With only one month before the promotional program expires, Medicis has released some preliminary data suggesting that consumers who have used Dysport are satisfied with the results.

If you’re not familiar with the Dysport Challenge, here’s how the program works:

• Dysport is injected to reduce forehead creases, frown lines or crow’s feet
• Patients enroll in the Dysport Challenge program and indicate whether they wish to continue using Dysport (“Love It”) or wish to switch from Dysport to Botox (“Leave It”).
• Patients receive $150 in rebates on two Dysport treatments if they choose “Love It.”
• Patients who choose “Leave It” and opt for Botox injections during their next wrinkle treatment receive a $75 rebate.

Medicis reported that of all the patients who have registered for the Dysport Challenge thus far, only 2.6% have decided to “Leave It” since the program was launched, however this does not necessarily mean that most patients preferred Dysport over Botox, only that they are happy with Dysport results.

Similarly, expert opinion has not definitively swayed in favor of either Dysport or Botox, in part because physicians are still learning how to most effectively use the new product.  Additionally, there are very few differences between Botox and Dysport, although some studies indicate that Dysport may have a tendency to spread or migrate more than Botox after injection.

Dermatologist Dr. Michael Gold commented that Dysport data shows no difference in migration tendencies as compared to Botox “depending upon whose study you read,” and added, “If you’re experienced enough with Dysport, the spread factor is a nonissue.”

Ultimately, injector preference for Botox or Dysport will likely be determined not by differences in the two products but by differences in physicians’ comfort level using one product over another and their affiliations to the product manufacturers.

“There’s a major tug-of-war going on between physicians who utilize those toxins,” Dr. Gold said.  “Depending on whose team you’re on, your statements will generally favor that toxin over another.”

Although Medicis had planned to rebrand the product as ‘Reloxin’, they ultimately decided to retain its original European name, Dysport. (pronounced Diss-port).

Botox and Dysport both perform the same basic function – neuromuscular blocking to relax and prevent wrinkles. Dysport is said to be more diluted than Botox and perhaps, more cost effective for providers.

The April 30th announcement coincided with a 3 percent drop in Allergan’s (maker of Botox) shares, as Medicis shares jumped 14 percent. Analysts and industry professionals expect Dysport to carry a slightly lower price tag than Botox, and speculate that it may capture 30 percent of the market.