Clinical comparisons of botulinum neurotoxin formulations.
BACKGROUND
The expanding uses of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) for a growing number of clinical indications, including cervical and other dystonias, adult and childhood spasticity, and hyperhidrosis, in conjunction with the emergence of new formulations of BoNT, prompt discussion of the differences in formulations, serotypes, and indications for different neurologic diseases.


RESULTS
This review will evaluate evidence from preclinical studies, prospective treatment studies, and direct comparative trials to discuss the differences among BoNTs and the clinical implications of using these different drugs. Data from these sources indicate that formulations of BoNT are distinct; even the same serotype formulations of BoNT serotype A have different molecular structures and sizes and therapeutic indices (reflected in different safety and efficacy profiles).


CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, these findings confirm that the different BoNT serotypes, including the different BoNTA formulations, are distinct therapeutic entities.
Brashear
Allison
A
Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. abrashear@wfubmc.edu
D000818:Animals; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency
D001905:Botulinum Toxins