Abobotulinum toxin A improves the treatment outcomes of patients with stroke previously treated with other botulinum toxin drugs

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of abobotulinumtoxinA (ABTA) in the treatment of patients with stroke who previously received other botulinum toxin products. Researchers suggested that ABTA was associated with improved outcomes for these patients.

Around 795,000 people in the US have a stroke, every year. It happens when the blood flow to the brain is cut-off by a blood clot or hemorrhage (burst blood vessel). The brain cells stop receiving oxygen and begin to die causing symptoms such as leg or arm spasticity (stiffness).

Botulinum toxin A (or Botox) works by blocking the muscles from contracting. However, products with this toxin have different effectiveness. Prior studies showed that ABTA significantly reduces muscle stiffness, therefore improving symptoms in patients with stroke. Repeated doses were well tolerated and associated with improved walking speed. However, the effectiveness of ABTA in patients with stroke who previously received botulinum toxin A is not clear.

This study included information about 388 patients with stroke and leg spasticity. Of these, 84 previously received treatment with botulinum toxin A. These patients were assigned to receive treatment with ABTA or placebo. ABTA was given as a 1000 U or a 1500 U dose. Patients were followed-up at weeks 1, 4 and 12 after the ABTA dose.

At week 4, improvements were seen in muscle stiffness in all groups. However, ABTA group showed greater changes at all time points when compared to placebo. 101 side effects were reported during the study in 36 patients. The most common side effects reported were falls, muscle weakness, and pain in one limb.

This study concluded that ABTA improved leg stiffness in stroke survivors previously treated with botulinum toxin A.

This study was funded by Ipsen (ABTA producer) and Allergan (BOTOX producer).