Neurotoxins
For patients with movement disorders, botulinum neurotoxin is often the treatment of choice. Merz is proud to be among the first companies in the world to successfully develop and commercialize a botulinum neurotoxin. By constantly investigating new treatment options, working to advance new and individualized treatment standards and improve the quality of research, we hope to provide more good days to people living with movement disorders.
Patient video: Karl´s story
About botulinum neurotoxin
Botulinum neurotoxin is a very complex substance produced by bacteria. Botulinum neurotoxin attaches itself exclusively to nerve cells that activate the muscular system or specific glands – effectively and accurately blocking an overactive muscle or gland. The effect is reversible after a certain period of time (depending on dosage and injection location), so that repetition of the injection is typically necessary.
Every patient is unique
Every patient is unique and has individual therapeutic needs. Merz strives to provide more good days to every patient by investigating novel and flexible neurotoxin treatment options. For patients with movement disorders associated with muscle spasms, such as blepharospasm and cervical dystonia, or with spasticity in the upper limbs after a stroke, individualized injection therapy with botulinum neurotoxin can mean a significant increase in quality of life.
Quality and excellence in manufacturing
Botulinum neurotoxin is the product of a very complex biotechnical process. Merz uses state-of-the-art technology in its dedicated facility in Dessau, meeting the highest international standards for biologic manufacturing.
Focused development activities
At Merz, we are dedicated to the ongoing development of our botulinum neurotoxin platform, which is set apart by the outstanding features of our product and our many years of scientific experience in this area. Our research focuses on modifications of botulinum neurotoxin as well as the extension of indication areas, with the goal of improving the lives of even more patients around the world.
About dystonia
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms and abnormal postures. Recent epidemiological studies indicate that there are more than 500 000 people across Europe with some form of the disorder.
About spasticity?
Spasticity occurs when part of the nervous system that controls muscle activity becomes damaged. The damage can arise from injury or a medical event such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, brain tumor or brain damage, which may be caused by oxygen deficiency, encephalitis or meningitis. Overall, spasticity affects about 500,000 people in the United States and more than 12 million people throughout the world.
As part of the rehabilitation process following a stroke, physiotherapy, injections of botulinum neurotoxin into spastic muscles, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medication, psychological support, and professionals in community teams may be recommended to help a person cope with the symptoms of spasticity.
