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Clarity in Trials, Confidence in Decisions

Clarity in Trials, Confidence in Decisions

| Established / Proper Name | letibotulinumtoxinA-wlbg |
| Proposed Trade Name | LETYBO |
| Pharmacologic Class | Acetylcholine release inhibitor; neuromuscular blocking agent |
| Molecular Weight | ~900 kDa (noncovalent multimeric complex; 6 proteins) |
| Source Organism | Clostridium botulinum (fermentation) |
| Toxin Type | Botulinum toxin type A |
| Active Ingredient | letibotulinumtoxinA-wlbg |
| Inactive Ingredients | Albumin human; sodium chloride |
| Marketed Name Outside US | Botulax® (Korea; marketed since 2010) |
| US License Number | 2237 |
| Manufacturer | Hugel, Inc., 61-20 Sinbuk-ro, Sinbuk-eup, Chuncheon, 24206 Korea |
| Primary Target | SNAP25 (Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25) |
| Action | Prevents ACh vesicle membrane fusion; blocks cholinergic NMJ transmission |
| Mechanism (cellular) | Internalization → translocation to neuronal cytosol → SNAP25 cleavage |
| Onset of Effect | Gradual; dose-dependent decrease in muscle function |
| Recovery Mechanism | Neurotoxin degradation + axonal sprouting → muscle reinnervation → slow reversal |
| Preclinical Comparator | Onset and duration of paralysis comparable to onabotulinumtoxinA at all timepoints (3, 7, 14, 21, 28 days) and doses (2, 4, 8 U/animal) in rat model (Study CP-001) |
| FDA-Approved Indication | Temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines associated with corrugator and/or procerus muscle activity in adult patients |
| Population | Adults (18–75 years in trials) |
| Line Severity | Moderate to severe at maximum frown (GLS ≥2) |
| Not Approved For | Spasticity or any conditions other than glabellar lines |
| Pediatric Use | Safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients; full waiver granted (extremely low prevalence of glabellar lines in pediatric population) |
| Product (INN) | FDA Approval | Dosing | Pivotal Efficacy (responder rate) | Key Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) | 2002 | 20 U IM; 5 sites × 4 U | Study 1: 61%; Study 2: 46% | Spread of toxin; dysphagia; breathing difficulties |
| Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) | 2009 | 50 U IM; 5 sites × 10 U | GL1: 55%; GL2: 52%; GL3: 60% | Spread of toxin; dysphagia; breathing difficulties |
| Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) | 2011 | 20 U IM; 5 sites × 4 U | GL1: 60%; GL2: 48% | Spread of toxin; dysphagia; breathing difficulties |
| Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs) | 2019 | 20 U IM; 5 sites × 4 U | EV-001: 67%; EV-002: 70% | Spread of toxin; dysphagia; breathing difficulties |
| LETYBO (letibotulinumtoxinA-wlbg) | 2024 | 20 U IM; 5 sites × 4 U | BLESS I: 47%; II: 49%; III: 65% | Spread of toxin; standard BTX-A warnings |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 1. Physician’s Inserts from Drugs@FDA.
| Parameter | BLESS I (Letybo / Placebo) | BLESS II (Letybo / Placebo) | BLESS III (Letybo / Placebo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Randomized | 531 / 177 | 160 / 53 | 266 / 89 |
| Received Treatment | 529 (99.6%) / 175 (98.9%) | 160 (100%) / 53 (100%) | 266 (100%) / 89 (100%) |
| FAS (primary analysis) | 528 / 175 | 160 / 53 | 266 / 89 |
| Completed Double-Blind Phase | 500 (94.2%) / 160 (90.4%) | 147 (91.9%) / 48 (90.6%) | 249 (93.6%) / 84 (94.4%) |
| Completed Entire Study | 456 (85.9%) / 145 (81.9%) | 136 (85.0%) / 43 (81.1%) | 227 (85.3%) / 80 (89.9%) |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 5. Non-responder imputation for FAS.
