Patent Description:
Botulinum toxin injections to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles have become common in recent years and are now the most popular of all cosmetic procedures worldwide. Botulinum toxin is produced by anaerobic fermentation of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Several different strains of C. botulinum have been identified, which produce eight immunologically distinct serotypes (types A-H).

Serotypes A and B have been developed for human use, with botulinum toxin seroype A preparations being the most widely used worldwide and US FDA approved for aesthetic use. There are currently three leading botulinum toxin type A products on the market: onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox®/Vistabel®, Allergan, Inc. , Irvine, CA, USA), abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport®/Azzalure®, Ipsen, Paris, France), and incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin®/Bocouture®, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt Germany).

All serotypes of botulinum toxin are produced by C. botulinum in their native form as stable and non-covalent macromolecular protein complexes. These protein complexes consist of the active <NUM> kDa neurotoxin and nontoxic neurotoxin-associated proteins (NAPs). All <NUM> kDa neurotoxin serotypes are synthesized as single chain proteins (about <NUM> kDa) that are proteolytically cleaved into di-chain proteins consisting of a <NUM> kDa light chain and a <NUM> kDa heavy chain, connected by a disulfide bond. The botulinum neurotoxin-NAP complexes isolated from C. botulinum type A cultures vary in molecular weight (<NUM>-<NUM> kDa) depending on the composition of NAPs, which in turn depends on the manufacturing process.

The repetitive contraction and activity of the muscles involved in facial expression is a major factor in the formation of lines and wrinkles, especially in the forehead and around the eye. Botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft, thus preventing the cholinergic neuromuscular innervation of striated and smooth muscles required for muscle contraction. It therefore can be used to treat all wrinkles that are the result of normal facial movement (dynamic wrinkles). For this purpose, botulinum toxin is administered by targeted injections in the respective muscles to achieve the desired cosmetic effect, e.g. to smoothen out facial wrinkles.

However, along with its intended effects, botulinum toxin may also cause some unwanted effects. For example, as a result of volume and/or dose of injection, injection technique or needle size, the neurotoxin may spread from the original injection site to nearby muscle(s) leading to an undesirable paralyzing effect. Furthermore, botulinum toxin has the potential to induce an immune response, which can lead to the development of neutralizing antibodies that may result in secondary non-responsiveness. While immunogenicity may not be a major issue in aesthetic indications treated with low doses, it may become a concern in subjects receiving high doses, frequent dosing (short treatment intervals), high number of injections, and/or treatment over a prolonged period. Therefore, clinical strategies to reduce or eliminate neutralizing antibody development are warranted and include using the lowest effective dose and prolonging the treatment interval to the longest acceptable interval between injections.

The effects of botulinum toxins are not permanent, but rather reverse over time due to sprouting of nerve terminals and formation of new synaptic contacts. For aesthetic treatments, clinical weakening of the cosmetic effects is typically observed within <NUM> to <NUM> months. Therefore, to maintain the desired skin appearance, botulinum toxin needs to be reinjected every <NUM> to <NUM> months. The duration of action, and thus the time between two treatments, is an important factor of patient satisfaction with longer treatment intervals being generally desirable. Furthermore, longer treatment intervals reduce the immunogenic risk of neutralizing antibody formation. For these reasons, efforts have been made in the development of modified treatment regimens that may lead to prolonged treatment intervals.

For example, in a previous dose ranging study of botulinum toxin type A with respect to the treatment of glabellar rhytids in females, the efficacy, safety, and duration of effect of four doses of botulinum toxin type A (<NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U and <NUM> U) were compared. A dose-dependent increase in duration of effect, as well as in the response rate at maximum frown with no increase in adverse events was observed. Statistically significant differences were seen between the <NUM> U and <NUM> U dose. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the <NUM> U, <NUM> U and <NUM> U dose groups. The study authors concluded that <NUM> U is an effective dose for the treatment of glabellar rhytids and that <NUM> to <NUM> months is an appropriate inter-treatment interval (<NPL>).

