Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is used therapeutically and for cosmetic reasons, and BoNT dosing is measured in functional units. How are these units calculated and are they consistent between the various preparations of BoNT?
The functional units correspond to the median intraperitoneal lethal dose in female Swiss-Webster mice weighing 18-20 g. The dosing between the various marketed products are distinctly different, which has led to dosing errors.
Parish JL. Commercial preparations and handling of botulinum toxin type A and type B. Clin Dermatol. 2003;21:481-484.
Contributed by: Toxikon Consortium
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