| Characteristic | BLESS I Letybo (N=528) / Placebo (N=175) | BLESS II Letybo (N=160) / Placebo (N=53) | BLESS III Letybo (N=266) / Placebo (N=89) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Age (years) | 49.3 / 48.7 | 52.0 / 52.4 | 52.2 / 49.4 |
| Median Age (years) | 49 / 49 | 52.5 / 51 | 53 / 52 |
| Age Range (years) | 19–75 / 21–74 | 27–75 / 29–73 | 21–75 / 22–75 |
| 18–64 years | 462 (87.5%) / 157 (89.7%) | 141 (88.1%) / 45 (84.9%) | 233 (87.6%) / 81 (91.0%) |
| 65–75 years | 66 (12.5%) / 18 (10.3%) | 19 (11.9%) / 8 (15.1%) | 33 (12.4%) / 8 (9.0%) |
| Female | 483 (91.5%) / 155 (88.6%) | 150 (93.8%) / 45 (84.9%) | 248 (93.2%) / 80 (89.9%) |
| Male | 45 (8.5%) / 20 (11.4%) | 10 (6.3%) / 8 (15.1%) | 18 (6.8%) / 9 (10.1%) |
| White | 482 (91.3%) / 153 (87.4%) | 153 (95.6%) / 50 (94.3%) | 236 (88.7%) / 79 (88.8%) |
| Black or African American | 33 (6.3%) / 18 (10.3%) | 3 (1.9%) / 1 (1.9%) | 25 (9.4%) / 7 (7.9%) |
| Asian | 7 (1.3%) / 3 (1.7%) | 2 (1.3%) / 1 (1.9%) | 4 (1.5%) / 1 (1.1%) |
| Not Hispanic or Latino | 497 (94.1%) / 166 (94.9%) | 126 (78.8%) / 45 (84.9%) | 200 (75.2%) / 67 (75.3%) |
| Hispanic or Latino | 25 (4.7%) / 8 (4.6%) | 33 (20.6%) / 7 (13.2%) | 66 (24.8%) / 22 (24.7%) |
| Region: US | 268 (50.8%) / 95 (54.3%) | 160 (100%) / 53 (100%) | 225 (84.6%) / 79 (88.8%) |
| Region: EU | 260 (49.2%) / 80 (45.7%) | 0 / 0 | 41 (15.4%) / 10 (11.2%) |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 7. EU: Germany and Poland in BLESS I; Austria in BLESS III.
| Characteristic | BLESS I Letybo / Placebo | BLESS II Letybo / Placebo | BLESS III Letybo / Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLS-I = 3 (Severe) at max frown | 384 (72.7%) / 133 (76.0%) | 112 (70.0%) / 37 (69.8%) | 202 (75.9%) / 67 (75.3%) |
| GLS-I = 2 (Moderate) at max frown | 144 (27.3%) / 42 (24.0%) | 48 (30.0%) / 16 (30.2%) | 64 (24.1%) / 22 (24.7%) |
| GLS-S = 3 (Severe) at max frown | 401 (75.9%) / 121 (69.1%) | 121 (75.6%) / 42 (79.2%) | 196 (73.7%) / 64 (71.9%) |
| GLS-S = 2 (Moderate) at max frown | 127 (24.1%) / 54 (30.9%) | 39 (24.4%) / 11 (20.8%) | 70 (26.3%) / 25 (28.1%) |
| Previous Use of Botulinum Toxin: No | 345 (65.3%) / 116 (66.3%) | 105 (65.6%) / 42 (79.2%) | 169 (63.5%) / 53 (59.6%) |
| Previous Use of Botulinum Toxin: Yes | 183 (34.7%) / 59 (33.7%) | 55 (34.4%) / 11 (20.8%) | 97 (36.5%) / 36 (40.4%) |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 8. A higher proportion of subjects had severe (74%) vs moderate (26%) glabellar lines. Demographics were generally balanced across treatment groups.
| Design | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled; two-part: double-blind phase + open-label extension |
| Randomization | 3:1 (LETYBO : placebo) at Day 0 (baseline) |
| Double-Blind Phase | Single injection session with evaluations at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and re-evaluation visits (starting Week 12, every 4 weeks) |
| Open-Label Extension | Up to 3 additional retreatments with 20 U LETYBO over 48 weeks; minimum 3-month interval between treatments; up to 4 total treatment cycles |
| Total Study Duration | Up to 60 weeks |
| Treatment Duration | At least 12 weeks per cycle (until retreatment eligibility) |
| Injection Sites | 5 sites: 2 per corrugator supercilii muscle (inferomedial + superior middle), 1 in procerus muscle |
| Dose (active) | 4 Units per site × 5 sites = 20 Units total |
| Volume per Site | 0.1 mL |
| Primary Analysis Population | Full Analysis Set (FAS): all randomized subjects receiving ≥1 injection; ITT principle |
| Supportive Population | Per Protocol Set (PPS): FAS minus significant protocol deviations; ~84–90% Letybo, ~85–91% placebo |
| Statistical Method | Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) test stratified by study center; Mantel-Haenszel common risk difference and 95% CI (reviewer-corrected) |
| Missing Data Handling | Primary: non-responder imputation (NRI); Sensitivity: observed values only, LOCF, worst-case imputation |
| GLS Score | Descriptor | Line Severity at Maximum Frown |
|---|---|---|
| 0 — None | Smooth area | No visible lines between the eyebrows |
| 1 — Mild | Shallow lines | One or more thin or shallow lines |
| 2 — Moderate | Medium depth | One or more lines of medium depth |
| 3 — Severe | Deep/pronounced | One or more deep and pronounced lines |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 4. GLS-I = Investigator assessment; GLS-S = Subject (patient) assessment.