In a similar study in men, doses of <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U and <NUM> U BoNT/A were administered in the treatment of glabellar rhytids. Overall, there was a dose-dependent increase in both the response rate at maximum frown and the duration of effect. The <NUM> U, <NUM> U, and <NUM> U doses were consistently more effective than the <NUM> U dose in regard to both the extent and duration of effect (<NPL>).

A Phase II dose-ranging study limited to a single indication (glabellar frown lines) was conducted by <NPL>'). In addition to placebo, the doses tested were <NUM> U, <NUM> U, and <NUM> U of NT <NUM> (Xeomin®). In this study a dose-dependent increase of responder rate and duration of effect was observed. Despite this, a dose of <NUM> U was chosen for the two following pivotal GFL studies (<NUM> and <NUM>) (see, e.g., <NPL>).

In a recent open-label trial of <NUM> subjects with moderate to severe glabellar lines at maximum frown, <NUM> U abobotulinumtoxinA were injected in <NUM> equal aliquots into each of <NUM> injection sites. It was found that <NUM> U abobotulinumtoxinA were significantly effective in reducing glabellar lines for a longer duration than the dose of <NUM> U used in FDA Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled studies (<NPL>).

<CIT> discloses injectable compositions of botulinum toxin comprising an effective amount of a positively charged carrier in non-covalent association with the botulinum toxin, the carrier comprising a positively charged backbone with covalently attached positively charged "efficiency groups", for the treatment of wrinkles such as glabellar lines to achieve longer duration of effect. In Example <NUM>, moderate to severe glabellar lines are treated using a total treatment dose of <NUM> U.

Furthermore, the efficacy and safety of daxibotulinumtoxinA ("DAXI"; Revance Therapeutics, Inc. , Newark, CA, USA), a novel botulinum toxin type A formulation, have been evaluated in recent studies relating to the treatment of glabellar frown lines (GFL). The DAXI formulation consists of highly purified daxibotulinumtoxinA (RTT150, a <NUM>-kDa botulinum toxin type A) together with a proprietary stabilizing peptide of <NUM> amino acids (RTP004), which binds to the neurotoxin with high avidity, and other excipients including polysorbate-<NUM> (a surfactant), buffers, and a sugar.

In a Phase <NUM> study, subjects with moderate or severe glabellar lines at maximum frown were randomly assigned to <NUM> U, <NUM> U, or <NUM> U daxibotulinumtoxinA, <NUM> U onabotulinumtoxinA, or placebo. The injection volume per injection point was <NUM>. The <NUM> U and <NUM> U doses demonstrated a longer duration of effect as compared to <NUM> U daxibotulinumtoxinA and <NUM> U onabotulinumtoxinA. The <NUM> U daxibotulinumtoxinA dose was not further pursued due to increased adverse effects, especially eyelid ptosis, resulting in an unfavorable risk benefit assessment (<NPL>).

Further, in two pivotal Phase III studies with <NUM> U daxibotulinumtoxinA, a prolonged duration of effect was demonstrated. Composite investigator and subject ratings of maximum frown after daxibotulinumtoxinA treatment showed that glabellar line severity of none or mild was maintained for a median of <NUM> weeks (SAKURA <NUM>) and <NUM> weeks (SAKURA <NUM>) (<NPL>).

Although investigators have focused primarily on efficacy and duration of action at varying doses, the effect of different dilutions on efficacy and duration of effect have been investigated in a few experimental studies, but with controversial results. Carruthers et al. found that dilution had no significant effect on efficacy or duration of effect. However, an increase in the incidence of adverse effects was observed with higher dilutions (<NPL>).

Further, Hsu et al. used different dilutions and found that larger volumes resulted in a greater diffusion and a larger affected area. Thus, to treat larger, confluent areas, such as the forehead, a larger volume can be used to achieve more spread. This also means fewer injections, which is important in the pain-averse patients. However, Hsu et al. noted that a greater volume might possibly be accompanied by a decrease in duration and magnitude as well as undesirable spread into neighboring muscles (<NPL>).

