Xeomin(R) Data to be Presented at the 2010 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Toronto

GREENSBORO, N.C., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Merz Pharmaceuticals announces that results from several new studies examining Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA), a botulinum neurotoxin type A (free from complexing proteins), also referred to as NT 201, will be presented today at the 62nd American Academy of Neurology (AAN) annual meeting in Toronto, Canada.  

Results of studies exploring the safety and efficacy of Xeomin® in the treatment of focal dystonias (cervical dystonia and blepharospasm) will be presented at the meeting.

Merz has filed a Biologics License Application (BLA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of specific movement disorders. If the FDA approves the BLA, the U.S. will be the 20th country to approve Xeomin®.

At the same meeting, data on the use of NT 201 in post-stroke spasticity of the upper limb will also be presented:

• Efficacy of NT 201 (Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A, Free from Complexing Proteins) in the Treatment of Patients with Upper Limb Spasticity (Poster Session II: April 13, 3 p.m.)
• Efficacy and Safety of Repeated NT 201 (Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Free from Complexing Proteins) Treatments for up to 89 Weeks in Upper Limb Post-Stroke Spasticity (Poster Session II: April 13, 3 p.m.)

"Merz is pleased to be participating at the AAN annual meeting," said Jack Britts, President and CEO of Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC. "These data provide attendees with additional information and insight about Xeomin®."

About Xeomin® (NT 201)

Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a highly purified botulinum neurotoxin type A (free from complexing proteins). Xeomin® combines high biologic activity with low bacterial protein load. Xeomin® has not been approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is approved for marketing in Canada for symptomatic management of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia and post-stroke spasticity of the upper limb and in Europe, Mexico and Argentina to treat specific movement disorders and spasticity.

About Merz

Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a part of Merz, Inc., a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of the Merz Group of Companies and was established in 1995 to develop and commercialize products for the Merz Group.  Areas of therapeutic focus include Neurology, Dermatology, and Podiatry along with the #1 non-prescription product for scars, Mederma®, and new Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy.

With a 102 year heritage, Merz (KGaA) is known worldwide for its development of original compounds and formulations for medical professionals and consumers in 90 countries. Globally, Merz is a leader in the development of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurological and psychological disorders as well as for aesthetic medicine. Research is concentrated in fields that have a strong need for therapeutic innovation such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, tinnitus, chronic pain conditions, addictions, and neuromuscular disturbances.

SOURCE Merz Pharmaceuticals