| Study | Design | Population / Country | N | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HG-11-01 | Double-blind, randomized, active-controlled (Botox comparator) | Mod-severe glabellar lines; 18–75 yrs; Korea | 272 | Safety/efficacy (Korea approval); supportive safety data for BLA |
| HG-13-02 (HG-12-02) | Post-marketing surveillance | Mod-severe glabellar lines; 18–65 yrs; Korea | 815 | Additional post-marketing safety data |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 3. Phase 3 dose selection for BLESS studies was supported by HG-11-01 results demonstrating similar efficacy to onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) at 20 Units.
| Study | LETYBO Multi-component Responder n/N (%) | Placebo n/N (%) | Treatment Difference (MH) | 95% CI | p-value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLESS I | 246/528 (46.6%) | 0/175 (0%) | 47.0% | (42.7%, 51.4%) | <0.0001 |
| BLESS II | 78/160 (48.8%) | 1/53 (1.9%) | 45.1% | (36.0%, 54.3%) | <0.0001 |
| BLESS III | 172/266 (64.7%) | 0/89 (0%) | 65.2% | (59.3%, 71.2%) | <0.0001 |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 9. Reviewer analysis using Mantel-Haenszel stratified by study center. NRI for missing data. All three studies met pre-specified primary endpoint; results statistically superior to placebo. PI (Ref ID 5337801) reports Newcombe CIs (unstratified); reviewer-corrected MH CIs shown here.
| Component | BLESS I LETYBO / Placebo | BLESS II LETYBO / Placebo | BLESS III LETYBO / Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investigator Assessment (GLS-I 0 or 1; ≥2-pt improvement) | 348/528 (65.9%) / 1/175 (0.6%) | 120/160 (75.0%) / 1/53 (1.9%) | 209/266 (78.6%) / 1/89 (1.1%) |
| Subject Assessment (GLS-S 0 or 1; ≥2-pt improvement) | 290/528 (54.9%) / 0/175 (0%) | 83/160 (51.9%) / 1/53 (1.9%) | 183/266 (68.8%) / 0/89 (0%) |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 9. Investigator assessment responder rates were 10–23% higher than subject assessment rates in the LETYBO arm across studies.
| Analysis Method | BLESS I LETYBO / Placebo | BLESS II LETYBO / Placebo | BLESS III LETYBO / Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary (NRI) | 46.6% / 0% | 48.8% / 1.9% | 64.7% / 0% |
| Observed Values Only | 47.2% / 0% | 50.6% / 2.0% | 65.2% / 0% |
| LOCF | 47.2% / 0% | 50.6% / 1.9% | 64.7% / 0% |
| Worst-Case Imputation | 46.6% / 4.0% | 48.8% / 9.4% | 64.7% / 3.4% |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Tables 11–13. All sensitivity analyses showed consistent results; missing data had limited impact on efficacy conclusions due to large effect size and small proportion of subjects with missing data (0.8–3.8%).
