Botulinum toxin

Classification

Bacterial neurotoxin protein (not a cosmetic hexapeptide)

Approval status

Approved medicine

Research status

Labelled indications are defined in product information.

Molecular formula

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Molecular weight

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Sequence

High-molecular-weight toxin; licensed units are not interchangeable with ‘100 IU research vials’.

Primary biological target

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Half-life

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Routes investigated

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Human evidence level

A — Approved clinical use / strong human evidence

Licensed neuromodulator medicines exist for wrinkles and medical indications. Anonymous toxin vials are a public-health hazard.

Cleaves SNARE proteins and blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction.

Local paralysis; distant spread can be life-threatening.

• Licensed aesthetic and medical indications

Investigational findings are not proven clinical benefits unless an authority has labelled that indication.

Overall human evidence grade: A · Approved clinical use / strong human evidence

Extensive for licensed brands; zero for unnamed vials.

Animal, cell and in-vitro findings are listed separately from human effects.

Clostridial toxin mechanism is known — that is why counterfeit toxin is so dangerous.

This section does not provide personalised medical dosing. Values are those reported in papers or protocols. Animal mg/kg doses are not converted to human doses.

Doses reported in human studies

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Preclinical / animal study dosing

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Reliable human pharmacokinetic data were not identified for this encyclopaedia entry, or are limited to product information for approved presentations.

Dysphagia, respiratory compromise, antibody formation.

Unknowns. Absence of a published harm signal is not evidence of safety.

Contraindications. Never inject non-licensed toxin.

Approved as specific branded biologics; unlicensed toxin is illegal to supply as a medicine.

Cellular Sequence does not sell this as a vial, tablet, oil, or injectable. Educational encyclopaedia listing only.

1. [1] Encyclopaedia note

   Encyclopaedia note