Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that is produced by anaerobic bacteria of the genus Clostridium botulinum in seven different serotypes from A to G. Subtype A is particularly used for numerous therapeutic purposes.
This toxin acts by inhibiting the transmission of excitation from nerve cells to other cells, especially muscle cells. Through the breakdown of protein complexes, the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is blocked. As a result, the contraction of the muscle becomes weaker or fails completely, causing paralysis of the muscle. The duration of action of the drug is usually about 12 weeks.