| Secondary Endpoint | BLESS I LETYBO / Placebo | Treatment Diff. (95% CI) | BLESS II LETYBO / Placebo | Treatment Diff. (95% CI) | BLESS III LETYBO / Placebo (exploratory) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE1: Multi-component Responder Rate at Week 12 (NRI) | 67/528 (12.7%) / 0/175 (0%) | 12.2% (9.3%, 15.0%); p<0.0001 | 7/160 (4.4%) / 0/53 (0%) | 3.6% (0.6%, 6.6%); p=0.173 (Stop) | 56/266 (21.1%) / 1/89 (1.1%); 19.4% (13.8%, 25.0%) |
| SE2: Multi-component Responder Rate at Week 16 (observed) | 22/501 (4.4%) / 0/159 (0%) | 4.5% (2.6%, 6.3%); p=0.006 | 5/149 (3.4%) / 0/48 (0%) | 2.9% (-0.0%, 5.7%) [exploratory after SE1 stop] | 27/254 (10.6%) / 1/84 (1.2%); 8.6% (4.1%, 13.2%) |
| SE3.1: ≥1-pt improvement at rest (GLS-I; Week 4) | 333/473 (70.4%) / 27/160 (16.9%) | 54.8% (47.7%, 61.9%); p<0.0001 | 95/141 (67.4%) / 3/47 (6.4%) | 58.5% (47.4%, 69.6%) | 163/215 (75.8%) / 8/66 (12.1%); 62.4% (52.8%, 72.0%) |
| SE3.2: ≥1-pt improvement at rest (GLS-S; Week 4) | 412/502 (82.1%) / 17/167 (10.2%) | 72.5% (66.7%, 78.2%); p<0.0001 | 113/148 (76.4%) / 9/52 (17.3%) | 57.7% (44.7%, 70.7%) | 214/255 (83.9%) / 11/82 (13.4%); 69.4% (60.6%, 78.1%) |
| SE4: Multi-component Responder Rate at Week 20 (observed) | 6/503 (1.2%) / 0/158 (0%) | 1.2% (0.2%, 2.2%); p=0.169 (Stop) | 2/148 (1.4%) / 0/48 (0%) | 1.3% (-0.7%, 3.2%) [exploratory] | NA |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 15. SE3 applicable only for subjects with GLS at rest ≥1 at baseline. Mantel-Haenszel weights stratified by center.
| Subgroup | BLESS I LETYBO / Placebo | BLESS II LETYBO / Placebo | BLESS III LETYBO / Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 18–64 years | 222/462 (48.1%) / 0/157 (0%) | 73/141 (51.8%) / 1/45 (2.2%) | 155/233 (66.5%) / 0/81 (0%) |
| Age 65–75 years | 24/66 (36.4%) / 0/18 (0%) | 5/19 (26.3%) / 0/8 (0%) | 17/33 (51.5%) / 0/8 (0%) |
| Female | 230/483 (47.6%) / 0/155 (0%) | 77/150 (51.3%) / 1/45 (2.2%) | 166/248 (66.9%) / 0/80 (0%) |
| Male | 16/45 (35.6%) / 0/20 (0%) | 1/10 (10.0%) / 0/8 (0%) | 6/18 (33.3%) / 0/9 (0%) |
| White | 216/482 (44.8%) / 0/153 (0%) | 75/153 (49.0%) / 1/50 (2.0%) | 157/236 (66.5%) / 0/79 (0%) |
| Black or African American | 22/33 (66.7%) / 0/18 (0%) | 2/3 (66.7%) / 0/1 (0%) | 12/25 (48.0%) / 0/7 (0%) |
| Not Hispanic/Latino | 233/497 (46.9%) / 0/166 (0%) | 60/126 (47.6%) / 0/45 (0%) | 121/200 (60.5%) / 0/67 (0%) |
| Hispanic/Latino | 10/25 (40.0%) / 0/8 (0%) | 18/33 (54.5%) / 1/7 (14.3%) | 51/66 (77.3%) / 0/22 (0%) |
| Botulinum Toxin Naïve | 160/345 (46.4%) / 0/116 (0%) | 49/105 (46.7%) / 1/42 (2.4%) | 106/169 (62.7%) / 0/53 (0%) |
| Previous Botulinum Toxin Use | 86/183 (47.0%) / 0/59 (0%) | 29/55 (52.7%) / 0/11 (0%) | 66/97 (68.0%) / 0/36 (0%) |
| US | 146/268 (54.5%) / 0/95 (0%) | 78/160 (48.8%) / 1/53 (1.9%) | 153/225 (68.0%) / 0/79 (0%) |
| EU | 100/260 (38.5%) / 0/80 (0%) | N/A | 19/41 (46.3%) / 0/10 (0%) |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 16. Treatment effect for females was higher than males; effect for subjects <65 yrs was higher than ≥65 yrs in all three studies. Small sample sizes in male and ≥65-yr subgroups limit reliable estimation. Results consistent across most subgroups.
| Treatment Cycle | BLESS I (N=704) | BLESS II (N=213) | BLESS III (N=355) | Combined (N=1272) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st treatment (DB LETYBO + all OL) | 704 (100%) | 213 (100%) | 355 (100%) | 1272 (100%) |
| 3rd study treatment | 616 (93.5%) | 181 (92.8%) | 265 (82.0%) | 1062 (83.5%) |
| 4th study treatment | 464 (70.4%) | 149 (76.4%) | 139 (43.0%) | 752 (59.1%) |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 17. ISS Population: 1,272 total; 955 DB LETYBO + 317 placebo; 1,177 OL LETYBO. Total BoNT/A-DP exposures at marketed 20U dose: 1,380 subjects (including 134 from HG-11-01). 546 subjects received all 4 treatment cycles.
