Last reviewed · How we verify
Botulinum toxin A "Botox Cosmetics"
Botulinum toxin A blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing temporary paralysis of muscles.
Botulinum toxin A blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing temporary paralysis of muscles. Used for Temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines between eyebrows) in adults, Temporary improvement of forehead lines and crow's feet (off-label cosmetic use).
At a glance
| Generic name | Botulinum toxin A "Botox Cosmetics" |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Croma-Pharma GmbH |
| Drug class | Neurotoxin; acetylcholine release inhibitor |
| Target | SNARE complex (synaptosome-associated protein); acetylcholine release machinery |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology; Aesthetics; Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Botulinum toxin A cleaves SNARE proteins required for acetylcholine vesicle release at the presynaptic terminal. This prevents muscle contraction by interrupting neuromuscular signal transmission. The effect is temporary, lasting 3-4 months, after which nerve terminals regenerate and muscle function returns.
Approved indications
- Temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines between eyebrows) in adults
- Temporary improvement of forehead lines and crow's feet (off-label cosmetic use)
Common side effects
- Headache
- Injection site pain or bruising
- Eyelid ptosis
- Brow ptosis
- Facial asymmetry
- Muscle weakness
Key clinical trials
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 Cosmetics" CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Botulinum toxin A "Botox Cosmetics" updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Croma-Pharma GmbH portfolio CI