Method for comparing multiple botulinum neurotoxins

Abstract

Skin topographical methods for quantifying pharmacodynamic parameters of a paralytic effect of a Clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum toxin upon a muscle, such as a frontalis muscle. The methods are effective in determining the potency of a Clostridial toxin, and in comparing toxins. For example, wrinkle reduction effects caused by one or more neurotoxins may be monitored, and differences in effects correspond to differences of neurotoxins.

1 .- 35 . (canceled)  
   
   
       36 . A method for comparing multiple botulinum neurotoxins, comprising: 
 measuring a reduction of a skin wrinkle of an individual resulting from administration of a first botulinum neurotoxin in the vicinity of a muscle in proximity to the skin wrinkle;    measuring a reduction of a skin wrinkle of an individual resulting from administration of a second botulinum neurotoxin in the vicinity of a muscle in proximity to the skin wrinkle; and    comparing the reductions of the skin wrinkle to determine a difference between the first botulinum neurotoxin and the second botulinum neurotoxin.    
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the skin wrinkle is located on the face of the individual.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the first botulinum neurotoxin is administered to reduce a skin wrinkle on one side of the individual, and the second botulinum neurotoxin is administered to reduce a skin wrinkle at a substantially identical location on the other side of the individual.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the first botulinum neurotoxin and the second botulinum neurotoxin are administered substantially at the same time.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the first botulinum neurotoxin and the second botulinum neurotoxin are administered at different times.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the first botulinum neurotoxin is administered near the skin wrinkle of a first individual, and the second botulinum neurotoxin is administered near the skin wrinkle at a substantially identical location of a second individual.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the second botulinum neurotoxin is administered to the same location as the first botulinum neurotoxin after the reduction of the skin wrinkle caused by the first botulinum neurotoxin has worn off.