| Adverse Reaction | LETYBO (N=911) n (%) | Placebo (N=310) n (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Headache* (any) | 17 (2%) | 2 (1%) |
| Brow ptosis** (any) | 3 (<1%) | 0 |
| Eyelid ptosis | 3 (<1%) | 0 |
| Blepharospasm | 2 (<1%) | 0 |
* Includes headache, head discomfort, migraine, and procedural headache. ** Includes brow ptosis and brow heaviness. Source: FDA PI BLA 761225 (Ref ID 5337801), Table 2. Adverse reactions reported in more than one subject in the LETYBO group vs placebo.
| Preferred Term | LETYBO (N=911) n (%) | Placebo (N=310) n (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Any TEAE | 215 (23.6%) | 60 (19.4%) |
| Upper respiratory tract infection* | 47 (5.2%) | 12 (3.9%) |
| Headache† | 31 (4.3%) | 5 (1.6%) |
| Injection site reaction‡ | 11 (1.2%) | 6 (1.9%) |
| Urinary tract infection | 9 (1.0%) | 0 |
* Includes nasopharyngitis, URTI, sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pharyngitis streptococcal. † Includes headache, head discomfort, migraine, procedural headache. ‡ Includes contusion, facial pain, folliculitis, haematoma, injection site pain/bruising/hematoma/pruritus, swelling. Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 26.
| Preferred Term | DB: LETYBO (N=911) | DB: Placebo (N=310) | OL Cycle 2 (N=1129) | OL Cycle 3 (N=1020) | OL Cycle 4 (N=722) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Adverse Reaction | 33 (3.6%) | 8 (2.6%) | 28 (2.5%) | 23 (2.3%) | 7 (1.0%) |
| Headache* | 17 (1.9%) | 2 (0.6%) | 15 (1.3%) | 8 (0.8%) | 2 (0.3%) |
| Injection site reaction | 11 (1.2%) | 6 (1.9%) | 5 (0.4%) | 4 (0.4%) | 3 (0.4%) |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Tables 28 and 30. Headache AR was more frequent in younger subjects (<65 yrs: 4.6% vs ≥65 yrs: 1.4%) and in treatment-naïve subjects (5.1% vs 2.5% pre-treated). AR incidence did not increase with multiple retreatments.
| Injection Site Reaction | LETYBO (N=911) n (%) | Placebo (N=310) n (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Any injection site reaction | 6 (0.7%) | 2 (0.6%) |
| Injection site pain | 3 (0.3%) | 1 (0.3%) |
| Contusion (bruising) | 2 (0.2%) | 1 (0.3%) |
| Haematoma | 1 (0.1%) | 1 (0.3%) |
| Swelling | 1 (0.1%) | 1 (0.3%) |
| Injection site bruising | 1 (0.1%) | 1 (0.3%) |
| Facial pain | 0 | 1 (0.3%) |
| Folliculitis | 1 (0.1%) | 0 |
| Injection site haematoma | 1 (0.1%) | 0 |
| Injection site pruritus | 1 (0.1%) | 0 |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 29.
| SAEs in LETYBO group (DB) | 10/911 (1.1%) subjects; none treatment-related |
| SAEs in Placebo group (DB) | 1/310 (0.3%) subject; not treatment-related |
| SAE pattern | All by PT reported for 1 subject except cholecystitis, osteoarthritis, and coronary artery disease (2 subjects each) |
| SAEs in OL period | 21 subjects overall (1.9%); rate decreased with subsequent cycles: Cycle 1: 1.1%, Cycle 2: 1.1%, Cycle 3: 0.7%, Cycle 4: 0.4% |
| Treatment-Related SAEs | None |
| Deaths | None |
| AESI (Preferred Term) | DB: LETYBO (N=911) n (%) | DB: Placebo (N=310) n (%) | OL: LETYBO (N=1129) n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOCAL SPREAD | |||
| Eyelid ptosis | 3 (0.3%) | 0 | 6 (0.5%) |
| Brow ptosis and heaviness | 3 (0.3%) | 0 | 1 (0.1%) |
| Vision blurred | 1 (0.1%) | 0 | 1 (0.1%) |
| Photophobia | 0 | 0 | 1 (0.1%) |
| Diplopia | 0 | 0 | 1 (0.1%) |
| DISTANT SPREAD | |||
| Bradycardia | 1 (0.1%) | 0 | 0 |
| Dysarthria | 1 (0.1%) | 0 | 0 |
| Constipation | 1 (0.1%) | 0 | 1 (0.1%) |
| Dyspnoea | 0 | 0 | 1 (0.1%) |
| Muscular weakness | 0 | 1 (0.3%) | 0 |
| Dysphagia | 0 | 1 (0.3%) | 0 |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 21. Total 24 AESIs across studies (excluding 1 subject from BLESS III Site 110). 12 in DB period (10 after LETYBO, 2 after placebo); 12 in OL period. None of the AESIs were considered serious or severe. DB clinical reviewer noted disagreement with investigator causality assessment for several eyelid/brow ptosis events, stating temporal relationship could not rule out treatment-relatedness.
