This meta-analysis evaluated the frequency of neutralizing antibody (nAb) conversion with onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX®; Allergan) across five studied indications. The analysis was based on large, controlled or prospective, open-label trials (durations 4 months to ≥2 years). Serum samples were analyzed for nAbs using the Mouse Protection Assay. Subjects who were antibody negative at baseline and had at least one analyzable postbaseline antibody assay result were included. The 16 clinical studies included 3,006 subjects; of these, 2,240 met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. Subjects received 1-15 treatments (mean 3.8 treatments) with onabotulinumtoxinA. Total doses per treatment cycle ranged from 10 or 20 units in glabellar lines to 20-500 units in cervical dystonia. The numbers of subjects who converted from an antibody-negative status at baseline to antibody-positive status at any post-treatment time point were: cervical dystonia 4/312 (1.28%), glabellar lines 2/718 (0.28%), overactive bladder 0/22 (0%), post-stroke spasticity 1/317 (0.32%), and primary axillary hyperhidrosis 4/871 (0.46%). Across all indications, 11/2,240 subjects (0.49%) converted from antibody negative at baseline to positive at one or more post-treatment time points, but only three subjects became clinically unresponsive to onabotulinumtoxinA at some point following a positive assay. Based on these large trials, the frequency of antibody conversion after onabotulinumtoxinA treatment is very low, and infrequently leads to loss of efficacy. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.

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This 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter randomized phase 2 trial evaluated efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA; BOTOX) vs. placebo for major depressive disorder (MDD) [NCT02116361]. Primary endpoint was the change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS); secondary endpoints were Clinical Global Impressions-Severity and 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at week 6. A total of 255 adult females were treated. OnabotA 30 U approached significance compared to placebo on MADRS (mixed-effect model repeated measures least-squares mean difference: −3.7; P = 0.053) and reached significance [least-squares mean differences: −3.6 to −4.2; P < 0.05 (two-sided)] at weeks 3 and 9. Secondary endpoints were also significant at several time points. At week 6, onabotA 50 U did not separate from placebo in any parameters. OnabotA was generally well-tolerated: the only treatment-emergent adverse events reported in ≥5% in either onabotA group, and more than matching placebo were headache, upper respiratory infection, and eyelid ptosis. OnabotA 30 U, administered in a standardized injection pattern in a single session, had a consistent efficacy signal across multiple depression symptom scales for 12 or more weeks. OnabotA 30 U/placebo MADRS differences of (observed ANCOVA) ≥4.0 points (up to week 15) and ≥2.0 points (weeks 18–24) agree with the 2-point change threshold considered clinically relevant in MDD. OnabotA is a local therapy and is not commonly associated with systemic effects of conventional antidepressants and may represent a novel treatment option for MDD.

Dose emission from a Turbohaler has been shown to be dependent on the rate of inhalation, with an optimal flow of 60 l min(-1) recommended. Some patients may need counselling to achieve this fast inhalation. Inhalation rate profiles of 24 asthmatics were measured when they inhaled through a placebo Turbohaler. The setting was a community pharmacy when the asthmatics came to collect their next supply of medication. Profiles were measured before and after counselling on how to use the Turbohaler. The mean (SD) peak inhalation rate through the Turbohaler pre- and post-counselling was 48.0 (16.8) and 54.7 (17.6) l min(-1), and their inspiratory volume was 1.75 (0.68) and 1.94 (0.62) l, respectively. Their mean (SD) percent predicted FEV1 was 57.0 (18.9)%. After counselling, 12 patients achieved an inhalation rate of > 60 l min(-1) and a further four obtained > 55 l min(-1). Emphasis should be placed on counselling patients prescribed all types of inhaled devices rather than concentrating on metered dose inhalers.

Background OnabotulinumtoxinA is approved as a treatment across multiple indications. For the treatment of spasticity, onabotulinumtoxinA is injected directly into affected muscles. Intramuscular injections may result in local bleeding and related complications, especially in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. Despite anticoagulants being commonly used, there is limited information in the medical literature regarding the safety of intramuscular medications in patients receiving oral anticoagulants. This retrospective analysis included pooled safety data from Allergan-sponsored studies evaluating onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of patients with muscle spasticity. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the risk of bleeding complications in patients with post-stroke spasticity receiving antithrombotic therapy and intramuscular onabotulinumtoxinA. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of pooled safety data from 16 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Allergan-sponsored studies of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of post-stroke upper or lower limb muscle spasticity, including adult patients with at least moderate upper or lower limb spasticity and receiving at least one dose of the study drug. Bleeding-related adverse events starting within 4 weeks of study treatment were assessed. The incidence rates of bleeding complications were compared for patients receiving classes of antithrombotic therapy vs those not receiving antithrombotic therapy and for those receiving onabotulinumtoxinA vs placebo (with or without antithrombotic therapy). Results Of 1877 patients, 1182 received antithrombotic therapy. The overall incidence of bleeding complications was < 2%. In those receiving any antithrombotic therapy, the incidence of bleeding was 1.0% vs 1.4% (no antithrombotic therapy); after onabotulinumtoxinA, it was 0.9% for those receiving antithrombotic therapy vs 1.4% (no antithrombotic therapy), and for placebo 1.2% vs 1.4%, respectively. Subgroup results were similar. Conclusions No apparent increased risk of bleeding complications was observed following administration of onabotulinum-toxinA to patients receiving antithrombotic therapy. Nonetheless, patient education and careful observation of the injection site in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy remains warranted.