Botox to Eliminate Animal Testing

Opponents of animal testing will be happy to hear that Allergan, Inc., the makers of BOTOX®, has been winning approval to implement a new testing system that uses cells in a lab dish rather than animals. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Allergan’s new testing method in the U.S., and the company continues to seek approval in additional countries where Botox is sold. The company will be able to eliminate 95% of Botox animal testing if all countries approve its new testing method.

Scott Whitcup, M.D., Allergan's Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer stated in the company’s press release, "We are proud to have achieved this major scientific milestone in the development of a safe and effective alternative test capable of eliminating the need for an animal-based assay for BOTOX. Following the FDA approval, we will work hard to secure approval of the new assay to replace the current animal testing requirements for the release and stability testing of BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic in countries in which we market and distribute the product."

Allergan spent ten years developing the cell-testing method of testing Botox’s potency as an alternative to testing on mice. The method involves growing nerve cells in a dish, and is more accurate than testing on animals, as it shows how Botox affects human nerve cells, and provides more precise results. Timothy Terrell, DVM, Ph.D, DACVP, Allergan's Senior Vice President, Drug Safety Evaluation, explains, “The new cell-based potency assay we have developed for BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic has many advantages over current methods including the potential for greater precision and consistency in stability and potency testing, making this a significant breakthrough in both the science and manufacturing of neurotoxins.”

Botox uses the botulinum toxin, which interrupts neurotransmitters and paralyzes specific nerves. By doing this, Botox smoothes out wrinkles and fine lines, and can be used to treat migraines, muscle spasms, and even reduce sweat gland production.

To learn more about Botox Cosmetic and what it can do for you, schedule a free consultation with a licensed Botox provider in your area today.