Botox is the trade name for the diluted botulinum toxin type A, used currently as a cosmetic non-surgical injection with anti-wrinkle effect or in the treatment of strabismus and migraines, due to its muscle relaxing features. The cosmetic efficacy of Botox resulted from the toxin's ability to paralyze the motor nerve endings for a certain time period. The process occurs by blocking a substance called acetylcholine, preventing thus the activity of the muscle. The result comes naturally: if the muscle doesn't move, the skin can't wrinkle. Moreover, Botox also offers skin a rejuvenated, smoothened outlook. However, the efficacy of the injection lasts for three to eight months. The botulinum toxin was proved to treat excessive sweating, as well. A certain amount of the toxin injected in glands can lead to a normal perspiration for a definite time span.

Botox was approved by the FDA as a valid wrinkle removal in 2002 and has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, even more popular than breast implants.
Botox takes a few minutes to be injected and in some cases can induce discomfort.

Botox History

What we generaly reffer to as Botox is, actually, the diluted form of the botulinum toxin, discovered centuries ago and minutely studied for its curative effects. The bacterium named Bacilus Botulinum is the ancestor of Botulinum Toxin Type A, that is Botox, and dates as a stable precipitate back in the 1920s. This may be regarded as the first stage of Botox as we know it.
Further and more detailed studies began to reveal Botox' unsuspected efficacy in treating strabismus and headache, as well as the bacterium's temporary effect of paralisys induced when injected into a hyperactive muscle by blocking the acetylcholine otherwise released from motor nerve endings. At first tested in monkeys, botulinum toxin type A was admitted for human tests in the late 70s. Only ten years later, Dr. Alan B. Scott received FDA's approval for Oculinum, a drug based on the botulinum toxin type A conceived to treat strabismus and blepharospam.
The success of Dr. Scott's studies was so big that Allergan Inc., a prosperous pharmaceutical company, bought the product and renamed it as Botox. Allergan Inc. continued the work of Dr. Scott and asked FDA's approval to market Botox in the treatment of cervical dystonia. FDA agreed to the request in the year 2000.
Botox is now present in more than 70 countries around the globe as research topic or therapy.

About Allergan Inc.

Allergan Inc., the producing company of Botox, is located in Irvine, California. Allergan Inc. is known worldwide for its reputed skin-, neuromuscular and eye care products. The company has reached more than 100 countries around the globe, as we speak, offering a reliable answer to world's ardent medical queries. Research and improvement are Allergan's main objectives, fulfilled by more than 5, 000 employees worldwide working in 33 outlets and 4 high standard laboratories.

Allergan distinguished itself, years ago, as the leader manufacturer of eye care products, enjoying a relaxing majority of the ophthalmic medicine market. However, trials conducted on the botulinum toxin type A enlarged company's perspectives and lead to the release of efficient pharmaceuticals in treating neurological disorders and skin problems. Allergan's products conceived to diminish acne and psoriasis, as well as the famous anti-wrinkle injections have brought unexpected profits to the company's budget since year 2000 until present time.