INTRODUCTION
Nabota and Dysport are both botulinum toxin type A injectable products widely used in aesthetic medicine and therapeutic indications. Although they share a similar mechanism of action, they differ in origin, formulation, regulatory history, pricing, and clinical usage preferences.
Origin and Manufacturer
- Nabota (DWP-450) is manufactured by Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of South Korea. It was first approved in Korea in 2013 and later introduced to international markets. Daewoong emphasizes its proprietary high-purity manufacturing and vacuum-drying process.
- Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is manufactured by Ipsen Biopharm and was originally developed in Europe (UK/France). Dysport has been available globally since the 1990s and has an extensive clinical and regulatory history.
Composition and Formulation
- Active substance (both): all are forms of botulinum neurotoxin type A (a protein produced by Clostridium botulinum) that is used therapeutically in highly purified, tiny doses.
- Nabota specifics: marketed as a purified botulinum toxin (development name DWP-450); Daewoong highlights a high-purity manufacturing process and vacuum-drying; product presentations are sold as 100-unit vials in many markets. Exact excipients/formulations can vary by country/label.
- Dysport specifics: Dysport’s active ingredient is abobotulinumtoxinA supplied in specified vial sizes (for example, 300 or 500 units in many labels). Dysport’s product monograph lists excipients and its toxin-protein complex nature (hemagglutinin complex) and gives standard prescribing information.
Important note: units are product-specific (e.g., 50 units of product A ≠ 50 units of product B in clinical effect). Dose conversion ratios vary in the literature and between clinicians.
Mechanism of Action (How they Work)
Both products act the same biologically: botulinum neurotoxin type A blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, temporarily reducing muscle contraction. That weakened muscle activity smooths dynamic wrinkles (e.g., frown lines) and treats hyperactive muscles in therapeutic indications (spasticity, dystonia, and hyperhidrosis in some product indications). Clinical effect begins after a variable latency and lasts a few months, depending on product, dose, and treated muscle
Treatment Areas/Indications
Nabota (marketed indications vary by country): Often used for aesthetic purposes such as glabellar lines (frown lines), some regulatory filings and country labels also indicate therapeutic uses (e.g., post-stroke spasticity, masseter reduction) based on approval status. Always consult the local product monograph.
Dysport (labelled indications): Includes aesthetic concerns like glabellar lines, certain medical conditions such as cervical dystonia, some indications for spasticity, and hyperhidrosis, depending on the country and dosage. Refer to the product monograph or prescribing information for exact, region-specific indications.
Onset and Duration—What Studies and Clinicians Report
- Onset: Reports vary by product and study. Some clinician reports and comparative summaries indicate that Nabota often shows noticeable smoothing within 2–3 days, while Dysport can show onset in 1–3 days, but many clinicians see the full effect by 5–14 days. (There is variability based on dose, reconstitution, and the muscle injected.)
- Duration: The typical effect duration for both products is ~3–6 months; however, some users and studies report longer durability with certain dosing regimens. Duration is influenced by muscle size, dose, and individual patient factors.
Clinical bottom line
Both work well for smoothing dynamic wrinkles; small differences in onset/duration have been reported, but may be subtle and patient-dependent. Use an experienced injector who understands dosing differences.
Safety and Side Effects
Shared/common side effects (both products)
- Local: pain at the injection site, redness, swelling, bruising, headache.
- Regional/systemic rare effects: ptosis (drooping eyelid), asymmetry, muscle weakness in nearby muscles, and flu-like symptoms.
- Very rarely, signs of toxin spread (generalized muscle weakness, dysphagia, and breathing difficulties) occur—product labels for botulinum toxins carry warnings about the spread of effect.
Nabota-specific safety notes
- Nabota labels and brochures list similar local side effects and emphasize the importance of correct dosing and technique. Regulatory approval documents, such as those from the Korean MFDS, and Daewoong product materials provide safety and adverse event profiles that are consistent with other BoNT-A products.
Dysport-specific safety notes
- Dysport’s prescribing information includes important safety warnings, including boxed warnings in certain regions regarding the potential spread of effects and cautions for patients with neuromuscular disorders. The information also outlines both common and uncommon adverse events related to specific indications. It is important to refer to the product information or monograph for guidance that is specific to your region.
Contraindications include pregnancy, neuromuscular disorders, and hypersensitivity.
Price Comparison and Real-world Cost Considerations
Pricing varies by region and clinic, and units are not interchangeable. Therefore, direct per-unit comparisons can be misleading.
- Dysport is typically priced per unit at clinics, ranging from approximately $4 to $15 per unit, depending on the country and the specific clinic. Some clinics charge based on the number of units used, while others charge by treatment area. It's important to note that Dysport often requires a higher number of units compared to other brands for similar effects, which means that the total cost per treatment can end up being comparable. You can find various examples of clinic price lists and patient-facing information that illustrate this range.
- Nabota prices for retail and wholesale can vary significantly in online listings and clinic shops. Public listings show a wide range of prices, with some offering competitive wholesale rates while others have higher clinic markups. For example, the typical market prices for 100-unit vials differ greatly; one vendor listed prices between $80 and $400, depending on the supplier, region, and volume purchased.
Takeaway on cost
Expect variation. Ask clinics for a full treatment quote (area(s) to treat, units required, injector fee) and whether they charge per unit or per area. Don’t compare unit price alone—ask how many units the clinician plans to use and the expected effect.
User Preference and What Patients Report
- Why patients choose Nabota: Some patients/clinics report fast onset and favorable cost in certain markets; Daewoong’s marketing emphasizes high purity and manufacturing standards. Some patients prefer it because their clinic uses it often and reports consistent results.
- Why patients choose Dysport: long clinical history, broad range of medical and aesthetic indications, and robust safety data in product monographs/published literature. Some patients prefer Dysport for its perceived faster early onset in some reports and for its availability in multiple vial sizes.
Practical suggestion
Patient preferences typically align with the recommendations of their injector, as well as the availability and cost of products. The outcomes and satisfaction of treatments are more closely related to the injector's skill and proper dosing rather than the brand name.
For instance, some patients may choose Dysport due to its established safety record, while others might prefer Nabota for its quicker onset and cost-effectiveness.
Summary Table—Key Difference at a Glance
Conclusion
Both Nabota and Dysport are effective botulinum toxin type A products. The best choice depends on clinical goals, injector expertise, availability, and patient preference.
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Reference
Daewoong/MFDS product info (NABOTA)—Korean MFDS product information and Daewoong product pages describing Nabota (DWP-450) and approvals. Ministry of Food and Drug Safety+1
Dysport® product information and FDA label/Ipsen fact sheets—official Dysport prescribing information/fact sheet (abobotulinumtoxinA). Dysport®+1
Review: AbobotulinumtoxinA history & evidence (PubMed Central)—review article summarizing Dysport history, clinical data, and use. PMC
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