| | Date of Release: September 9, 2003 |
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Survey reveals over 60% women think a youthful look can help with career
Department of Health approves BOTOX®, medical breakthrough in wrinkle treatment,
makes women more competitive
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Allergan Asia Limited announced that its BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A) product has recently been approved by the Department of Health, HKSAR, for the treatment of wrinkles and hyperhidrosis.
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To understand Hong Kong women's attitude towards wrinkles, Allergan has commissioned the Public Opinion Programme of the University of Hong Kong to conduct a survey, known as , via phone interviews in August, and participated by 534 women aged between 35-60 who have used skin care products or services in the last 3 months. Major findings of the survey were announced by Dr. Robert Chung and Miss Karie Pang of the Public Opinion Programme at a press conference today.
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Over 60% women think a youthful look can help with career
Survey shows 83% women want their face to look young for their age. 72% will use skin care products/cosmetics/treatments to improve their facial appearance as they think a youthful look can increase self-confidence (81%), help them find a better job (62%) and make their husband or boyfriend like them more (53%).
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Over 30% women think if Mr. Ho Sou Sun's wrinkles appear on their face, they'll look more than 10 years older
Survey also shows most Hong Kong women have their first wrinkle at 36-40 years old. Around 60% have dynamic wrinkles (have wrinkles when making certain facial expression such as laughing or frowning). Crow's feet (65%), frown lines on forehead (34%) and between eyebrows (33%) are the most common types of wrinkles. Over 30% respondents think if Mr. Ho Sou Sun's wrinkles appear on their face, they'll look more than 10 years older.
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Choose wrinkle treatments that are clinically proven safe and effective
Dr. Tinny Ho, specialist in dermatology, explained as time goes by, collagen & elastic tissue in the skin starts to weaken and break down. Repetitive facial expression also leads to creasing of the skin. As there are various "wrinkle-reducing" cosmetic products and services in the market, among which collagen products not only cannot replenish the collagen of our skin, but also cannot reduce wrinkles. Dr. Tinny Ho reminded the public should consult doctors and make careful and informed choice.
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BOTOX®, medical breakthrough in wrinkle treatment, approved by the Department of Health, answers mid-life needs
"The Department of Health recently approves BOTOX® for wrinkle treatment, which brings good news to the beauty-conscious women in Hong Kong," said Dr. Francis Ho, a specialist in plastic surgery. "BOTOX® is the only botulinum toxin type A approved by both the Hong Kong Department of Health and US FDA for wrinkle treatment. It is also the only non-surgical way to remove dynamic wrinkles easily, quickly and effectively.
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10-minute medical breakthrough in wrinkle treatment
BOTOX® is a natural, purified protein that relaxes wrinkle-causing muscles creating a smoothed, rejuvenated and more youthful appearance. BOTOX® is administered in a few tiny injections that relaxes the muscle by blocking nerve impulses that trigger wrinkle-causing muscle contractions. Dramatic results can be seen as early as 24-48 hours.
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Dr. Francis Ho commented since the BOTOX® procedure is non-surgical, no recovery time is needed. After a BOTOX® treatment, a patient can get back to work or other activities right away. This simple, safe procedure -- just a few tiny injections -- takes about 10 minutes and can be performed at the clinic.
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Clinical study showed effectiveness of BOTOX®
In a 12-month repeated treatment study in the U.S. and Canada, participated by 537 man and women aged 18 to 75 with moderate to severe glabeller lines, results showed that 80% of those patients treated with BOTOX® experienced maximum effect after 30 days. After two additional injections, significant reduction of glabellar lines was achieved.
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Local user satisfied with the wrinkle-reduction effect
Miss Leung, a 47-year old white-collar, had many thin lines -- crow's feet, frown lines on forehead and between eyebrows. With a job that meets a lot of people, she wanted to look young and energetic. She consulted a doctor on BOTOX® wrinkle treatment. Miss Leung said her lines softened and begin to disappear on the next day. The lines on forehead and between eyebrows disappeared on the third and fourth day, while those under her eyes also softened. Miss Leung feels she is more than 10 years younger and looks like in her late 20s. She is amazed with the results. Lines only gradually reappeared from the fourth month onwards.
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Safety profile of BOTOX®
BOTOX® has been approved by the US FDA since 1989, and it is approved by the health ministries of at least 70 countries and regions including Hong Kong. BOTOX® has been used for more than 14 years to treat more than 2 million patients worldwide, and its long-term safety profile has been well established.
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Side effects of BOTOX®
Side effects are typically localized and will gradually diminished within days to weeks. Common adverse events, if any occur, include minor soreness, bruising (can be covered by makeup) and headache. BOTOX® is not suitable for site(s) with infection. It is contraindicated for individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. BOTOX® is not suggested for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or with neuromuscular diseases.
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Dr. Francis Ho reminded women should consult a doctor on their personal needs for BOTOX® to improve their appearance.
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BOTOX® is also indicated for certain muscle disorders (such as cervical dystonia, blepharospasm), and was approved by the Department of Health in 1994 for such indications. The indication for hyperhidrosis was approved by the Department of Health in 2003.
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BOTOX® -- other clinical indications for cosmetic treatment
In addition to wrinkle treatment, BOTOX® is also indicated for brow improvements, softening lower eye-line (eye enlargement) and square face improvements.
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- Ends -
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About Allergan, Inc.
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Allergan, Inc., with headquarters in Irvine, California, is a technology-driven, global health care company providing eye care and specialty pharmaceutical products worldwide.
Allergan develops and commercializes products in the eye care pharmaceutical, ophthalmic surgical device, over-the-counter contact lens care, neurological and dermatological markets that deliver value to our customers, satisfy unmet medical needs, and improve patients' lives.
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Forward Looking Statement
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This press release contains "forward-looking statements", such as statements regarding the effectiveness of BOTOX®, and its potential uses. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Allergan's expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include general industry and pharmaceutical market conditions; general domestic and international economic conditions, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product marketing such as the unpredictability of market acceptance for new pharmaceutical and biologic products and/or acceptance of new indications for such products; potential difficulties in manufacturing a new product formulation; domestic and foreign health care reforms; and trends toward managed care and health care cost containment, and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors can be found in press releases issued by Allergan as well as Allergan's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading " Certain Factors and Trends Affecting Business" in Allergan's 2001 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. Copies of Allergan press releases and additional information about Allergan are available on the World Wide Web at www.allergan.com, or you can contact the Allergan Investor Relations Department by calling 714-246-4636.
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Media Contact:
Dorothy Yung, Grey Healthcare
Tel: 2510-6765 / 9363-0084
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