The History of Botox

A new book on the history of drugs includes BOTOX® as one of the important milestone discoveries in pharmaceutical history. In the past decade we have continued to witness the amazing uses for BOTOX®. From treating facial wrinkles to incontinence to profuse perspiration, BOTOX® has shown itself to be a new miracle drug. At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, BOTOX® is used to smooth the deep, persistent lines between your brows, on the forehead, crow’s feet, and around the lips as well as severe underarm sweating.

The bacteria BOTOX® is made from was noted in 1987 for treating eye disorders, specifically to relieve eye twitching. And it was an ophthalmologist, Dr. Jean Carruthers, who noticed that BOTOX® also reduced frown lines between the eyebrows. Then in 1989 the FDA approved “Oculinum,” the previous name of the drug, for the treatment of crossed eyes and twitching eyes. When Allergan bought Oculinum, the company renamed it BOTOX®. In 2002 the FDA approved for cosmetic treatment of wrinkles under the name of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

The story of BOTOX® goes further back than that historically. It was the German doctor Justinus Kerner, in 1820, who first identified that a toxin in spoiled sausage caused paralysis and even speculated that it might be useful for nerve disorders. In fact, the name of the bacteria, “botulism” is derived from the Latin word for sausage. However it was not until 1895 that Emile Pierre Marie van Ermengem, a Belgian, discovered the bacteria itself. In 1949, Dr. Arnold Burgen’s research confirmed that Clostridium botulinum bacteria blocked nerve communication. This is what led to experimentation and eventual FDA approval for treatment of crossed eyes in 1978 when the drug was dubbed Oculinum. This is where Dr. Carruthers fits into the timeline. Had Dr. Jean Carruthers and her dermatologist husband Dr. Alastair Carruthers patented the drug, they would have made a fortune! After BOTOX® was approved for cosmetic treatment of wrinkles, BOTOX® was FDA approved for severe underarm sweating in 2004.

I find this history fascinating! There are more drug milestones mentioned in the book. If you want the wrinkles on your forehead treated, come to Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center for BOTOX®. Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center also encourages patients to participate in Allergan Company’s loyalty program Allē to save money on your BOTOX® treatments

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda at the front desk to set up a consultation 501-227-0707