Ipsen Brings Fresh Stroke Spasticity Insights to TOXINS 2026
Ipsen has announced it will present new study data on Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) across stroke and other neurological disorders at the TOXINS 2026 conference in Madrid, Spain.
The update signals a continued push by the global biopharmaceutical company – known for its work in oncology, rare disease and neuroscience – to spotlight neurological care gaps that can quietly widen long after the initial medical emergency has passed.
At the centre of the presentation is an interim analysis from Ipsen’s ongoing EPITOME study, which is evaluating adults aged 18 to 85 after their first stroke. The goal is to build a clearer, more standardised understanding of how frequently post-stroke spasticity (PSS) develops, and – crucially – how earlier identification can be improved in routine follow-up.
Post-stroke spasticity is a condition associated with muscle stiffness and pain, and Ipsen notes that it frequently goes undiagnosed following a stroke. That missed diagnosis can have real consequences: if spasticity isn’t identified early, patients may face greater challenges with rehabilitation, mobility, comfort, and overall recovery – exactly when momentum and consistency matter most.
To support earlier recognition, the EPITOME study is using a Post-stroke Spasticity Monitoring Questionnaire designed to help clinicians detect early signs of PSS. The concept reflects a broader shift in stroke aftercare: monitoring doesn’t end at discharge, and structured tools can help clinicians spot emerging issues before they become entrenched problems.
Ipsen also points to the role of remote monitoring, suggesting that keeping closer tabs on stroke survivors outside traditional clinical settings could enable faster intervention if PSS begins to appear.
The interim findings add weight to that urgency. According to the analysis, 45.7% of stroke survivors with paresis developed spasticity within one year of their stroke. That figure is higher than a previously recorded rate of 39.5%, a change that underlines why more consistent detection methods could matter in day-to-day practice.
Earlier identification becomes even more significant against a stark treatment backdrop. Ipsen highlights real-world data indicating that fewer than 1% of stroke survivors receive botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) treatment for PSS.
If spasticity is being missed – or identified late – patients may not even reach the point of being considered for therapies that could help reduce the impact of symptoms and improve functional outcomes.
Dysport is an injectable form of BoNT-A and works by reducing muscle contractions through blocking the transmission of nerve impulses. In clinical settings, this mechanism is used to help manage abnormal muscle activity – an approach that can be particularly relevant for spasticity when appropriately assessed and targeted as part of an overall rehabilitation plan.
Commenting on the forthcoming data, Ipsen’s executive vice president and chief medical officer said the breadth of evidence reflects the company’s mission to bring solutions and address care gaps for people living with a wide range of neurological conditions.
They described EPITOME as one example of that ambition in action – focused on providing a standardised, best-practice follow-up process so that people living after a stroke receive the care they deserve, rather than being left to manage complications that remain unseen.
In conclusion
Ipsen’s TOXINS 2026 update positions EPITOME as more than a dataset – it’s a reminder that stroke recovery is often defined by what happens next, not only what happens in the acute phase.
By sharpening the detection of post-stroke spasticity, promoting structured monitoring tools, and highlighting the striking gap between need and real-world treatment rates, the company is drawing attention to an area where faster recognition could translate into better recovery pathways for thousands of stroke survivors.
News Credits: Ipsen announces new data on Dysport in neurological disease
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