New XEOMIN® Cosmetic™ Clostridium Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A (150kD), Free from Complexing Proteins, is Now Available Canada-Wide to Help Smooth the Appearance of Frown Lines

The Newest Health Canada-Approved Botulinum Toxin Injection Provides Patients with Natural-Looking Results

TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Merz Pharma Canada Ltd today announced the Canada-wide availability of XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ Clostridium Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A (150kD) injection. New XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ was approved by Health Canada in April 2012 for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines, also known as frown lines between the eyebrows, in adult patients.

"The availability of XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ is an exciting addition to the cosmetic injectable market," said dermatologist Nathan Rosen, MD, FRCPC. "In my experience, it can be beneficial to offer patients seeking to rejuvenate their look with more than one option. The availability of XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ provides a new option for patients that may help refresh the way they look and feel."

The active ingredient in XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ temporarily relaxes the muscle to give the area between the eyebrows a smoother appearance. The safety and efficacy of XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ was established based on results of three pivotal clinical trials involving 803 healthy adult patients. These studies determined that XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ significantly improved the appearance of frown lines 30 days following the first injection when compared to placebo.

XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ is the only botulinum toxin product currently approved in Canada that does not require refrigeration prior to reconstitution and therefore is packaged and shipped using 100 percent recyclable packaging material.

"The availability of XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ offers physicians in Canada a neurotoxin option that is free from complexing proteins," said Bill Humphries, who leads Merz, North America. "We believe that XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ is an innovative and effective choice that could not only help physicians provide patients with a rejuvenated and relaxed appearance but also offers them with a convenient, ecofriendly choice. The launch of the newest Health Canada approved-botulinum toxin treatment represents Merz's dedication to developing competitive treatment options in the field of aesthetic dermatology."

About Glabellar Lines
When a person squints or frowns, the muscles between the eyebrows contract, causing the skin to furrow and fold. Over time, as skin loses elasticity, these repeated contractions can cause persistent frown lines, or the two lines in the shape of "11" between the eyebrows.

How XEOMIN^® COSMETIC™ works
XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ is used in adults for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines. XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ is a medicine that relaxes the muscles. The medicinal ingredient in XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ is Clostridium Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A complex, free from complexing proteins. The important nonmedical ingredients include albumin (human) and sucrose (sugar). XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ comes in a white powder for solution for injection.

Safety information
XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ should not be used in patients who: are allergic (hypersensitive) to Botulinum neurotoxin type A or any of the other ingredients of XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™; have an infection present at the injection site; suffer from generalized disorders of muscle activity (e.g., myasthenia gravis, Eaton Lambert-Syndrome); or are pregnant or breast-feeding. Before use of XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. The advisability of use should be specifically discussed whenever a patient: suffers from any type of bleeding disorder; receives substances that prevent the blood from clotting (anticoagulant therapy); suffers from pronounced weakness or decreased muscle volume in the muscle where the injection will be received; suffers from a disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (this disease leads to a wasting of muscle tissue); suffers from any disease that disturbs the interaction between nerves and skeletal muscles (peripheral neuromuscular dysfunction); has swallowing difficulties; has problems with injections of Botulinum toxin type A in the past; or is due to have surgery. Patients should tell the doctor if they are taking other medicines, including any bought at a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if swallowing, speech or respiratory problems arise (difficulty in swallowing food, ranging from very mild to severe, can persist for 2 to 3 weeks after injection or longer). Patients that experience drooping eyelids that interfere with vision, blurred vision or muscle weakness should avoid engaging in potentially hazardous activities such as driving until the adjustment by the patient to the changes or the issues have resolved.

About Merz Pharma Canada Ltd. (www.merzcanada.com)
Merz Pharma Canada Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Merz, Inc., was established in 2009 to expand Merz franchises in the Canadian marketplace.

About Merz Pharma Group
Globally, the companies of Merz Pharma Group are focused on medications for treating neurological and psychiatric illnesses and thereby assume a leading role in the field of Alzheimer research. Another important area of competency of Merz is Clinical Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine. Merz is also active in the Health sector outside of the pharmacy. In the field of consumer products, with its established brands of tetesept® and Merz Spezial®, Merz Consumer Care is a leading provider of products for self-medication, nutritional supplements and skin care in the German-speaking area. Merz Pharma Group is a privately owned company, founded in 1908 in Frankfurt, Germany.

* XEOMIN^® Cosmetic™ is a trademark of Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, used under license.

MORE INFORMATION
The full product monograph, prepared for health professionals, can be found by contacting Merz Pharma Canada at: 1-866-815-8715.

This release was prepared by Merz Pharma Canada Ltd.

SOURCE: Merz Pharma Canada Ltd.

Greg Casto, Medical Dynamics, [phone]

http://www.merzcanada.com