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Botulinum Toxin A (Botox )
Botulinum toxin A blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction by cleaving SNARE proteins, causing temporary muscle paralysis.
Botulinum toxin A blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction by cleaving SNARE proteins, causing temporary muscle paralysis. Used for Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis), Blepharospasm, Strabismus.
At a glance
| Generic name | Botulinum Toxin A (Botox ) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris |
| Drug class | Neurotoxin; acetylcholine release inhibitor |
| Target | SNARE proteins (specifically SNAP-25); acetylcholine release machinery |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology; Dermatology; Aesthetics |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Botulinum toxin A is a neurotoxin that irreversibly cleaves SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor) proteins required for acetylcholine vesicle release. This prevents neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in flaccid paralysis of targeted muscles. The effect is temporary, lasting 3–4 months, after which nerve terminals regenerate and muscle function returns.
Approved indications
- Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis)
- Blepharospasm
- Strabismus
- Hemifacial spasm
- Primary axillary hyperhidrosis
- Chronic migraine
- Upper limb spasticity
- Facial wrinkles and dynamic expression lines (cosmetic)
Common side effects
- Injection site pain, erythema, or bruising
- Headache
- Muscle weakness or paralysis (off-target)
- Ptosis (eyelid drooping)
- Antibody formation (neutralizing antibodies)
- Flu-like symptoms
Key clinical trials
- DaxibotulinumtoxinA Injection for Treatment of Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Serratus Plane Block (SPB) Versus Capsaïcine Versus Botox-A for Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Post-mastectomy Syndrome (PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate Patient Satisfaction With the Overall Face and Neck Appearance After Combined Treatment of OnabotulinumtoxinA, JUVÉDERM® Products, KYBELLA, CoolSculpting Elite and SkinMedica Products (PHASE4)
- DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Blepharospasm (PHASE2)
- Prospective, Non-interventional Study Assessing Periorbital Rejuvenation Procedure
- A Clinical Trial to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Xeomin® Injections for Preventing Episodic Migraine (PHASE3)
- A Clinical Trial to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Xeomin® Injections for Preventing Chronic Migraine (PHASE3)
- Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of NT 201 (Botulinum Toxin) With Placebo for the Treatment of Lower Limb Spasticity Caused by Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Botulinum Toxin A (Botox ) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Botulinum Toxin A (Botox ) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris portfolio CI