Allergan shares boosted by Botox migraine studies

MarketWatch (MCT) - The anti-wrinkle product Botox is helpful in the treatment of chronic migraine headaches, according to test data released Thursday.

Botox is already on the market to treat facial wrinkles, excessive sweating under the armpits, and certain pain conditions of the head and neck. The product is also used to treat eyelid spasms and crossed eyes. Allergan said it hopes to file for U.S. approval for the use of Botox in the treatment of migraines by mid-2009.

Early Thursday, Allergan Inc., the maker of Botox, released positive preliminary data from two Phase III clinical trials that tested Botox against a placebo. Patients involved in the trials generally suffered from migraines at least 15 days a month.

Data from the first trial showed that while migraine sufferers using Botox did not have a reduction in headache episodes, they did have fewer headache-plagued days. The second trial showed a decrease in both headache episodes and headache days.

Full results from the trials are slated to be released in mid-2009.

Allergan estimates that up to 3.6 million Americans suffer from chronic migraine headaches.

Shares of Allergan Inc. shot up more than 10 percent on the news, jumping 11 percent to $60.35.

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