With the intent of building capability in the medical fraternity in India with reference to the art and science of using BOTOX®, Allergan India announced the launch of Botox institute at a press conference held here today. The first of its kind in the world, Botox institute seeks to impart the best-in-class training on the use of BOTOX® for cosmetic and therapeutic indications. The Institute’s charter will be to provide basic skills and knowledge training to registered medical practitioners who are keen to add BOTOX® to the list of services they provide to their patients.

BOTOX®, the flagship brand of Allergan, Inc., has been approved for 20 unique indications in 77 countries- a fact that reaffirms its unique position as a pipeline of diverse and unique indications in a single product. An efficacious drug with a well-defined and extensively documented safety profile, BOTOX® finds its applications today in both disabling diseases as well as lifestyle diseases affecting multitudes of people world wide.

Over the past decade, the uses of BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A) have expanded as scientists and physicians continue to recognize its broad applicability.  Originally used in the treatment of certain ophthalmic movement disorders, BOTOX® therapy is now widely accepted in many regions around the world as the gold standard for indications ranging from therapeutic neuromuscular disorders and related pain to cosmetic facial aesthetics.  

Mr. Rajkumar Narayanan, Vice-President, Managing Director- India, China and Japan for Allergan remarked “With years of rich experience with BOTOX® across the world, Allergan today is the true knowledge leader when it comes to domain knowledge about the botulinum toxin therapy. As leaders, it is our endeavour to ensure that doctors receive the best-in-class training on BOTOX®. It is with this intent that we have launched Botox Institute in India..”

Botox institute will be a continuous learning journey, with doctors progressing from one level of training sophistication to the next. The preliminary or introductory workshops will be held across major cities in India followed by the advanced level workshops later in the year.

Mr. Rajeev Nagi, Director –Sales & Marketing, Botox India said, “Botox institute’s merit lies in the deep reservoir of knowledge that Allergan has, about the product. As market leaders, we owe it to the market to help it imbibe the right nuances about BOTOX® and how to use it. With growing market awareness about BOTOX®, we feel it is the right time to focus on physician education in India to help our patients gain the most through correct Botox administration.”

BOTOX® has been very active in the Indian market with initiatives to spread brand awareness. In December 2007, BOTOX® partnered with Gladrags Mrs. India to sponsor Botox Mrs. Beautiful face 2008.