Update on the botulinum neurotoxins.
The botulinum neurotoxins (BTX) are an exciting group of therapeutic agents with dramatically expanding clinical indications. The US FDA has approved BOTOX (BTX-A, Allergan) and Myobloc (BTX-B, Elan Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of cervical dystonia. TPP Canada has also approved BOTOX for the treatment of glabellar frown lines. The US FDA is expected to approve this new indication before the end of 2002. These changes will dramatically expand the marketing of BTXs. Concerns about risks and side-effects diminish as clinical experience increases with this "most poisonous of poisons". In particular, the incidence of secondary resistance to the toxin's effect has been dramatically diminished with the reduction of the non-toxic protein in current batches of BOTOX.
Carruthers
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Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Carruthers
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D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002170:Canada; D000075202:Contraindications; D017277:Drug Approval; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004421:Dystonia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000187:drug effects*; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000187:drug effects*; D014481:United States
D001905:Botulinum Toxins