A longer duration of treatment effect is generally desirable since it offers the possibility to lessen the frequency of retreatment, thereby enhancing patient satisfaction, a key measure of success for aesthetic treatments. Furthermore, this also reduces the risk of neutralizing antibody formation. Against this background, there exists an increasing demand for aesthetic botulinum toxin treatments of the face providing longer lasting results, i.e. a longer period of amelioration of facial wrinkles, while preserving the safety of current treatments.

It is an object of the invention to improve the botulinum toxin treatment of facial wrinkles by providing a longer duration of effect while preserving the safety level of current treatments.

It has been found that the administration of high doses of botulinum toxin using small injection volumes advantageously provides a prolonged duration of effect, i.e. a longer period of amelioration of facial wrinkles, namely glabellar frown lines, while maintaining a favourable safety profile. This beneficially allows for the current frequency of administration to be shortened, thereby enhancing patient satisfaction.

Thus, in one aspect, the present invention relates to the use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of glabellar frown lines, wherein the botulinum toxin is injected at one treatment session at a total dose of <NUM> U to <NUM> U and in a total volume of <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the glabellar frown lines are moderate or severe glabellar frown lines, based on investigator ratings using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) at maximum frown, wherein the botulinum toxin is injected at <NUM> intramuscular injection points, wherein the botulinum toxin is the neurotoxic component of botulinum toxin serotype A, and wherein the botulinum toxin is administered at an interval of <NUM> to <NUM> months between two consecutive treatment sessions.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for the treatment of glabellar frown lines, the method comprising injecting botulinum toxin at one treatment session at a total dose of <NUM> U to <NUM> U and in a total volume of <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the glabellar frown lines are moderate or severe glabellar frown lines, based on investigator ratings using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) at maximum frown, wherein the botulinum toxin is injected at <NUM> intramuscular injection points, wherein the botulinum toxin is the neurotoxic component of botulinum toxin serotype A, and wherein the botulinum toxin is administered at an interval of <NUM> to <NUM> months between two consecutive treatment sessions.

Preferred embodiments of the use and method of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims.

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the example included therein.

The present invention is based on the finding that the combined use of high doses and low injection volumes of botulinum toxin significantly prolongs the duration of treatment effect, i.e. the amelioration of facial wrinkles, namely glabellar frown lines, while maintaining a favourable safety profile. As a result, longer treatment intervals can be used which in turn means less injection procedures and less injection-related discomfort. Thus, the high dose, low volume application of botulinum toxin according to the present invention beneficially achieves a very high degree of efficacy which allows for longer treatment intervals, thus enhancing patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the longer treatment intervals decrease the immunogenic risk of neutralizing antibody formation which can lead to secondary treatment failure.

Since the pharmacodynamics of botulinum toxin, e.g. botulinum toxin type A, are not dose-proportional, an increase in dose is not accompanied by a proportional increase in effect. This makes it difficult to predict the effect size following an increase in dose. Extrapolation from already tested doses is not possible. Furthermore, possible side effects, for example side effects caused by toxin spread to adjacent unintended muscles depending on dose and/or volume, can neither be predicted nor foreseen. Thus, whether a given dose range results in a significant prolongation of effect without compromising the safety of the subjects, can only be verified by experimental investigation. The present inventors have carried out respective experimental efforts and found that the combination of high doses and low injection volumes results in sustained duration of effect, a favorable field of effect with no side effects, and completed the present invention.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to the use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of glabellar frown lines, wherein the botulinum toxin is injected at one treatment session at a total dose of <NUM> U to <NUM> U and in a total volume of <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the glabellar frown lines are moderate or severe glabellar frown lines, based on investigator ratings using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) at maximum frown, wherein the botulinum toxin is injected at <NUM> intramuscular injection points, wherein the botulinum toxin is the neurotoxic component of botulinum toxin serotype A, and wherein the botulinum toxin is administered at an interval of <NUM> to <NUM> months between two consecutive treatment sessions.

Preferably, the total dose of injected botulinum toxin is in the range of <NUM> U to <NUM> U or <NUM> U to <NUM> U. Exemplary doses include <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, and <NUM> U.

