title: Novel therapeutic uses and formulations of botulinum neurotoxins: a patent review (2012 - 2014).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the most toxic of known biological molecules and function as acetylcholine release inhibitors and neuromuscular blocking agents. Paradoxically, these properties also make them valuable therapeutic agents for the treatment of movement disorders, urological conditions and hypersecretory disorders. Greater understanding of their molecular mechanism of action and advances in protein engineering has led to significant efforts to improve and expand their function with a view towards broadening their therapeutic potential.
  
  
  METHODS
  Searches of Espacenet and Google Patent have revealed a number of patents related to BoNTs. This review will focus on novel therapeutic uses and formulations disclosed during 2012 - 2014. The seven patents discussed will include nanoformulations of FDA-approved BoNTs, additional BoNT subtypes and novel BoNT variants and chimeras created through protein engineering. Supporting patents and related publications are also briefly discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinical and commercial success of BoNTs has prompted investigation into novel BoNTs or BoNT-mediated chimeras with promising in vitro results. Distinct strategies including the use of nanoformulations and targeted delivery have been implemented to identify new indication and improved functionality. Greater understanding of their systemic exposure, efficacy and safety profiles will be required for further development.
authors.affiliation: Henry M. Jackson Foundation , Bethesda, MD , USA.
authors.forename: Christopher D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Kane
authors.forename: Jonathan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Nuss
authors.forename: Sina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bavari
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017277:Drug Approval; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010330:Patents as Topic; D015202:Protein Engineering / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D009498:Neurotoxins; D001905:Botulinum Toxins
keywords: antinociception; botulinum toxin; exocytosis; hydrogel; liposome; motor dysfunction; new indication; pain; spinal cord injury