A novel botulinum neurotoxin topical gel: treatment of allergic rhinitis in rats and comparative safety profile

Zhao Zhu, Hongran F. Stone, Thai Q. D. Thach, Luke Garcia, Curtis L. Ruegg*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Rhinitis affects a significant proportion of adults and children with typically seasonal or chronic symptoms. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) is a well-known cholinergic antagonist widely used in a number of approved neurological and esthetic indications. This study was designed to assess the therapeutic effect of RT001, a novel topical gel formulation of BoNTA, in the treatment of allergic rhinitis using a rat model and to compare its safety profile with that of an aqueous formulation of BoNTA complex.

Methods: A rat model of allergic rhinitis was used involving induction of classic rhinitis signs (sneezing and nasal itch) in addition to nasal inflammatory pathology to assess the degree of therapeutic effect of RT001. Comparative safety of RT001 and BoNTA complex was assessed in guinea pigs based on lethality and body weight gain.

Results: Clinical signs of rhinitis were significantly (p <0.01) relieved after a single intranasal administration of RT001 and resolved to normal baseline levels within 5 days after treatment. Mucosal inflammation characterized by edema, congestion, and vascular dilatation along with increased expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide was noted in control animals after allergy induction, whereas RT001 treatment resolved inflammation to essentially normal baseline levels. Safety studies in guinea pigs via intranasal dosing revealed similar to 31-fold greater safety factor for RT001 when compared with BoNTA complex.

Conclusion: These results suggest that topical intranasal application of RT001 is effective in relief of clinical signs and inflammatory pathology associated with allergic rhinitis in a rodent model and may provide a safe treatment for rhinitis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)450-454
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Rhinology and Allergy
Volume26
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A novel botulinum neurotoxin topical gel: treatment of allergic rhinitis in rats and comparative safety profile'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this