As used herein, the dose is expressed in biological units because the used botulinum toxin may contain, for example, variable percentages of inactive toxin that contribute to the overall protein load without contributing to efficacy. Within the context of the present invention, the biological potency of botulinum toxin is determined using the mouse bioassay (MBA). The MBA determines the mean lethal dose (LD<NUM>) of toxin/neurotoxin after intraperitoneal injection in mice, i.e. the dose of toxin/neurotoxin capable of killing <NUM>% of a group of mice. On this basis, <NUM> unit (U) of toxin/neurotoxin, as used herein, is defined as one mouse LD50 (<NUM> LD50 = <NUM> U). The LD50 mouse bioassay is the gold standard among various biological, chemical or immunological detection methods for botulinum toxin and is known to those skilled in the art (see, e.g., <NPL>).

Another useful method for determining the biological activity of a botulinum neurotoxin is a cell-based assay as it is disclosed, for example, in <CIT>, <CIT> or <CIT>. The activity results obtained with such cell-based assays correspond to the activity values obtained in the mouse i. LD50 assay. Activity results obtained for botulinum toxin serotype A formulations like commercially available incobotulinumtoxin A (botulinum toxin serotype A, without complexing proteins; Xeomin®, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH) or onabotulinumtoxin A (botulinum toxin serotype A, with complexing proteins; Botox®, Allergan Inc. ) can be converted to values for other toxins using conversion rates known to the person skilled in the art. For example, the necessary dose of abobotulinumtoxin A (botulinum toxin serotype A, with complexing proteins; Dysport®, Ipsen Biopharm Limited) can be determined by multiplication of the dose of incobotulinumtoxin A or onabotulinumtoxin A with a factor of <NUM> to <NUM>. The dose for rimabotulinumtoxinB (botulinumtoxin serotype B; Myobloc®, Solstice Neurosciences/US WorldMeds LLC) can be calculated by multiplication of the dose of incobotulinumtoxin A or onabotulinumtoxin A with a factor of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The total volume of injected botulinum toxin is <NUM> to <NUM>. Exemplary total volumes include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Further exemplary total volumes include <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Particulary preferred is a total volume range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Within the context of the present invention, the terms "total dose" and "total volume" refers to the total dose and total volume of botulinum toxin, respectively, generally administered in a treatment session (or "injection session") and typically administered by multiple injections at different injection points, in a single area. A treatment session typically lasts less than one hour, e.g. around <NUM> minutes. The single area is the facial area of the wrinkles to be treated, e.g. glabellar frown lines. This is, the total dose and total volume generally refer to the dose and volume administered for the treatment of a single type of target wrinkle(s). For example, the treatment of glabellar frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow's feet are three different treatment areas and three different target wrinkles.

The concentration of the injected botulinum toxin may, for example, be in a range of from <NUM> U/ml to <NUM> U/ml, preferably from <NUM> U/ml to <NUM> U/ml or <NUM> U/ml to <NUM> U/ml or <NUM> U/ml to <NUM> U/ml or <NUM> U/ml to <NUM> U/ml. The concentration of the injected botulinum toxin may also be in the range of from <NUM> U/ml to <NUM> U/ml or <NUM> U/ml to <NUM> U/ml or <NUM> U/ml to <NUM> U/ml. These high concentrations of botulinum toxin can for example be obtained by reconstituting lyophilized botulinum toxin A with a suitable volume of diluent, usually sterile saline and particularly sterile unpreserved saline.

Typically, equal aliquots of botulinum toxin are injected at each injection point. This is, the same volume and dose is normally injected per injection point.

The dose applied per injection point is usually <NUM> U to <NUM> U, in particular <NUM> U to <NUM> U or <NUM> U to <NUM> U. Exemplary doses per injection point include <NUM> U, <NUM>, U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U, and <NUM> U. Other exemplary doses per injection point include <NUM> U, <NUM> U, and <NUM> U. Preferably, the dose per injection point ranges from <NUM> U to <NUM> U, more preferably from <NUM> U to <NUM> U and most preferably from <NUM> U to <NUM> U or from <NUM> U to <NUM> U).

