Death to Beauty

Dr. Alan Scott sought to selectively weaken eye muscles to treat strabismus in the 1970s, eventually developing a method to stabilize the bacteria that causes botulism, leading to the drug Botox. Scott struggled alone in the pharmaceutical industry, achieving FDA approval at a fraction of the billions big pharma usually spends. Allergan bought him out, and Botox became a routine tool for the cosmetic industry, making him a billionaire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2024
Publisher: Indiana University Press

In the 1970s, Dr. Alan Scott embarked on a pioneering endeavor to selectively weaken eye muscles in treating strabismus, a condition where one or both eyes are misaligned, without the need for surgery. After numerous unsuccessful attempts with other agents, Scott's determination led him to develop a groundbreaking method to stabilize the bacteria responsible for botulism. This breakthrough resulted in the creation of a drug that eventually became widely known as Botox.

The journey of botulism, from its discovery in contaminated German sausages in 1817 to its utilization in military and research facilities, is intricately explored in Eugene M. Helveston, MD's book, Death to Beauty. The author delves into the story of Scott, an ophthalmologist driven by the goal of safely using botulism in humans. Scott faced numerous challenges as an unknown in the pharmaceutical industry, including securing clinical trial financing and FDA approval. Remarkably, he achieved these milestones at a fraction of the billions typically spent by large pharmaceutical companies to bring a drug to market.

Over time, Scott's persistence and ingenuity paid off, as Allergan, a leading pharmaceutical company, acquired his company. Recognizing the potential for cosmetic applications, Allergan renamed Scott's formula as Botox and witnessed its rapid growth in annual sales, reaching billions of dollars. However, what is noteworthy is that Scott, despite his significant contributions to the development of Botox, received no further compensation from its sales after the acquisition. He remained the same humble and unassuming man he had always been.

Death to Beauty offers a captivating exploration of botulism's history, shedding light on the unlikely path it took from a medical treatment to a widely used cosmetic procedure. The book prompts readers to reevaluate concepts of success, beauty, and the dangers inherent in the world of deadly bacteria. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact scientific discoveries and innovations can have on society, both positively and negatively.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253067807