METHODS AND KITS FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION, REMOVAL, AND INACTIVATION OF THERAPEUTIC OR COSMETIC TOXIN COMPOSITIONS
This invention related to methods and kits for safely removing and inactivating topical therapeutic or cosmetic compositions. The methods and kits according to the invention are particularly well suited for removing and inactivating highly toxic substances.
1 - 126 . (canceled)
127 . A kit for topically applying a botulinum toxin for transdermal delivery, the kit comprising:
a topical composition comprising a botulinum toxin for transdermal delivery to muscles or to other skin-associated structures, a visible indicator that readily indicates an area of skin to which the composition has been applied but that does not affect efficacy of the toxin, and a positively charged carrier that promotes transdermal transport of the toxin;
a removal agent for removing excess toxin from the treated area; and
an inactivation agent for inactivating the excess toxin;
wherein the positively charged carrier comprises the amino acid sequence RKKRRQRRR-G-(K) 15 -G-RKKRRQRRR (SEQ ID NO: 5).
128 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein the toxin is botulinum toxin serotype A.
129 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein the applicator comprises a glove or a syringe.
130 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein the removal agent absorbs or adsorbs the excess toxin.
131 . The kit according to claim 137 , wherein the removal agent comprises a polymeric article.
132 . The kit according to claim 132 , wherein the polymeric article comprises cellulose.
133 . The kit according to claim 133 , wherein the polymeric article is selected from the group consisting of a paper towel, a cotton ball, gauze, and a swab.
134 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein the inactivation agent comprises an oxidizer.
135 . The kit according to claim 135 , wherein the oxidizer is biodegradable.
136 . The kit according to claim 135 , wherein the inactivation agent comprises sodium hypochlorite.
137 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein the inactivation agent comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation for photochemically degrading the toxin.
138 . The kit according to claim 138 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation comprises ultraviolet radiation.
139 . The kit according to claim 139 , wherein the composition comprising said botulinum toxin for transdermal delivery further comprises titanium dioxide which, when irradiated with the ultraviolet radiation, photochemically degrades the toxin.
140 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein inactivation agent is a basic agent.
141 . The kit according to claim 141 , wherein the basic agent has a pH greater than 13.
142 . The kit according to claim 142 , wherein the sodium hypochlorite is in solution form.
143 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein the inactivation agent is provided in combination with the removal agent.
144 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein the visible indicator is a visible dye.
145 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein the visible indicator is a fluorescent dye.
146 . The kit according to claim 127 , wherein the botulinum toxin is present in the composition to provide a dose of 1,000 to 7,000 U.