio De Janeiro. He is credited with inventing the ‘bottom lift’, which he calls the Pitanguy
Lift. Since multiple procedures are ususally performed prices are available direct from the clinic.

Contact details:

Ivo Pitanguy Clinic, Rua Dona Mariana, 65, Botafogo, Rio de JaneiroTel: 0055 212266 9500, or www.pitanguy.com.br

Botox found to help depression

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A new US study has found that Botox can help ease clinical depression.

In a trial, carried out by Drs Eric Finzi and Erika Wasserman, patients who had been treated for frown lines with Botox, also discoverd that it got rid of depression.

The discovery is reported in the magazine, Dermatologic Surgery, the researchers evaluated how effective Botulinim Toxin A in treating depression. They treated patients who had failed to respond to drug therapy.

Two months after the botox treatment, all ten patients were re-evaluated clinically and found that nine out of the 10 patients treated were no longer depressed two months after the treatment on their frown lines.

The researchers concluded that Botox treatment on frown lines may be an effective treatment for patients with major depression who have not responded to routine pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment approaches.

Scientists work on cheaper Botox formula

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La Jolla: Scientists have discovered a way to increase the potency of botulinum neurotoxin – the “poison” originally used for medical conditions that has become the world’s most popular wrinkle buster.

Patented for cosmetic use as Botox, botulinum neurotoxin is one of nature’s most dangerous substances and works by paralysing a neurotransmitter in muscles. It was first developed for medical use to prevent uncontrollable muscle spasms, twitches and excessive sweating.

Scientists at the Scripps Institute in La Jolla, California have discovered that by adding a synthetic molecule they can increase its potency by up to 14 times. This means that cosmetic surgeons, for example, could given patients lower doses, thereby increasing its safety and also helping to prevent any complications in people with immune system reactions. It may also may treatments cheaper.

The study is published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society and says that a commercial product is still some years down the line as it has not yet been tested on animals or humans. The new treatment has not yet been tested in humans or animals.

Does Botox fight cancer?

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Botox injections may help treat cancer says scientists who discovered that tiny doses of the potentially-lethal toxin can significantly boost the effects of chemotherapy.

The wrinkle-busting poison appears to speed up the destruction of tumour cells. It does this by relaxing the muscles in blood vessels that supply the tumour, increasing blood flow and oxygen supplies.

So when drugs are injected into the bloodstream, they have a better chance of reaching deep inside the tumour and stopping it reproducing.

The findings, published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, contrast sharply with the latest innovations in cancer treatment.

Several new drugs focus on starving tumours of their blood supply, rather than increasing it.

But the Botox results suggest boosting blood flow can make chemotherapy far more effective.

The cancer breakthrough is potentially the most significant in a growing number of clinical applications for one of the most lethal poisons known to man, which has become most famous as a cosmetic therapy.

Botox used in foot pain

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Washington: Orthopaedic specialists at the Walter Reed Army Medical Centerhave successfully used Botox to treat plantar fasciltis, a common type of heel pain.

Doctors used two injections in the foot to arrest the painful condition in which the heel may swell and be hot to the touch. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the layer of tissue that supports the foot arch.

In the new research the symptoms were considerably reduced over a period of at least two months when injections of Botox were given. Botox orginally used for medical conditions now has a wide range of uses.

Biocompaticles International (BII.L) in

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UK’s Biocompatibles in deal to combat ageing

LONDON, March 4 – Britain’s Biocompatibles International (BII.L) agreed to buy Germany’s CellMed AG for up to 22.2 million euros ($29.3 million) on Friday, gaining access to an experimental Botox-style drug to combat ageing.

Biocompatibles, which focuses on the treatment of heart disease and cancer, said it would pay an initial sum of 5.2 million euros, including 3.0 million in cash and the rest in Biocompatibles shares.

Of the maximum consideration, around 70 percent is payable in Biocompatibles
shares and the rest in cash. Both firms specialise in bead technology, in which a potentially toxic drug is encapsulated in a bead, a delivery vehicle which regulates a drug’s release into the body.

“This is exactly the kind of deal we wanted to do … to add to our bead technology programme, Chief Executive Crispin Simon.

Biocompatibles said it would prioritise three of CellMed’s products which it hoped to launch in Europe by 2008, including a treatment to address the $700 million anti-ageing market.

The therapy would be used to treat wrinkles. “It’s more biocompatible than Botox,” said Simon.

