Xeomin approved: but for functional uses only

Xeomin – another botulinum A toxin product – was approved earlier this month by the FDA. In an interesting twist, the FDA approved the drug for certain muscle spasm syndromes – cervical dystonia and blepharospasm – but not for cosmetic purposes yet. That all-important cosmetic approval will probably come at a later date.
Dystonias are neurological movement disorders featuring involuntary twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. About 3 people per 10,000 have this problem, according to epidemiology studies.
What’s interesting about Xeomin is that it doesn’t have the associated complexing proteins previously needed for Botox and Dysport. The lowered protein load may theoretically reduce the incidence of allergic reactions and the potential for antibody formation.
According to Merz Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturers of Xeomin, more than 84,000 patients have been treated with Xeomin worldwide since 2005. The U.S. is the 20th country to approve the drug for the treatment of cervical dystonia and blepharospasm.