The volume injected per injection site may range from <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the volume per injection site is <NUM> to <NUM> or <NUM> to <NUM> or <NUM> to <NUM> at each site of injection. Exemplary volumes per injection point include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

In accordance with the present invention, it was found that a small injection volume as described above (e.g., <NUM> per injection point and <NUM> in total) and a high total dose of injected botulinum toxin (e.g., <NUM> U to <NUM> U), provides the desired biological effect of a prolonged duration of wrinkle amelioration. No signs or symptoms of mask-like or frozen face were observed, adding to the high patient satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. Furthermore, even though the volume injected in accordance with the present invention is small, it can be technically handled and is particularly suitable when targeting small muscles in the face.

In accordance with the present invention, the botulinum neurotoxin may be administered in consecutive treatment cycles. It is understood that a treatment cycle is the time interval between two administrations of the botulinum neurotoxin, i.e. a treatment cycle consists of one administration of the botulinum neurotoxin and a follow-up period until the next botulinum neurotoxin injection is administered. The said administration of botulinum toxin occurs in a treatment session (or "injection session"). The time interval between two consecutive administrations of the botulinum neurotoxin can vary between <NUM> and <NUM> months. This prolonged treatment interval is enabled by the longer duration of effect achieved by the present invention. For example, for a dose of about <NUM> U (e.g., <NUM> U to <NUM> U), the treatment interval can be <NUM> days to <NUM> days (e.g., <NUM> days to <NUM> days). Further, for a dose of about <NUM> U (e.g., <NUM> U to <NUM> U), the treatment interval can be from <NUM> days to <NUM> days or from <NUM> days to <NUM> days or from <NUM> days to <NUM> days (e.g., from <NUM> days to <NUM> days or from <NUM> days to <NUM> days), preferably from <NUM> days to <NUM> days.

Moreover, despite the reduced injection volume, the field of effect (i.e. the area showing an effect after toxin injection and in which the muscle will be affected) was found to be large enough to achieve a high responder rate, for example a responder rate of <NUM>% for glabellar frown lines (GFL) (responder: ≥<NUM>-point improvement as assessed by the investigator at maximum frown at day <NUM>). In addition, the observed dose-dependent prolongation of effect was not associated with an increase in the number of unwanted side effects. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the small injection volumes prevented the toxin from migrating to unintended muscles, thereby avoiding unwanted side effects.

In accordance with the present invention, the botulinum toxin is used in the treatment of facial wrinkles. The treatment of wrinkles is a purely aesthetic application. In other words, within the present invention, botulinum toxin is used for cosmetic purposes.

The term "wrinkles", as used herein, is to be broadly construed to not only include wrinkles, but also lines, rhytids, creases, furrows, and folds. The words "lines", "wrinkles", "rhytids", "creases", and "folds" share similar definition and are therefore often used interchangeably. Within the present invention, "lines" are generally interchangeable with "wrinkles" but may preferably refer to a cutaneous depression that is less deep than a "wrinkle". A "fold" is interchangeable with wrinkles and lines and is preferably a linear depression. A "crease" is interchangeable with wrinkles, lines and folds. It preferably refers to a mild form of wrinkles and may describe the specific wrinkle in certain locations. A "rhytid", as used herein, has essentially the same meaning of wrinkle. However, a "rhytid" preferably refers to a skin structure that is formed by irregular aggregation of lines. A "furrow" is a deep fold or deep line in the skin.

In order to treat glabellar frown lines, botulinum toxin is usually administered by intramuscular injection to the procerus and corrugator muscles.

The subject is a subject with either moderate and severe or (only) severe glabellar frown lines, wherein the severity of the glabellar frown lines is assessed by investigator using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) at maximum frown. Further, the subject may be (i) a female subject, (ii) a male or female subject of <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, years of age, (iii) a female subject with either moderate and severe or only severe glabellar frown lines, wherein the severity of the glabellar frown lines is assessed by investigator using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) at maximum frown.

