Ipsen is sporting some new data for its Botox competitor. The French drugmaker announced "positive results" in a Phase II trial of Dysport in patients with urinary incontinence. That could put Ipsen's drug in line for more head-to-head competition with Allergan's ($AGN) Botox, which has successfully expanded into several medical uses.
The Dysport study involves a particular type of incontinence--caused by neurogenic detrusor overactivity, associated with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. But it could be a foot in the door to urology, the company said.
If Allergan's experience with Botox is any guide--and Ipsen gets the right data--Dysport could start with an approval for a specialized type of incontinence and then move into broader incontinence use. Hundreds of millions in sales could be up for grabs; analysts figure that overactive bladder use could add up to $400 million to Botox's sales.
Right now, Valeant Pharmaceuticals ($VRX) markets Dysport in the U.S. and Canada. It's approved not only for cosmetic use but also to treat various forms of muscle spasticity and neuromuscular disorders.
- see the release from Ipsen