botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium *Clostridium botulinum* and related species. It acts as a zinc-dependent endopeptidase that specifically cleaves SNARE proteins (such as SNAP-25 or synaptobrevin) within peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals. This cleavage prevents the fusion of acetylcholine-containing vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, thereby inhibiting the release of acetylcholine and causing temporary muscle paralysis or inhibition of sweat gland activity. In clinical practice, various formulations (e.g., onabotulinumtoxinA, abobotulinumtoxinA) are used for a wide range of indications, including muscle spasticity, cervical dystonia, chronic migraine, and hyperhidrosis. In the context of localized epidermolysis bullosa simplex (LEBS), botulinum toxin injections are evaluated for their ability to reduce sweating (hyperhidrosis), which is a major trigger for friction-induced blistering in these patients.

Brand names

DysportBotoxXeominJeuveauMyoblocDaxxify

Other names

botulinic toxinbotulinum neurotoxinBoNTbotulinum toxin type Abotulinum toxin type B