Topical Botox

Everyone has heard of botulinum toxin approval for wrinkle-smoothing cosmetic procedures. In the future, this substance may be available in a topical form, eliminating many of the problems involved in the injections: discomfort and other side effects, and reliance on the skill and experience of the physician administering the shots.

A company called Revance Therapeutics is leading the way in the development of topically-applied botulinum toxin.

Revance's lead investigational product, RT001 (botulinim toxin type A) Topical Gel, is designed to reduce crow's feet wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles around the eye. It has demonstrated efficacy and safety in multiple US Phase 2b clinical studies.

Clinical trials show “impressive” results. “The 11 clinical studies consisted of 553 patients having their lateral canthal lines (crows’ feet) treated with the topical product, known for now as RT001, under the development by Revance Therapeutics. The results showed that RT001 is best for treating crows’ feet and forehead wrinkles. It also affects the pore size of the skin and helps smooth skin,” writes Professional Beauty.

The key mechanism is a coating of peptide molecules that surrounds muscle-paralyzing botulinum toxin molecules and ferries them through the skin to reach the underlying muscles that cause wrinkles.

Like Botox, RT001 is intended for use only by doctors; it would not be sold for at-home use, according to plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Kane of New York, a consultant for Revance.

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