Botulinum Toxin (BoNT) is most commonly used for cosmetic procedures but also has clinical uses to treat migraines, spasticity, and cervical dystonia. However, due to the highly toxic nature of the chemical, it is difficult to produce and requires a dedicated manufacturing facility with high levels of security and some of the most stringent pharmaceutical standards in the industry. A research team led by Chandra Tucker has developed a method of manufacturing BoNT as separate non-toxic components that is then reconstituted into the active toxin by the end-user. Currently both types of BoNT (A and B) can be made by fragmenting one of the active chains during production, then reattaching the fragments and chains prior to use. Another method of production attaches two parts of the toxin to unique proteins that photodimerize, allowing for separation during manufacturing and reconstitution with precision when exposed to blue light by the end-user. This method is currently viable for producing BoNT Type B. Dr. Tucker’s technology shows great promise for improving the safety of those manufacturing and handling the highly toxic and intensely popular chemical.
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