Manufacturer of Botox Will Curtail Animal Testing
Individuals receiving Botox injections to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and other facial wrinkles and lines can now feel better about the way the drug’s manufacturer tests the product.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the maker of Botox, Allergan, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new method of testing the drug’s potency without testing it on animals.
Instead of having to test each batch of Botox on live animals, scientists can now run tests on cells in a petri dish in a laboratory.
The method, which has been under development for the past 10 years, could reduce the company’s dependence on animal testing by 95 percent within the next three years if it’s approved for use in other countries as well.
Although Botox is commonly used to treat crow’s feet, laugh lines and other wrinkles, the drug is also used to treat more than 20 other conditions, including muscle spasms and migraines. It is also being tested to treat conditions such as asthma.
The drug was the first neurotoxin to be approved for cosmetic use in the U.S. and works by temporarily weakening or paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles.
It is a commonly used non-invasive treatment. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botox has been the most commonly used cosmetic nonsurgical procedure since 2000. In 2010, more than 2.4 million individuals in the U.S. received neurotoxin injections.
Experts say Botox often provides positive results. However, its effects are not permanent and injections need to be repeated every three to six months for best results.
While there are several options available when it comes to injectable treatments, experts recommend speaking with an ASAPS member physician to discuss your areas of concern, and to hear the options they suggest before making a decision.
Source: Click Here