In accordance with the present invention, the botulinum toxin is used in the treatment of moderate or severe glabellar frown lines (GFL) or in the treatment of severe glabellar frown lines (GFL), based on investigator ratings using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) at maximum frown, wherein the botulinum toxin is injected at a total dose of <NUM> U to <NUM> U and in a total volume of <NUM> to <NUM> and, preferably, at a total dose of <NUM> U to <NUM> U (e.g. <NUM> U) and in a total volume of <NUM>, and wherein the botulinum toxin is injected at <NUM> intramuscular injection points. Moreover, in the embodiments described in this paragraph, the botulinum toxin is the (pure) neurotoxic component of serotype A (e.g., Xeomin®). Furthermore, the subjects to be treated are as defined herein above.

For the treatment of glabellar frown lines, the botulinum toxin is injected at <NUM> intramuscular injection points, preferably into the procerus and corrugator muscles, in particular at two sites in each corrugator muscle and one site in the procerus muscle, for a total of <NUM> to <NUM>. Specifically, one injection may be given in the procerus muscle at the crossing of two lines that connect the medial part of the eyebrow and the contralateral caruncle. One injection on each side may be given in the medial (inner) part of the corrugator muscle at least <NUM> above the bony orbital rim on an imaginary line drawn vertically from the caruncle. One injection on each side may be given laterally from the above-mentioned site in the middle part of the corrugator muscle at least <NUM> above the bony orbital rim on an imaginary line drawn vertically from the midpupillary line.

In accordance with the present invention, the botulinum neurotoxin may also be administered together with a dermal filler, either simultaneously or consecutively. In particular, in the treatment of perioral lip lines (orbicularis oris, depressor anguli oris, and mentalis muscles), botulinum toxin may be administered in conjunction with dermal fillers. The dermal filler is preferably a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler, more preferably a crosslinked hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler.

The botulinum toxin used within the present invention is not a botulinum toxin complex but the neurotoxic component of botulinum toxin serotype A.

More specifically, the term "botulinum toxin", as used herein, refers to the <NUM> kDa neurotoxin itself, i.e. the pure neurotoxin devoid of any NAPs (also referred to herein as "neurotoxic component" or "pure neurotoxic component"). The <NUM> kDa neurotoxin is the active protein that ultimately inhibits acetylcholine release. NAPs are not pharmacologically active on nerve terminals and typically consist of several hemagglutinins (HA) and a single non-toxic non-hemagglutinin (NTNH).

The full-length neurotoxin type A has a theoretical molecular weight of <NUM> kDa, while the molecular weight of neurotoxins of other serotypes varies from <NUM> kDa (botulinum toxin type E) to <NUM> kDa (botulinum toxin type B) (see <NPL>). The pure <NUM> kDa neurotoxin of serotype A without any complexing proteins (NAPs) is contained in the commercial product incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin/Bocouture®, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt Germany).

The term "toxin complex", as used herein, may be a high-molecular complex of the neurotoxic component and a set of NAPs selected from the <NUM> kDa, <NUM> kDa, and/or <NUM> kDa C. botulinum type A toxin complexes. The <NUM> kDa complex is included in onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox®/Vistabel®, Allergan, Inc. , Irvine, CA, USA). Another example of a toxin complex is abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport®, Azzalure®, Ipsen, Paris, France).

Within the framework of the present invention, the term "botulinum toxin" may refer to a natural neurotoxin obtainable from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum or to a botulinum toxin obtainable from alternative sources, including from recombinant technologies or from genetic or chemical modification.

Generally, the botulinum toxin used within the present invention is present in the form of a liquid composition. For preparing a composition comprising a botulinum toxin, the neurotoxin can be formulated by various techniques dependent on the desired application purposes which are known in the art. The botulinum toxin used within the present invention is preferably an aqueous solution, more preferably a saline solution or a physiological saline solution, and most preferably a phosphate buffered physiological saline solution. The aqueous solution may additionally comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable substances. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable substances comprise those well known in the art, see, e.g., <NPL>.

