Botox May Be Effective Against Migraines

Botox, Allergan Inc.’s star drug that comes from botulinum, recently received a strong endorsement for treating migraines.

In a presentation to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery in early November, Dr. Richard Glogau of UC San Francisco said that nearly 20 of 24 patients he injected with Botox experienced migraine relief for up to six months. The small study by Glogau, who serves as an Allergan consultant, corroborates previous findings that Botox can relieve headaches.

Botox has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating such neuromuscular disorders as crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking. However, doctors have used it for years to iron out wrinkles, stop excessive sweating and for other treatments not yet approved by the FDA.

Irvine-based Allergan plans to submit data by the end of the year for final FDA approval to use Botox to treat furrowed brows.

Allergan is conducting second-phase clinical trials on Botox for migraine treatment. Final approval by the FDA is at least three years away.