Botox, Dysport and now...Xeomin

Just this week, the FDA has approved another competitor for Botox. This one is called Xeomin, and it's sold by Merz Aesthetics.

Just like Botox and Dysport, it temporarily reduces wrinkle lines, such as the frown lines between the eyebrows. However, Xeomin does not require refrigeration prior to reconstitution and mixing. According to the manufacturer's press release, Xeomin will be available in the spring of 2012.

One of the subtle differences between these 3 products is that Xeomin has a lower "protein load" than either Botox or Dysport. This might be helpful for the rare person that has developed antibodies to either Botox or Dysport.

Also, unlike Dysport, the dosages used are the same as Botox® Cosmetic - so direct comparison of the treatment effect is much easier.

So the big question: will more competition bring the wholesale price of the product down? While that would be nice, I'm skeptical that it will happen. Time will tell.