Botulinum Toxin Type A

Definition

An injectable formulation of a neurotoxin derived through the fermentation of the Hall strain of Clostridium botulinum type A with neuromuscular transmission inhibitory and analgesic activities. Upon injection into the affected muscle, the heavy chain portion of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) binds to the cell membrane of the motor nerve and is internalized via endocytosis. Upon entry, the light chain portion of the toxin is activated and cleaves the protein SNAP-25, thereby preventing the fusion of acetylcholine (ACh)-containing synaptic vesicles with the cell membrane and, so, the release of ACh into the neuromuscular junction; subsequent binding of ACH to motor end-plate nicotinic acid receptors and ACh-mediated muscle contraction are thus blocked. In addition to ACh, BTX-A may inhibit the release of neuropeptides, such as substance P and glutamate, which may contribute to its analgesic activity.

Also known as AbobotulinumtoxinA, Botox, Botox Cosmetic, Botulinum A Toxin, Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A, Botulinum Toxin A, BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A, BTX-A, DaxibotulinumtoxinA, Dysport, EvabotulinumtoxinA, IncobotulinumtoxinA, OnabotulinumtoxinA, Onaclostox, Xeomin — per NCIT

Also identified as

• NCIT NCIT:C82623 per NCIT
• SCTID 108890005 per RXNORM
• SCTID 427412002 per RXNORM
• UNII E211KPY694 per RXNORM

Indications