In particular, the aqueous botulinum toxin solution or composition may include other carriers or non-toxic, non-therapeutic, non-immunogenic stabilizers and the like. Thus, the aqueous botulinum toxin composition may contain glycerol, protein stabilizers (HSA) or non-protein stabilizers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), hyaluronic acid or free amino acids, e.g. like methionine or histidine. In an aspect, it can be free of amino acids. In an aspect it may be free of stabilizing peptides (e.g., consisting of <NUM> to <NUM> amino acids, <NUM> to <NUM> amino acids or <NUM> to <NUM> amino acids). In an aspect, suitable non-proteinaceous stabilizers are disclosed in <CIT> or <CIT>. The botulinum toxin composition can also include non-ionic or ionic surfactant, e.g. like polysorbate or poloxamer. A suitable formulation for HSA-stabilized formulation comprising a botulinum toxin according to the present invention is for example disclosed in <CIT>.

Preferably, the botulinum toxin used within the present invention is present in the form of an aqueous solution comprising sodium chloride (NaCl), more preferably in the form of a physiological saline solution (i.e. a solution including sodium chloride in physiological concentration, e.g., about <NUM>/l NaCl), wherein the aqueous botulinum toxin solution comprises (i) no other excipient (except NaCl), (ii) human serum albumin (HSA) and a sugar, in particular a monosaccharide or a disaccharide, (iii) human serum albumin (HSA) and lactose, (iv) human serum albumin (HSA) and sucrose, (v) a monosaccharide and/or a disaccharide (e.g. lactose and/or sucrose), (vi) no buffer, (vii) no single amino acids, (viii) no human serum albumin (HSA), sodium chloride and lactose or no HSA, sodium chloride and sucrose, or (ix) no HSA and sodium chloride, or any combination of (i) to (ix).

This method of treatment is used for purely aesthetic purposes and is thus a cosmetic method. The botulinum toxin is intramuscularly injected using, e.g., a <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> needle and, e.g. a <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> syringe, depending on the volume needed.

The prolonged duration of effect allows for less frequent administration of botulinum toxin. For example, botulinum neurotoxin may be repeatedly administered at an interval between a first administration and a second administration, or between a second or further administration and another administration following said second or further administration (i.e. between consecutive administrations of the botulinum toxin) of between about <NUM> and <NUM> months. For example, for a dose of about <NUM> U (e.g., <NUM> U to <NUM> U), the treatment interval may be <NUM> days to <NUM> days (e.g., <NUM> days to <NUM> days). Further, for a dose of about <NUM> U (e.g., <NUM> U to <NUM> U), the treatment interval may be from <NUM> days to <NUM> days or from <NUM> days to <NUM> days or from <NUM> days to <NUM> days (e.g., from <NUM> days to <NUM> days or from <NUM> days to <NUM> days), preferably from <NUM> days to <NUM> days.

The second aspect of the present invention relating to the treatment of glabellar frown lines is closely related to the first aspect of the invention described herein above. Thus, all definitions and explanations provided herein with respect to the first aspect relating the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin equally apply to the second aspect directed to the cosmetic method of treatment.

This example relates to an analysis of a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicentre study to investigate the safety and duration of effect of different NT <NUM> dose groups following the treatment of glabellar frown lines (GFL).

A total of <NUM> randomized subjects (<NUM>% male, <NUM>% female) of <NUM> to <NUM> years with a mean age of <NUM> years were enrolled in the prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicentre study. As per Investigator assessment, <NUM>% of the subjects had a severity Grade <NUM> (Moderate) GFL and <NUM>% of the subjects had a severity Grade <NUM> (Severe) GFL on the Facial Wrinkle Scale at baseline.

The severity grade of GFL was assessed by the investigator at maximum frown using the <NUM>-point investigator's Facial Wrinkle Scale (investigator's FWS) following treatment. A photo guide comprising sample photos of each of the four grades was provided to investigators to support their rating by FWS together with descriptors for the four severity grades (see Table <NUM>).

GFL severity was also assessed by the subjects at maximum frown using the <NUM>-point subject's Facial Wrinkle Scale (subject's FWS). Likewise, a photo guide was provided to the subjects for self-assessment of GFL at maximum frown together with descriptors for the four severity grades (see Table <NUM>).

