Transdermal Delivery of Botulinum Neurotoxin A: A Novel Formulation with Therapeutic Potential

Botulinum neurotoxin is widely regarded as a "wonder medicine" due to its therapeutic efficacy in treating a variety of conditions. While it is traditionally classified as a neurotoxin, it is arguably more appropriate to refer to it as a neuromedicine. All FDA-approved formulations of botulinum neurotoxin are currently administered through intramuscular injections, with no other delivery methods widely used. The primary reasons for this include the following: (a) the extremely high potency of the toxin, (b) the potential for diffusion to adjacent muscles, (c) factors related to the site of administration (e.g., muscle thickness), (d) the large size of the molecule, (e) the impermeability of skin to large protein molecules, and (f) safety concerns. Despite these challenges, there is growing interest in the development of an effective transdermal formulation of botulinum neurotoxin. Refining and standardizing the delivery technology for topical or transdermal use remains an important goal for the future.

The aim of this study was to develop a nanoemulsion-based transdermal formulation capable of delivering active botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) through human skin. The goal was to demonstrate its efficacy in a mouse model, highlighting the therapeutic effects on both neuromuscular activity and hyperhidrosis. We successfully developed a nanoemulsion-based formulation that facilitates the transdermal delivery of BoNT. The formulation was homogeneous, stable, and efficacious. In a mouse model, we evaluated the neurotoxin's impact on neuromuscular function using the Digital Abduction Score (DAS) for toe-spread and rota-rod assay to assess motor coordination.

The results confirmed the successful paralytic effect of the neuotoxin. The formulation significantly reduced sweating in the hyperhidrosis mouse model, indicating the therapeutic potential for this indication. Beyond the neurotoxin's paralyzing effect, we also observed the recovery of nerve function, showing that the neurotoxin does not cause permanent damage, further underscoring its safety and efficacy.

This formulation is the first of its kind to successfully deliver a large biomolecule like BoNT across the skin and produce a therapeutic effect. The ability to deliver large biomolecules transdermally has the potential to serve as a platform technology for treating a variety of conditions, including neuromuscular disorders, skin conditions, and localized pain management.