More than 100 million vials of Botox have been manufactured over the past three decades—that’s a lot of shiny foreheads and subdued reactions. The milestone coincides with a media event parent company Allergan hosted this week at a Midtown Manhattan WeWork location to laud its anniversary. The evening event included hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a champagne toast. A panel rounded out the evening, featuring Botox executives including Senior Vice President Global Drug Development and Chief Scientific Officer, Botox & Neurotoxins, Dr. Mitchell Brin, and Senior Vice President of U.S. Medical Aesthetics Carrie Strom. New York City-based dermatologists, Dr. Macrene Alexiades of Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center of New York and Dr. Michelle Henry of Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, also participated.
The theme of the party, “one and only”, refers to Botox Cosmetic’s one-of-a-kind formulation. There are now a few competitors on the market, including Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau, which was approved by the FDA this year.
The panel referred to Botox’s origins as a therapeutic drug in the ‘70s, when scientists began using botulinum toxin to address crossed eyes. It was approved by the FDA for therapeutic use in 1989. Researchers soon noticed that it reduced wrinkles in the glabella, the skin between the eyebrows and above the nose, and Botox later became FDA approved for many medical and cosmetic uses. In addition to today’s therapeutic uses of the neurotoxin, such as to address migraines and hyperhidrosis, it’s also used in cosmetic procedures, of course. Botox is currently approved for forehead lines, crow’s feet lines, and frown lines in adults. The panel also discussed Allergan’s commitment to the rigorous safety and quality control requirements of its manufacturing process; all based at its factory in Westport, Ireland.
This year, Botox updated its packaging and now offers gift cards for the holiday season.