Botulinum toxin type-A preparations are not the same medications - basic science (Part 1)

Botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT/A) formulations are widely used in clinical practice. Although they share a common mechanism of action resulting in presynaptic block in acetylocholine release, their structure and pharmacological properties demonstrate some similarities and many differences. Bioequivalence has been discussed since the onset of the clinical use of BoNT/A. In this review, we provide an update on the studies and compare the molecular structure, mechanisms of action, diffusion and spread, as well as immunogenicity and dose equivalence of onabotulinumtoxinA, abobotulinumtoxinA and incobotulinumtoxinA.

Automated summary

The three different formulations of Botulinum neurotoxin type-A share a common mechanism of action, but demonstrate significant differences in structure, pharmacological properties, and bioequivalence.