Trends in Botulinum Toxin-Related Industry Payments to Physicians

Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2024 Sep-Oct;26(5):512-516. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2023.0198. Epub 2024 Mar 26.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate trends in botulinum toxin (BTX) industry payments to physicians. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of nonroyalty, BTX-specific payments made by Allergan (Botox), Ipsen (Dysport), and Merz (Xeomin) to physicians using the 2016-2020 Open Payments Database. Results: Between 2016 and 2020, >$27 million in payments was made for BTX-related activities to dermatologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, and plastic surgeons, with payments ranging from $3.9 million in 2016 to $8.7 million in 2019. 21.7% was paid to dermatologists, 57.5% to neurologists, 5.9% to ophthalmologists, 5.7% to otolaryngologists, and 9.1% to plastic surgeons. Conclusions: Growing amounts are being paid to physicians for BTX-related activities-both medical and aesthetic. Despite the variety of indications for BTX within otolaryngology, otolaryngology payments were overshadowed by other specialties, which may reflect greater BTX utilization in those specialties.

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins / economics
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / economics
  • Conflict of Interest / economics
  • Cosmetic Techniques / economics
  • Cosmetic Techniques / trends
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Drug Industry* / economics
  • Humans
  • Neuromuscular Agents / economics
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Physicians / economics
  • United States

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins
  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A