(6th October, 2014; Business Wire India); Galderma, a global healthcare company focused on dermatology, today announced that it has initiated a Phase II clinical trial of a novel muscle relaxant in the United States. The study is investigating the safety and efficacy of Galderma’s internally developed liquid formulation of botulinum toxin in the setting of aesthetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery and will add to the existing Galderma neurotoxin franchise.
“This trial initiation demonstrates Galderma’s commitment to innovation in the aesthetic market and is designed to strengthen and complement our current neurotoxin franchise,” said Humberto C. Antunes, President and CEO of Galderma. “Our current neurotoxin business, which includes Dysport and Azzalure, continues its strong performance in key markets around the world. The development of a liquid neurotoxin represents a significant advancement over existing commercial products and would allow us to further strengthen our position in the aesthetic category by better meeting physician and patient needs.”
The Phase II clinical trial is a multicenter, dose-ranging study designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Galderma’s internally developed liquid form of botulinum toxin for the treatment of glabellar lines, otherwise known as frown lines, and follows successful completion of Phase I study earlier this year. Currently, all commercially available botulinum toxins come in powder form and have to be reconstituted with saline before use. The development of a liquid formulation has the potential to present healthcare professionals with a ready-to-use product that may result in a better patient experience and improved outcomes.
In July 2014, Galderma acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to a portfolio of injectable aesthetic medicine products, completing its global footprint and extending its leadership in aesthetic medicine. Galderma also announced it had strengthened its collaboration with Ipsen focused on the development and commercialization of new neurotoxins, increasing the scope of their R&D collaboration to further enhance their capabilities to meet the needs of patients and physicians worldwide.
According to Medical Insights Inc., a leading independent market research company in aesthetics, the total global market for muscle relaxants in aesthetics is expected to be $1.3 billion in 2014 and is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2018.