| Preferred Term | DB: LETYBO (N=955) n (%) | DB: Placebo (N=317) n (%) | OL: LETYBO (N=1177) n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any cardiac disorder | 4 (0.4%) | 1 (0.3%) | 4 (0.3%) |
| Arrhythmia | 1 (0.1%) | 0 | 1 (0.1%) |
| AV block first degree | 1 (0.1%) | 1 (0.3%) | 0 |
| Bradycardia | 1 (0.1%) | 0 | 0 |
| Palpitations | 1 (0.1%) | 0 | 0 |
| Coronary artery disease | 0 | 0 | 2 (0.2%) |
| Acute myocardial infarction | 0 | 0 | 1 (0.1%) |
| Angina unstable | 0 | 0 | 1 (0.1%) |
| Hypertension | 2 (0.2%) | 0 | 10 (0.8%) |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Table 23. None of the cardiac events was judged treatment-related; none was consistent with MACE. ECG assessment showed no clinically meaningful differences between groups or QT prolongation.
| Subjects evaluated (Phase 3 pivotal studies) | 1,129 subjects (DB + OL phases) |
| Pre-existing antibodies at Screening/Baseline | 3 subjects (<1%) |
| Antibody development post-treatment | 2 subjects (<1%) — end of study |
| Neutralizing antibodies detected | None (all titer values zero) |
| Impact on efficacy/safety | No apparent association between antibody development and reduced efficacy or adverse events |
| PI-reported ADA incidence (1,195 subjects) | 4 subjects (0.3%) developed antibodies; no neutralizing ADA detected in tested samples |
| Supportive study (HG-11-01; Korea) | No positive antibody samples among 271 subjects; samples collected at Baseline and Week 16 |
| Caveats | Small number of antibody-positive subjects limits definitive conclusions; ADA detection dependent on assay sensitivity/specificity |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Section 6.2.1 and Table 2; FDA PI (Ref ID 5337801). PI and medical review differ slightly in the total N reported (1,195 vs 1,129) due to inclusion/exclusion of supportive studies.
| Drug Type | Botulinum toxin type A; 900 kDa noncovalent multimeric complex (6 proteins) |
| Mechanism | Blocks cholinergic transmission at the neuromuscular junction by inhibiting acetylcholine release; cleaves SNAP25 protein |
| Cellular pathway | IM injection → internalization into nerve terminal → translocation to neuronal cytosol → SNAP25 cleavage → prevents ACh vesicle membrane fusion → dose-dependent decrease in muscle function |
| Recovery | Gradual: neurotoxin degradation + axonal sprouting → muscle reinnervation → slow pharmacological reversal |
| Primary pharmacology comparator | Onset and duration of muscle paralysis comparable to onabotulinumtoxinA at all tested timepoints (3–28 days) and doses (2, 4, 8 U/animal) in rat model. No recovery within 4 weeks after injection of either toxin (Study CP-001). |
| Absorption / Bioavailability | Not characterized; systemic exposure undetectable after recommended IM dose |
| Distribution | Not characterized; systemic concentrations undetectable |
| Metabolism | Not characterized |
| Excretion | Not characterized |
| Nonclinical PK | No nonclinical PK evaluations performed; systemic concentrations not detectable at clinically relevant doses by any available bioanalytical methods |
| Formal PD Studies | No formal pharmacodynamic studies conducted in humans |
| Human PD characterization | The pharmacodynamic effects of letibotulinumtoxinA in humans have not been characterized by the Applicant |
| Dose-response | No dose-ranging study conducted; Phase 3 dose (20 U) selected based on supportive study HG-11-01 results (comparable efficacy to onabotulinumtoxinA 20 U) |
| Dose-exposure-response | No pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic dose-/exposure-response data available |
| Therapeutic individualization | Not necessary; dose adjustment based on intrinsic factors not required |
| Active Ingredient | letibotulinumtoxinA-wlbg |
| Molecular Weight | ~900 kDa (noncovalent multimeric complex; 6 proteins) |
| Toxin Type | Botulinum neurotoxin type A |
