The Science and Manufacturing Behind Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A-ABO in Clinical Use

Since the first comprehensive description of the physiologic effects of botulism toxicity in the 1820s, specific formulations of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) have been developed. Now, a new botulinum neurotoxin type A formulation (BoNTA-ABO; Dysport [abobotulinumtoxinA]; Medicis Aesthetics, Scottsdale, AZ) has been made available in the United States and these same physiologic effects have become beneficial clinical targets. This formulation has been used successfully for nearly 20 years in Europe and other countries under the trade name Dysport (Clostridium botulinum type A toxin-hemagglutinin complex; Ipsen Biopharm, Wrexham, UK). BoNT-A injections are administered to achieve temporary local flaccid paralysis of targeted muscles. Injection of BoNT-A formulations for aesthetic purposes was by far the most common minimally-invasive (nonsurgical) cosmetic procedure performed in the United States in 2008.