Proprietary Zinc/Phytase Formulation Improved Botulinum Toxin A Results

RICHMOND, Texas, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent study conducted by oculoplastic surgeon Charles Soparkar, M.D., Ph.D. (The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX) utilizing a patent-pending formulation of zinc and phytase (trademarked as ZYTAZE™), demonstrated that increasing zinc levels by oral administration for 4 days prior to a planned injection of botulinum toxin improved efficacy and/or duration in 41 of 44 patients tested (93%).  Phytase was added to increase zinc absorption and significantly improved outcomes.

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Oral supplementation of ZYTAZE™ prior to administration of botulinum toxin effectively increased responsiveness in virtually every individual tested. Many of these patients were considered to be poorly responsive to botulinum toxins such that control of their blepharospasm symptoms had been historically difficult to achieve. The results showed that ZYTAZE™ supplementation resulted in a remarkably effective treatment of blepharospasm using the same botulinum toxin source and dosage that was previously less effective in the same patient in the absence of supplementation.

Among other things, the results suggest that lowered doses of botulinum toxin could be administered with reasonable responsiveness in some patients if ZYTAZE™ is supplemented prior to treatment. Intake of zinc/phytase supplementation prior to administration provided increased responsiveness which can be normalized across the patient population and one important variable in individual responsiveness can be eliminated.

Finally, by supplementing with ZYTAZE™ prior to botulinum toxin injections, results for blepharospasm patients were enhanced while prolonging the duration of treatments.  

Dr. Soparkar's research team will present the effect of dietary zinc supplementation on botulinum toxin treatments at the ASOPRS (American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) 41st Annual Fall Scientific Symposium on October 14 in Chicago, IL.

ZYTAZE™ has been licensed to OCuSOFT, Inc., a company dedicated to ophthalmic research, development and patient care for nearly 25 years.  To eliminate the potential for patient abuse and resulting zinc toxicity, ZYTAZE™ will be marketed as a prescription (Rx) when commercially available in September 2010.  ZYTAZE™ will be packaged in a blister pack of ten capsules ensuring both its Rx designation and the quantity of capsules so that physicians will remain in control at all times.

SOURCE OCuSOFT, Inc.