Last reviewed · How we verify
botulinum type a
Botulinum toxin type A blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction by cleaving SNARE proteins, causing temporary muscle paralysis.
Botulinum toxin type A blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction by cleaving SNARE proteins, causing temporary muscle paralysis. Used for Cervical dystonia, Blepharospasm, Strabismus.
At a glance
| Generic name | botulinum type a |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Botox, Botox ( Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif) |
| Sponsor | Henry Ford Health System |
| Drug class | Neurotoxin; botulinum toxin |
| Target | SNARE proteins (synaptobrevin, SNAP-25, syntaxin); acetylcholine release machinery |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology; Dermatology; Aesthetics |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin that irreversibly cleaves SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor) proteins required for acetylcholine vesicle fusion and release. This prevents neuromuscular transmission, 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
- Blepharospasm
- Strabismus
- Chronic migraine
- Hyperhidrosis
- Spasticity
- Cosmetic wrinkles and facial lines
Common side effects
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Injection site pain or bruising
- Muscle weakness
- Ptosis (eyelid drooping)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- 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 type a CI brief — competitive landscape report
- botulinum type a updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Henry Ford Health System portfolio CI