Neuroscience
At Ipsen we have pioneered research in the area of neuroscience for decades and remain committed to providing patients with innovative therapeutic solutions.
Searching for solutions to debilitating neurological conditions
Neurological conditions are disorders of the brain, spinal cord and/or nerves.i They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetic factors, traumatic injuries/accidents, the environment or infections.i However, it is not always possible to tell what the exact cause of the condition.i
Some of these conditions are debilitating and are a leading cause of disability in the U.K.ii
iThe Neurological Alliance: What is a Neurological Condition? Accessed June 2025.
iiBrain Research U.K.: Neuro Facts. Accessed June 2025.
Areas we work in within neuroscience
A primary focus at Ipsen is progressing the development of new medicines in the treatment of neurological disorders. Our work in neurology is wide-ranging, with much of our research focused on improving the care of people who experience debilitating movement disorders.
Blepharospasm is the name given to involuntary spasms of the muscles around the eyelids, causing the lids to flutter, blink or twitch uncontrollably.i The cause is unknown, but blepharospasm is normally more common in people over 50 years old and affects around 7,000 people in the U.K.i,ii In severe cases a person may be unable to open their eyes due to the excessive eyelid spasms.i
Ipsen’s research into this area looks to block the nerve impulse at the junction between the nerve and the muscle, reducing the uncontrollable muscular contractions of the eyelids.
iGloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Blepharospasm. June 2025.
iiDystonia U.K.: Understanding Symptoms Associated with Eyelid Spasms. June 2025.
Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect both co-ordination and movement.i It is caused by a brain problem that can develop before, during or soon after birth.i
The severity of the symptoms can vary significantly, with some experiencing minor problems and others being severely disabled.i When a baby is first born the symptoms of cerebral palsy are not usually obvious, however become noticeable during their early age.i
Currently there is no cure for cerebral palsy, however treatments are available to help people have independent and active lifestyles as much as possible.i
Ipsen’s work in the area of cerebral palsy helps to address some of the symptoms of this debilitating condition, with a focus on the treatment of spasticity in children.
iNHS: Cerebral Palsy. Accessed June 2025.
Cervical dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterised by continuous or intermittent muscle contractions which cause abnormal, often painful, repetitive movements of the neck and head.i The movements can lead to the head and neck twisting (torticollis) or being pulled forwards (antecollis), backwards (retrocollis) or sideways (laterocollis).i
Ipsen supports the treatment of patients with cervical dystonia through medicines which act to block the nerve impulse between the nerve and the muscle, reducing the contractions.
iDystonia U,K. : Neck Dystonia. Accessed June 2025.
Hemifacial spasm is characterised by intermittent, painless and involuntary muscle contractions innervated by the facial nerve.i Only one side of the face is affected, and it may start by only affecting the muscles around the eye before spreading to the entire half of the face.i
Treatments include blocking the nerve impulses between the nerves and muscles to reduce the muscle contraction and surgery.i
iSt George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Hemifacial spasm. Accessed June 2025.
Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) incontinence is caused by an injury to the central nervous system.i Overactivity of the bladder wall muscle combined with impaired contractility of the muscle leads to overactive bladder symptoms including bladder distension from incomplete emptying and incontinence.i
Ipsen supports the treatment of patients with NDO through medicines which block the nerve impulse between the nerve and the muscle, reducing the contractions of the detrusor muscle.
iRoyal National Orthopaedic Hospital. Neurogenic Bladder. 2021. Accessed June 2025.
Spasticity is a physiological condition where there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness of muscle.i Spasticity is usually caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord and may typically occur following a stroke or head trauma.i The condition is also associated with cerebral palsy.i Spasticity can result in movement or speech interference and be associated with discomfort or pain.i
Ipsen has pioneered research in this area to develop treatments that aim to reduce muscular contractions.
iBrighton and Sussex University Hospitals – Sussex Trauma Network: Spasticity. Accessed June 2025.
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October 2025