| Source | Clostridium botulinum fermentation |
| Formulation | Sterile, preservative-free, white freeze-dried powder; single-dose vial |
| 50 Units vial excipients | Albumin human (0.25 mg), Sodium chloride (0.45 mg) |
| 100 Units vial excipients | Albumin human (0.5 mg), Sodium chloride (0.9 mg) |
| Reconstituted appearance | Clear, colorless; free of particulate matter |
| Drug Class / Agent | Clinical Concern | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Aminoglycosides | Enhanced neuromuscular blockade | Caution; monitor for excessive neuromuscular weakness |
| Anticholinergic drugs | May heighten systemic anticholinergic effects | Caution; monitor closely |
| Other botulinum neurotoxin products | Cumulative toxin effects; potentiate blockade | Avoid concurrent use or within several months of LETYBO |
| Muscle relaxants | Enhanced neuromuscular weakness | Caution before or after LETYBO administration |
Source: FDA PI BLA 761225 (Ref ID 5337801) §7.
| Study | Species / Duration | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Single dose IM toxicity (Study 05-RA-241-1) | Rat; 6, 30, 150 U/kg | Dose-dependent paralysis, decreased body weight; LD50 = 129.5 U/kg (both sexes). Mortality at 150 U/kg. |
| Single dose IM toxicity (Study 05-DA242) | Beagle dog; 2.5–200 U/kg (escalating) | Minimum lethal dose >200 U/kg in dogs (not appropriate species for botulinum toxin toxicity) |
| 4-week repeat dose IM toxicity (Study 05-RR-243) | Rat; 0, 1.5, 3, 6 U/kg weekly × 4 wks | Paralysis at injection site (hind leg) all dose groups; muscle atrophy; NOAEL <1.5 U/kg/dose (paralysis at all groups) |
| 6-month repeat dose IM toxicity (Study 167857) | Rat; 0, 0.67/3.75, 2.0/7.5, 6.0/15 U/kg monthly | Muscle fiber atrophy/degeneration all dose groups; inflammatory infiltrate; fibrosis; some reversal after 6-month recovery |
| Embryo-fetal development (Study 08-RP-375) | Rat; 0, 1, 4, 8 U/kg/dose; GD 5–16 | Decreased fetal body weight (all doses); ossification delays (mid/high dose). Effects secondary to maternal toxicity. No drug-related malformations. MRHD = 20 U/subject (0.34 U/kg for 60 kg subject); NOAEL not established at ≥1 U/kg (3× MRHD) |
| Carcinogenicity / Genotoxicity | — | Not conducted; not warranted per ICH S6(R1) for biotechnology-derived products |
| Common toxicities | — | Muscle paralysis and atrophy — typical for botulinum neurotoxin type A; no new or unique toxicities |
Source: FDA Medical Review BLA 761225 (Ref ID 4960826), Section 5. No nonclinical PMRs or PMCs recommended.
| Pregnancy (§8.1) | Insufficient data from case reports to identify drug-associated risk. Systemic exposure not assessed (undetectable). Animal data: decreased fetal body weight and skeletal ossification at maternally toxic doses ≥1 U/kg (3× MRHD) in rats — secondary to maternal toxicity, not fetal teratogenicity. Background risk (US general population): birth defects 2–4%; miscarriage 15–20%. |
| Lactation (§8.2) | No data on presence in human or animal milk, effects on breastfed infant, or milk production. Systemic exposure not assessed. Consider developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding. |
| Pediatric Use (§8.4) | Safety and effectiveness not established. Full waiver granted — extremely low prevalence of glabellar lines in pediatric population (age 0–17 years). |
| Geriatric Use (§8.5) | 148 subjects ≥65 years enrolled (12%). No clinically meaningful differences in safety or efficacy vs younger subjects. Insufficient numbers to determine whether older patients respond differently. Subgroup analysis: response rate lower in ≥65 yrs vs 18–64 yrs. |
| Vial Size | Diluent Added | Resulting Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 50 Units | 1.25 mL | 4 Units / 0.1 mL |
| 100 Units | 2.5 mL | 4 Units / 0.1 mL |
Diluent: Preservative-free 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Source: FDA PI BLA 761225 (Ref ID 5337801), Table 1.
