RelabotulinumtoxinA is a new type of botulinum toxin that was developed by Galderma. It is a highly-active, innovative, complex-free, and ready-to-use liquid botulinum toxin A with a proprietary strain and manufactured using a state-of-the-art, unique process. RelabotulinumtoxinA is designed as a liquid, avoiding the traditional requirement to reconstitute from powder, which eliminates variability, errors and risks associated with reconstitution, and which would be expected to improve the consistency of results. RelabotulinumtoxinA is indicated for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines, also known as frown lines, and lateral canthal lines, also known as crow’s feet, in adults.
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It causes botulism, a potentially fatal disease that affects the nervous system and causes muscle paralysis. However, when used in small doses, botulinum toxin can also have beneficial effects on various medical and cosmetic conditions, such as wrinkles, spasms, migraines, and excessive sweating.
There are eight types of botulinum toxin, named from A to H. The most commonly used ones in clinical practice are type A and type B. However, these types have some limitations, such as the risk of developing resistance, the need for frequent injections, and the possibility of unwanted side effects.
How Does RelabotulinumtoxinA Work?
RelabotulinumtoxinA works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that enables muscle contraction. By doing so, it relaxes the muscles that cause facial expressions, such as frowning, smiling, or squinting. This results in a smoother and more youthful appearance of the skin.
RelabotulinumtoxinA has a unique molecular structure that makes it more stable and potent than other types of botulinum toxin. It also has a higher affinity for the receptors on the nerve endings, which means that it can bind more effectively and prevent the transmission of nerve impulses. Moreover, relabotulinumtoxinA has a lower diffusion rate, which means that it stays within the injection site and does not spread to other areas. This reduces the risk of unwanted effects on other muscles, such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision, or difficulty swallowing.
How Is RelabotulinumtoxinA Administered?
RelabotulinumtoxinA is administered by a qualified health care provider as an intramuscular injection. The procedure is usually done in an office setting and takes about 15 minutes. The dose and the number of injection sites depend on the severity of the wrinkles and the desired outcome. The effects of relabotulinumtoxinA start to appear within 2 to 3 days and last for about 4 to 6 months. The treatment can be repeated as needed, but not more often than every 3 months.
What Are the Benefits of RelabotulinumtoxinA?
RelabotulinumtoxinA has several advantages over other types of botulinum toxin, such as:
- It has a longer duration of action, which means that it can provide a more lasting improvement of the wrinkles and reduce the need for frequent injections.
- It has a lower risk of resistance, which means that it can maintain its efficacy over time and avoid the loss of response that may occur with other types of botulinum toxin.
- It has a more selective effect on the target muscles, which means that it can achieve a more natural and balanced look and avoid the frozen or unnatural appearance that may occur with other types of botulinum toxin.
- It has a similar safety and tolerability profile to other types of botulinum toxin, with the most common side effects being injection site reactions, such as pain, swelling, bruising, or redness.
What Are the Limitations of RelabotulinumtoxinA?
RelabotulinumtoxinA is not a cure for aging or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. It can only improve the appearance of the wrinkles that are caused by muscle activity, not by other factors, such as sun damage, smoking, or genetics. It can also not treat other signs of aging, such as sagging skin, volume loss, or pigmentation. Therefore, relabotulinumtoxinA may need to be combined with other aesthetic procedures, such as fillers, lasers, or surgery, to achieve the best results.
RelabotulinumtoxinA is also not suitable for everyone. It is contraindicated in people who have a history of allergic reactions to botulinum toxin or any of the ingredients. It is also not recommended for people who have a skin infection, a neuromuscular disorder, a bleeding disorder, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Furthermore, relabotulinumtoxinA should be used with caution in people who have other medical conditions or who are taking other medications that may interact with botulinum toxin.
Comparison of RelabotulinumtoxinA with Other Botulinum Toxin Treatments
| Product | Brand name | Formulation | Indications | Onset of action | Duration of effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RelabotulinumtoxinA | Liquid, ready-to-use | Glabellar lines, lateral canthal lines | As early as day one | 4 to 6 months | |
| OnabotulinumtoxinA | Botox | Powder, requires reconstitution | Glabellar lines, lateral canthal lines, forehead lines, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, strabismus, chronic migraine, upper limb spasticity, urinary incontinence, axillary hyperhidrosis | Within 72 hours | 3 to 4 months |
| AbobotulinumtoxinA | Dysport | Powder, requires reconstitution | Glabellar lines, cervical dystonia, upper limb spasticity, lower limb spasticity | Within 3 days | 4 months |
| IncobotulinumtoxinA | Xeomin | Powder, requires reconstitution | Glabellar lines, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, upper limb spasticity | Within 7 days | 3 to 4 months |
| PralbotulinumtoxinA | Evolus | Powder, requires reconstitution | Glabellar lines | Within 2 to 3 days | 3 to 4 months |
RelabotulinumtoxinA References
- RELABOTULINUMTOXINA – NIH
- Galderma announces positive results in two phase III studies for a novel liquid formulation botulinumtoxinA (RelabotulinumtoxinA) for the treatment of glabellar lines (frown) and lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet)
- Galderma’s Liquid Formulation of BotulinumtoxinA for Frown Lines, Crow’s Feet
- Galderma Announces Positive Results in Two Phase III Studies for a Novel Liquid Formulation botulinumtoxinA (RelabotulinumtoxinA) for the Treatment of Glabellar Lines (frown) and Lateral Canthal Lines (crow’s feet)
- Results From Galderma’s Phase IIIb Trials Demonstrate Rapid and Long-Lasting Effect of RelabotulinumtoxinA on Crow’s Feet and Frown Lines