Botox approved as incontinence treatment in Europe

Global pharmaceutical company Allergan has received a boost after European regulators approved the use of its Botox injections as incontinence treatments.

Clinical trials found injections of Botox into the bladder muscle increased bladder capacity as it was able to reduce voluntary contractions.

Botox bladder injections were found to be effective in two weeks and the effects continued for a period of eight to 10 months.

This use of Botox has been approved specifically for use in adults who are suffering from neurogenic detrusor overactivity, something which is often caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS).

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This type of Botox treatment has just passed two Phase III trials in which 700 patients with MS or SCI were given the injections.

Experts believe 60-80 percent of MS sufferers and 75-80 percent of SCI sufferers experience bladder dysfunction.

The President of Allergan in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Douglas Ingram, said: “We are pleased that Botox has received a positive for the treatment of urinary incontinence in people living with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury.

“For many people with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, gaining effective control over their bladder and staying dry can be a significant step towards improving daily functioning and overall quality of possible.”

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