| Needle Size | 30–31 gauge |
| Volume per Injection Site | 0.1 mL (4 Units) |
| Number of Sites | 5 (see PI Figure 1) |
| Corrugator Injections | 2 per corrugator muscle (inferomedial + superior middle of each corrugator); lateral injections ≥1 cm above bony supraorbital ridge |
| Procerus Injection | 1 in mid-line of procerus muscle |
| Safety Distance | Avoid injecting toxin closer than 1 cm above the central eyebrow |
| Syringe Preparation | Draw ≥0.5 mL of reconstituted toxin into sterile syringe; expel air bubbles; remove reconstitution needle; attach 30–31G needle; confirm needle patency |
| Injection Volume Accuracy | Ensure injected volume/dose is accurate; administer in steady, controlled manner |
| Unopened vials — storage | Refrigerator 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F); original carton; protect from light |
| Unopened vials — do not freeze | Do not freeze |
| Reconstituted — storage | Refrigerator 2°C to 8°C in original carton; protect from light; ≤24 hours |
| Reconstituted — do not | Do not freeze reconstituted product |
| NDC (50 Units) | NDC 81165-050-01 (carton of 1 vial) |
| NDC (100 Units) | NDC 81165-100-01 (carton of 1 vial) |
| Patients with neuromuscular disorders (ALS, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton) | Caution; increased risk of clinically significant effects; monitor for neuromuscular compromise after treatment |
| Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease | Caution; reports of arrhythmia and MI with botulinum toxins, some fatal |
| Patients with compromised respiratory function or dysphagia | Caution; more susceptible to dysphagia/dyspnea complications |
| Marked facial asymmetry, surgical facial alterations, ptosis, dermatochalasis, deep scarring, thick sebaceous skin | Use with particular caution; increased risk of suboptimal outcomes or adverse events |
| Cumulative dose with other botulinum toxin indications | Consider cumulative dose when treating glabellar lines if other botulinum toxin products are or have been used for other approved indications |
| Geriatric patients (≥65 years) | No dose adjustment required; 148 subjects ≥65 yrs in trials showed no clinically meaningful differences; limited data preclude definitive conclusions |
| Application Number | BLA 761225 |
| Application Type | BLA 351(a) — full Biologics License Application (original submission) |
| Applicant | Hugel, Inc. |
| IND Number | IND 123178 |
| Initial BLA Submission | 2021 (first review cycle) |
| Resubmission Date | August 31, 2023 |
| PDUFA Goal Date | February 29, 2024 |
| Actual Approval Date | February 29, 2024 |
| Review Division | Division of Dermatology and Dentistry (DDD) |
| Office | Office of Immunology and Inflammation (OII) |
| Office Director (acting) | Nikolay Nikolov, M.D. |
| Division Signatory (ADTR) | Gordana Diglisic, M.D. |
| Cross-Discipline Team Leader | Snezana Trajkovic, M.D. |
| Clinical Reviewer | Tong Li-Masters, M.D., Ph.D. |
| Review Type | Standard review |
| Advisory Committee | Not convened |
| Recommendation | Approval |
| Medical Review Ref ID | 4960826 (original); 5337218 (resubmission) |
| PI Ref ID | 5337801 |
| U.S. License Number | 2237 |
| Overall Benefit-Risk | Favorable for glabellar lines indication. Performance similar to other marketed botulinum toxin A products for the same indication. |
| Efficacy Evidence | Substantial evidence from three adequate and well-controlled Phase 3 trials; consistent primary endpoint results across all three studies (p<0.0001 each) |
| Safety Profile | Consistent with other approved BoNT-A products; generally well tolerated; no treatment-related deaths or SAEs; no new safety signals identified |
| Headache (most common AR) | 2% (LETYBO) vs 1% (placebo); headache rate higher in treatment-naïve and younger subjects |
| Immunogenicity | Low rate of ADA formation (0.3%); no neutralizing antibodies detected; no apparent impact on efficacy or safety |
| Labeling | Standard botulinum toxin warnings and precautions included; label includes relevant safety information for risk management |
| Global Marketing History | Marketed in Korea as Botulax® since 2010; ~16.7 million vials distributed globally (March 2009 – September 2020) across multiple indications; no new safety signals from global post-marketing experience |
| Statistical Issues | None affecting efficacy conclusions |
| Source Documents | Medical Review Ref ID 4960826 (original) / 5337218 (resubmission); PI Ref ID 5337801 |