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Onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT)
Onabotulinumtoxin A blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction by cleaving SNARE proteins, causing temporary muscle paralysis.
Onabotulinumtoxin A blocks acetylcholine release 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 | Onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Botox, Allergan |
| Sponsor | Edgar LeClaire, MD |
| Drug class | Neurotoxin; botulinum toxin serotype A |
| Target | SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology; Dermatology; Aesthetics |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The toxin is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase that cleaves SNAP-25, a protein essential for acetylcholine vesicle fusion and release. This prevents neurotransmitter signaling at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in flaccid paralysis of injected muscles. The effect is temporary, lasting 3–4 months, after which nerve terminals regenerate and function is restored.
Approved indications
- Cervical dystonia
- Blepharospasm
- Strabismus
- Chronic migraine
- Overactive bladder
- Hyperhidrosis
- Glabellar lines and facial wrinkles (cosmetic)
Common side effects
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Injection site pain
- Muscle weakness
- Eyelid ptosis
- Dry mouth
- Flu-like symptoms
Key clinical trials
- Prospective, Non-interventional Study Assessing Periorbital Rejuvenation Procedure
- Upper Limb Nerve Cryoneurolysis is Non Inferior to the Usual Care and Has Therapeutic Add Value in Dealing With Shoulder Pain and Functional Problems Caused by Spasticity and Motor Impairment (NA)
- Dual-Site Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection for Lifelong Premature Ejaculation (NA)
- Phenol and Botulinum Toxin vs Botulinum Toxin Alone for Post-Stroke Upper-Limb Spasticity (PHASE4)
- UltraSound-Guided Versus Non-Ultrasound-Guided Botulinum Toxin Injections in Cervical Dystonia [CUSTODY] (NA)
- A Prospective, Non-Interventional, Single-Centre Study Assessing the Efficacy of a Holistic Upper Face Treatment With Botulinum Neurotoxin A
- Exoskeleton Robotic Assisted Gait Training in Spastic Stroke Post Botulinum Toxin A Injection (NA)
- Individualised Cryoneurolysis to Treat Pain in the Context of Spasticity in the Upper and Lower Extremities (PHASE4)
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:
- Onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Edgar LeClaire, MD portfolio CI