To impart the best-in-class training to the doctors on the use of Botox, a neuromodulator for cosmetic and therapeutic indications, Allergan India launched Botox Institute in Mumbai. This Rs 1 crore project, set up in association with Kaya Skin Clinic, would provide basic skills and knowledge training to registered medical practitioners in India. The company will soon expand the training process throughout the country.

Rajkumar Narayanan, vice president and managing director (India, China and Japan), Allergan, said, "With years of rich experience with Botox across the world, Allergan today is the true knowledge leader when it comes to domain knowledge about the botulinum toxin therapy. As leaders, it is our endeavour to ensure that doctors receive the best-in-class training on Botox. It is with this intent that we have launched Botox Institute in India."

Botox Institute is a continuous learning journey, with doctors progressing from one level of training sophistication to the next. The preliminary or introductory workshops will be held across 42 major cities in the country followed by the advanced level workshops later this year.

"Botox is sold exclusively through physicians and that the drug won't be available through retailers since it is indicated for about 20 approved medical uses. So, it's very much important to train the physicians to note the correct indications, to treat, to know how much is to inject, where and how to inject, etc. The course will focus on basic build up theory, demonstrations and injection skills," he added.

Though Botox, produced by clostridium botulinum bacterium, is widely used for smoothing facial wrinkles, it can also be used for cervical distonia, juvenile cerebral palsy and hyperhidrosis.

Emphasising on the need for Botox Institute in India, Pooja Bedi, brand ambassador of Botox said, "Those who are interested in trying Botox should consult a trained medical practitioner in order to avoid harmful side effects. This calls for more and more medical practitioners with in-depth knowledge of Botox. Hence, Allergan's move to start Botox institute in India is in the right direction."

Referring to the rationale behind launching the institute in Mumbai, Rajeev Nagi, director-sales and marketing, said, "Mumbai is the biggest market for aesthetic media which comprises about 80 per cent of the total market. Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad are preferable, but Mumbai is considered the best hot spot. Besides, Botox Institute will tie up with major clinics in the country to carry out the training."