Botulinum toxin in focus: evolution, pharmacology, and its expanding clinical impact

Botulinum toxin (BoNT), recognized for its distinctive pharmacological properties, has become a highly effective therapeutic agent with a wide range of clinical applications. Among its serotypes, botulinum toxin A (BoNT A) is the most extensively used, with established roles in conditions such as limb spasticity, overactive bladder, and neuropathic pain. Despite its broad utility, careful consideration is required to minimize adverse outcomes, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure patient safety.

This expert review is developed through the evaluation of experimental studies and systematic reviews, which were integrated to generate a practice-oriented expert perspective. Although we have provided an overview of all BoNTs, our primary focus has been BoNT A. We have particularly focused on key considerations for the use of BoNT, including immunogenicity and its utility in special populations such as pregnant patients, individuals with pulmonary compromise, older adults, and children.

Despite the practical challenges of prescribing BoNT A, it is generally regarded as an effective therapy. Its use requires careful risk vs benefit evaluation and strict adherence to guidelines to reduce adverse outcomes. Non-response and immunogenicity remain important barriers, although ongoing research and engineered toxins point toward a future with more precision-based applications.