'Botox' gets nod from Drug Controller General of India

Pune, May 2 (UNI) 'Botox', a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure has been granted approval in India for Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) Glabellar lines (frown lines) and Hyperkinetic facial lines (facial lines) by the Drug Controller General of India.

Allergan India Managing Director Yatin Sawant, who is the sole marketeer of Botox, in a release said, ''It is exciting to receive the approval at a time when the Indian customer is becoming more apprearance conscious and is in a constant search for safe and effective solution.'' Many people from the glamour world, housewives, executives and mediamen are opting for 'Botox' treatment to get rid of wrinkles and for a clear skin that does not reveal age and flaws. Presently, 'Botox' treatment is more popular among women although men are increasingly resorting to methods that will enhance their looks, Sawant stated.

'Botox' is the trade name for Botulinum Toxin Type A, which is manufactured and marketed by Allergan Inc. It is a protein produced from the bacterium , Clostridium Botulinum. The action of 'Botox' is simple irrespective of its use in treating therapeutic or cosmetic indications. It works at the neuro-muscular junction and stops the release of acctylcholine, which causes excessive muscle spasm or contraction. When used for cosmetic purposes, it relaxes the injected muscle resulting in stretching of overlying skin, giving it a smooth look, in case of therapeutic use, say cerebral plalsy, it relaxes the injected muscle and reduces/eliminates muscle spasms thereby relieving spasticity. Botox is used in 70 countries for 20 different indications, while in India, it is largely used for cosmetic treatments, the release added.

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