From smoothing out lines to limiting sweating and beyond, there’s not much Botox, and other members of the neuromodulator family, like Dysport and Xeomin, can’t do. Comprising the clostridium botulinum molecule and known as BoNT/A, botulinum neuromodulators work by relaxing active muscles to prevent muscle contraction; in turn, keeping the skin’s surface looking as smooth as silk.
Taking effect in just 24 hours, Bonti’s EB-001 is a new player in the world of neuromodulators. “EB-001 has similar mechanisms of action as the marketed botulinum neuromodulators, namely relaxing muscles in the face by inhibiting nerve activity, and in turn, decreasing wrinkles,” says San Francisco facial plastic surgeon Lynn Chiu-Collins, MD. “All of the currently FDA-approved neuromodulators belong to the serotype A category and have a similar clinical profile. Bonti’s EB-001 is the only neuromodulator in development for aesthetic indications that are serotype E.”
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This new neuromodulator has two key differences that set it apart from Botox Cosmetic and its cousins: a faster onset of action, within 24 hours, and a shorter duration of results, about two to four weeks at most. “Because the structure of the serotype E molecule is more compact and thought to access the nerve terminal faster than the serotype A molecule, its effect on inhibiting nerve to muscle transmission happens earlier on,” says Dr. Chiu-Collins.
So why would anyone want a wrinkle and line reducer that only lasts a few weeks at most? Dr. Chiu-Collins says EB-001 can be optimal for situations and conditions where early onset is highly desired or needed, like a touch-up in between Botox Cosmetic appointments. “It provides a cosmetic benefit within 24 hours instead of waiting three to seven days. And the early effects are also important for treatment of postsurgical pain,” she adds. And, EB-001 is ideal for virgin neuromodulator users or those who are scared of a “bad first Botox” experience that will last months. “The ability to ‘try on’ a neuromodulator for a short amount of time is perfect for new patients who are intrigued and interested but afraid to commit.”
The fast-acting neuromodulator holds some pretty serious therapeutic benefits, too. “It is being developed as a locally acting agent for treatment of musculoskeletal pain in both postsurgical and nonsurgical conditions, with the benefit of avoiding systemic side effects of opioids and potentially reducing opioid use.” An ideal treatment for post-op pain, the fast-acting injectable is useful following a browlift or abdominoplasty because, “the muscles or their tendons are tightened, plicated, resected or sutured and this routinely leads to muscle spasms and considerable postoperative pain,” says Dr. Chiu-Collins. “Injecting EB-001 into these muscles perioperatively relaxes the forehead and abdominal wall muscles to decrease pain.”
Although EB-001 is not yet FDA-approved, it is currently in clinical trials and expected to receive an aesthetic indication (for facial wrinkles) in 2021.