Subjects were randomly assigned to four groups; <NUM> U NT <NUM> (N=<NUM>), <NUM> U NT <NUM> (N=<NUM>), <NUM> U NT <NUM> (N=<NUM>), and <NUM> U NT <NUM> (N=<NUM>). All treatments consisted of five <NUM> injections per injection point, two injections in each corrugator muscle and one injection in the procerus muscle for a total of <NUM>. In order to inject a total dose of <NUM> U, <NUM> U, <NUM> U (not covered by the appended claims), and <NUM> U (according to present invention), a <NUM> U vial of NT <NUM> was reconstituted using varying volumes of sterile unpreserved saline (see Table <NUM>).

Subjects were evaluated at eight (<NUM>) days following treatment, thirty (<NUM>) days after treatment and then every <NUM> days. As a primary outcome measure (primary efficacy variable), the median duration of effect (medium duration of response; time between treatment for an at least <NUM>-point improvement on investigator's FWS at maximum frown to relapse to baseline values) was estimated. Furthermore, as secondary efficacy variables, the median duration of effect was evaluated, wherein effect is defined by (a) a score of none (<NUM>) or mild (<NUM>) or (b) a <NUM>-point improvement from baseline, as assessed by the investigator using the investigator's FWS.

In addition, the proportion (percentage) of subjects at day <NUM> with a GFL severity of none (<NUM>) or mild (<NUM>) at maximum frown as assessed by the investigator's rating on the FWS as well as the patient's rating on FWS was assessed as a secondary outcome measure (secondary efficacy variable). Other secondary efficacy variables were the percentage of subjects at day <NUM> with an at least <NUM>-point improvement from baseline as assessed by the investigator using the investigator's FWS as well as by the patient using the patient's FWS. In addition, as another efficacy variable, investigators and subjects evaluated the global aesthetic improvement at each postbaseline visit using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), with the following rating score ranging from -<NUM> to <NUM>: very much worse (-<NUM>), much worse (-<NUM>), worse (-<NUM>), no change (<NUM>), improved (<NUM>), much improved (<NUM>), and very much improved (<NUM>).

The results of median duration of effect are shown in Table <NUM>.

The results of response rates based on FWS at day <NUM> are shown in Table <NUM>. , and the response rates based on FWS at day <NUM> (only for "at least <NUM>-point improved" and "none (<NUM>) or mild (<NUM>)") are shown in Table <NUM>.

The investigator's and patient's assessment of overall improvement on the glabella lines using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) at day <NUM> is shown in Table <NUM>.

The above results demonstrate high response rates (responder rates) across all dose groups and a dose dependent prolongation of effect. It could also be demonstrated (results not shown) that in spite of the reduced injection volume the field of effect was large enough to achieve a responder rate of <NUM> % at day <NUM> after injection (responder ≥ <NUM>-point improvement at max. frown as assessed by the investigator) across all dose groups with a sustained duration of effect.

The incidence of adverse events was comparable to those as known from pivotal Phase III studies in the indication GFL. No dose dependent increase in the incidence of overall treatment emergent adverse events or related treatment emergent adverse events was observed. All doses were well tolerated, and the safety profile is consistent with the known safety profile of the approved dose of <NUM> U NT <NUM>. No new safety concerns were detected. Specifically, no serious TEAEs (treatment-emergent adverse events) occurred. In particular, the incidence of eyelid ptosis (N=<NUM> of <NUM>) was as low as <NUM>%, and no other TEAESIs (treatment-emergent adverse events of special interest) related to treatment occurred.

Claim 1:
Use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of glabellar frown lines, wherein the botulinum toxin is injected at one treatment session at a total dose of <NUM> U to <NUM> U and in a total volume of <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the glabellar frown lines are moderate or severe glabellar frown lines, based on investigator ratings using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) at maximum frown, wherein the botulinum toxin is injected at <NUM> intramuscular injection points, wherein the botulinum toxin is the neurotoxic component of botulinum toxin serotype A, and wherein the botulinum toxin is administered at an interval of <NUM> to <NUM> months between two consecutive treatment sessions.