Biocompatibles also said group turnover increased by 23 percent to 2.6 million pounds in 2004. The firm ended the year with 45.2 million in net cash, ahead of
analysts’ expectations.

Simon said the group had delayed spending in some areas but that none of its programmes had been compromised. But some analysts were still cautious on the outcome of the acquisition.

“On the surface, this small acquisition appears to fit very well … (but) we require further detail to enable us to assess the valuation impact of this acquisition,” analysts at Nomura Securities said. Biocompatibles shares rose 2-1/2 percent in early trading to 276-1/2 pence.

www.biocompatibles.co.uk

Americans fight for life after Botox treatment

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Los Angeles: Four people suspected of contracting botulism after receiving Botox injections were critically ill last night.

It is thought they caught the potentially fatal illness, which causes breathing difficulties and muscle weakness, from a tainted batch of the anti-wrinkle treatment at a clinic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

At least two of the patients – a married couple in their 50s – are on life-support machines.

‘This is a severe adverse reaction, most likely due to a contaminated vial, ‘ said Dr Charles Schallop, a neurologist at Palm Beach Medical Centre where they are being treated.

The other victims – a doctor and his girlfriend – are in hospital in New Jersey.

Botox is a sanitised form of the food poisoning bacteria botulinum toxin. Cosmetic surgeons have harnessed its muscle-paralysing ability to smooth furrowed brows and make patients look younger.

Hospitals have been warned to look out for symptoms of botulism in Botox users.

Botox Practitioners

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Renew Medica
28 Maddox Street
London W1S 1PR
Tel: + 44(0) 20 7499 4904
E maddox@renewmedica.com
www.renewmedica.co.uk

The Hurlingham Clinic & Spa
67 Studdridge Street
London SW6 3TD
T: +44 (0)20 7348 6380
email: info@hurlinghamclinic.com
www.hurlinghamclinic.com

Dr Nick Lowe, consultant dermatologist at the Cranley Clinic, W1 and Santa Monica
(020 7499 3223)

Dr Patrick Bowler, founder of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors
(01277 203 000)

Dr Tracy Mountford, of the Cosmetic Skin Clinic (01753 622 244)

Dr Hilary Allan, Woodford Medical Services (0845 602 1161);

Botox

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Botox, a prescription drug, is one of the most popular treatments for worry lines on the forehead and crow’s feet around the eyes, and also the neck which can be softened by a local micro-injection of the substance, which paralyses the muscles responsible for the lines.

The effect is temporary and will need to be repeated every three months or so. Anyone thinking of having this treatment should go to a proper doctor so that they can be tested for allergies and also in the event of any allergic reacton that may occur after treatment.

Tiny amounts of this purified toxin are injected into facial muscles to paralyse them temporarily; skin stretches out, and wrinkles soften or disappear. Target areas include frown lines between brows, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s-feet. Not recommended for the lower face, as it can prevent you from smiling. A treatment takes about 30 minutes. The paralysis isn’t permanent and muscles need to be retreated every three to six months. The injection may make the area red and there may also be some bruising. It costs around $400 per site (a pair of crow’s-feet constitutes one site, worry lines another). The results last for three to six months.

Alternatives to cosmetic surgery

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Non Surgical Procedures – the alternative to surgery for the face and body

Warning: As with cosmetic surgery you should only have treatment by a professionally qualified doctor or an operative who has undergone training, has recognised professional qualifications and a successful track record in the area of expertise you require. The descriptions of services detailed here are aimed at informing you of options and choices and should not necessarily be considered as an endorsement or recommendation of individuals, organisations and treatments unless specified.

In the UK laser and intense pulse light hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments can only be carried out by practitioners/clinics regulated by the Health Commission – always ask to see their certificate.

However Botox treatments need only be carried out under the “supervision” of a qualified doctor – in practical terms this means that the doctor may have written the prescription but the actual treatment might be carried out by a nurse or beautician.

The best advice is to seek out practitioners who have been recommended and who have an excellent track record on results.

The UK’s Department of Health has some useful online information, including questions you should ask your surgeon and a guide to procedures for anyone considering surgery. Here are links to their guides:
Considering Cosmetic Surgery?
Considering Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures?
A-Z of Cosmetic Procedures
Qualifications and What They Mean

There is also more useful information about procedures on the Which? magazine web site:
Which?

For the Face

The top five nonsurgical procedures are Botox, chemical peels, facial fillers such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and polymers; microdermabrasion and laser rejuvenation.