Drug Discovery and Development

  • Home Drug Discovery and Development
  • Drug Discovery
  • Women in Pharma and Biotech
  • Oncology
  • Neurological Disease
  • Infectious Disease
  • Resources
    • Video features
    • Podcast
    • Webinars
  • Pharma 50
    • 2025 Pharma 50
    • 2024 Pharma 50
    • 2023 Pharma 50
    • 2022 Pharma 50
    • 2021 Pharma 50
  • Advertise
  • SUBSCRIBE

Positive Opinion on Botox for Incontinence

By Drug Discovery Trends Editor | August 8, 2011

Allergan announced that BOTOX (botulinum toxin type A) has received a positive opinion from the Irish Medicines Board for the management of urinary incontinence in adults with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) resulting from neurogenic bladder due to stable sub-cervical spinal cord injury, or multiple sclerosis. This is an important step towards securing national licences in the 14 European countries involved in the Mutual Recognition Procedure and marks a key milestone in bringing this innovative treatment to patients suffering from urinary incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity. The positive opinion is specific for Botox and is based on Allergan’s successful global Phase 3 program.

Between 60-80% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 75-80% of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) will suffer from some degree of bladder dysfunction including urinary incontinence which can be distressing. Urinary incontinence in patients with MS or SCI is frequently caused by a condition called neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), which results in involuntary contractions of the bladder during the filling stage when the bladder should be relaxed. This overactivity can lead to urinary incontinence (uncontrolled urinary leaking). Targeted injections of Botox into the bladder muscle have been shown to reduce the involuntary contractions and increase bladder capacity. In turn, this reduces the number of urinary leaking episodes and may even stop leaking altogether in some patients.

In Europe, approximately 656,000 people live with MS and, on average, nearly 11,000 people are diagnosed with SCI per year. Many of these people face long-term mobility issues, yet remain professionally and socially active. Urinary incontinence can be a disabling and socially isolating condition. It is also associated with significant quality of life and emotional well-being implications such as embarrassment, low self esteem, depression and loss of independence. Other health implications of urinary incontinence in people living with MS or spinal cord injury include skin irritation and ulcers, kidney failure, and recurrent urinary tract infections, which may lead to serious health consequences, if the overactivity of the detrusor muscle is not treated.

“We are pleased that Botox has received a positive opinion following the Mutual Recognition Procedure for the treatment of urinary incontinence in people living with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury,” said Douglas Ingram, President of Allergan in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. “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 life. Our task now is to work closely with the national health authorities to secure the relevant national licences so that we can bring this valuable treatment option to patients, as quickly as possible.”

Date: August 8, 2011
Source: Allergan www.allergan.com


Filed Under: Drug Discovery

 

Related Articles Read More >

Lokavant’s Spectrum v15 uses AI to cut trial-feasibility modeling from weeks to minutes
Prime time for peptide-based drug discovery 
Why smaller, simpler molecular glues are gaining attention in drug discovery
Glass vial, pipette and woman scientist in laboratory for medical study, research or experiment. Test tube, dropper and professional female person with chemical liquid for pharmaceutical innovation
Unlocking ‘bench-to-bedside’ discoveries requires better data sharing and collaboration
“ddd
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest news and trends happening now in the drug discovery and development industry.

MEDTECH 100 INDEX

Medtech 100 logo
Market Summary > Current Price
The MedTech 100 is a financial index calculated using the BIG100 companies covered in Medical Design and Outsourcing.
Drug Discovery and Development
  • MassDevice
  • DeviceTalks
  • Medtech100 Index
  • Medical Design Sourcing
  • Medical Design & Outsourcing
  • Medical Tubing + Extrusion
  • Subscribe to our E-Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • R&D World
  • Drug Delivery Business News
  • Pharmaceutical Processing World

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Drug Discovery & Development

  • Home Drug Discovery and Development
  • Drug Discovery
  • Women in Pharma and Biotech
  • Oncology
  • Neurological Disease
  • Infectious Disease
  • Resources
    • Video features
    • Podcast
    • Webinars
  • Pharma 50
    • 2025 Pharma 50
    • 2024 Pharma 50
    • 2023 Pharma 50
    • 2022 Pharma 50
    • 2021 Pharma 50
  • Advertise
  • SUBSCRIBE