Dysport or Reloxin: Straightening Things Out

When we first caught wind early in 2009 that BOTOX® Cosmetic was about to get a brand new wrinkle removing rival, we were all ears! Originally, we thought Reloxin was the name to know when seeking out this new anti-aging phenomenon; now we know that Dysport(pronounced Diss-port) will be the brand name for this new player. FDA approved in April '09 as a wrinkle treatment, Dysport is only the second injectable of its kind to emerge in the U.S. market, on the heels of the all-powerful BOTOX® Cosmetic. But what else is there to know about this suddenly hot Botox competitor? And what happened to the Reloxin name?

History of Dysport

Dysport first made an appearance in the early 90s as a treatment for muscle spasms in the UK. After it was discovered that Dysport could effectively remove wrinkles and facial creases as well, the treatment was distributed in Europe and several other countries around the world. Dysport was the original brand name given to the formula, which, like Botox, uses the botulinum toxin type A to eliminate wrinkles.

In 2006, Dysport's manufacturer, Ipsen, joined forces with the U.S. pharmaceutical group, Medicis, to distribute the product in the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. branding of Dysport was originally going to be Reloxin, but the FDA mandated that the drug be branded under its original name. Since most news and online sources, including Healthy Skin Portal, originally discussed how "Reloxin" compared to Botox, we felt that another mentioning of this new injectable was needed, under its correct official brand name, Dysport.

Injectables Get Interesting

In addition to the fact that Dysport is the only other injectable type in Botox's class, the threat Dysport poses to Botox's reign is reinforced by other variables. One of these being the recent negative attention cast on Botox injections for their possibility of spreading, or potentially causing botulism poisoning. Accusations against Botox earlier this year led the FDA to mandate black box warnings for the popular drug.

By comparison, Dysport is coming out of the gate with a clean slate for consumers, and is estimated to begin public distribution in June/July of '09. Will the recent Botox scrutiny only add to patients' eagerness to try the newest wrinkle remover?

Another factor that could spice up the Botox/Dysport battle is the possibility of a "price war" developing between the two injectables. Currently, the cost of Botox injections can range from $300 to $500 per treatment. The cost of Dysport, on the other hand, is alleged to start out more firmly near the $300 mark. But if Botox starts to feel overly needled by Dysport's success, Allergan could wind up reducing the cost of Botox to remain competitive. Either way, these injectables' attempts to one-up the other will result in more affordable, wrinkle-free bliss for patients!

Other Injectable Options

But patients will still have other dermal injectables to choose from if they decide neither Botox injections nor Dysport is right for them. A couple of the most popular dermal filler injectables for removing facial wrinkles include Restylane and Juvederm, as well as Perlane and Radiance/Radiesse. While Botox injections and Dysport will effectively remove the appearance of fine lines and deep creases from aging skin, dermal filler injectables can also plump thin lips and add a firmer, more youthful appearance to aging skin.

To learn more about wrinkle removal, Botox injections and dermal fillers, contact our representatives today! They can help answer your questions about wrinkle treatments, and even schedule a consultation appointment with a trusted cosmetic provider in your area.

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