Merz invests over €100 million in Dessau-Roßlau as botulinum toxin demand surges
The German pharmaceutical company Merz is investing more than 100 million euros in its Dessau-Roßlau site to expand production of its botulinum toxin product Xeomin, driven by rising medical and aesthetic demand.
Medical applications drive demand
Botulinum toxin, often colloquially called Botox, is increasingly used beyond cosmetic wrinkle treatment. Neurologists now prescribe it for chronic migraine, muscle cramps, spasticity after strokes, and pathological salivation. Christopher Weise, senior physician at the University Hospital Halle, says it is the first-line therapy for dystonic disorders like cervical dystonia and blepharospasm. He attributes its success to good efficacy and a favorable safety profile compared to alternatives with more side effects.
For dystonic disorders such as cervical dystonia and blepharospasm, it is now mostly the first-line therapy.
Aesthetic market and the 'Zoom-Boom'
Alongside medical uses, the aesthetic market has grown for years. Merz Group CEO Philip Burchard notes that treatment methods have become much more subtle, making results barely noticeable. Social acceptance has risen, and the post-pandemic "Zoom-Boom" further fueled demand as people saw themselves constantly on video calls. Botulinum toxin remains prescription-only in Germany and must be administered by licensed physicians; professional societies warn against non-medical providers.
The medical area is actually a bit forgotten. Everyone only talks about the wrinkle.
Investment in Dessau-Roßlau
Merz is responding to global demand with a more than 100 million euro expansion at its Dessau-Roßlau site. The investment covers a new packaging line and upgrades to production, packaging, and logistics. The site produces the company's botulinum toxin preparation Xeomin. Burchard emphasizes the enormous quality-of-life improvements and pain reduction for severely ill patients.
The quality of life and also the pain reduction is absolutely enormous in the medical area.
Supply challenges in Saxony-Anhalt
Despite the investment, neurologist Laura Danielian from University Hospital Magdeburg reports that patients are more actively seeking therapy options and new approved indications are expanding the eligible population. However, she warns that Saxony-Anhalt already faces an under-supply, with the number of treatments not keeping pace with demand. The region's healthcare system is under pressure as more patients seek botulinum toxin therapy.
