The 200-Year Timeline on Botulinum Toxin: From Biologic Poison to Wonder Drug

The history of botulinum toxin dates back to the late 1700s, when food preparation, storage, and later canning practices led to outbreaks of botulism across Europe and the United States. It is from these initial incidents that the remarkable discovery of botulinum toxin was eventually made, sparking over 200 years of further scientific inquiry and medical innovation. To date, 6 botulinum toxin products have been commercialized in North America with numerous indications across the specialties of ophthalmology, neurology, urology, dermatology, plastic surgery, and otolaryngology. This article traces the key moments and important players in the remarkable journey of this biologic poison and wonder drug.