A First Look at the New Neurotoxin in Town

May 20, 2025

A First Look at the New Neurotoxin in Town

At MedbeautyLA, we have a commitment to advancing our anti-aging treatments as science advances-which means constantly evaluating and integrating the newest in effective technology. We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Letybo (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs), the newest FDA-approved neurotoxin to join our specialized offerings for dynamic wrinkle reduction.

For 20+ years, onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox Cosmetic®) has been the gold standard, and for good reason. However, Letybo aka the KTOX presents a compelling new option backed by excellent clinical data. Letybo is a favorite toxin in Korea for the past 10 years, and has been widely used in the aesthetic industry in Europe once it came to market there 3 years ago. 

Let’s delve into the science behind Letybo and how it compares to the well-established Botox.

Understanding the Mechanism: Letybo and Botox

Both Letybo and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) operate on the same fundamental principle: they are purified forms of botulinum toxin type A. When strategically injected into the facial muscles, they temporarily block the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction. By stopping this nerve signal at the neuromuscular junction, the treated muscles relax which leads to visible smoothing of dynamic wrinkles – those lines formed by repetitive facial expressions, such as glabellar lines (the “11” lines between the eyebrows), crow’s feet, forehead lines, the masseters, and more.

The temporary nature of this blockade allows for eventual muscle function recovery, typically over 3-6 months.

Letybo vs. Botox: Key Differentiators and Clinical Outcomes

While their core mechanism is shared, subtle differences in formulation and clinical performance distinguish Letybo and Botox:

  1. ONSET OF RESULTS: Letybo has shown a notable advantage in some studies. Clinical trials for Letybo for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines demonstrated that patients often observe initial improvements as early as 2-3 days post-injection, with full effects typically apparent within 7-10 days. In comparison, Botox Cosmetic® generally shows its initial effects within 3-5 days, with full results usually seen around 7-14 days. This potentially faster onset with Letybo can be a significant benefit for patients seeking quicker visible rejuvenation.
  2. DURATION OF RESULTS: Both Letybo and Botox provide comparable duration of results, typically lasting 3 to 6 months. This longevity is influenced by an individual’s metabolic rate, muscle activity, and the specific dosage administered. We know that some patients who exercise heavily will go through toxin faster, likely as a result of their higher metabolism. In clinical trials, Letybo has shown a median duration of effect of approximately 4 months, this could be of benefit to patients who never get the full expected duration out of their Botox injections .
  3. RESISTANCE: Both Botox and Letybo have excellent safety profiles. Letybo is characterized by a high-purity formulation of botulinum toxin type A. While Botox also boasts high purity, the specific manufacturing process differs between the products. A highly purified neurotoxin may reduce the risk of antibody formation over long-term use, which means there could be more consistent efficacy with Letybo.  
  4. EFFICACY: Letybo’s FDA approval was based on rigorous Phase III clinical trials evaluating its efficacy for moderate to severe glabellar lines, showing statistically significant wrinkle improvement. This is similar to the results in Botox studies.

Is Letybo The Right Choice For You?

For patients looking to improve their unwanted wrinkles with potentially quicker visible results and longer lasting duration, Letybo represents an exciting and clinically-proven option.  

At Medbeautyla, our expert providers are highly trained in the art and science of injectable treatments. During your personalized consultation, we conduct a thorough facial assessment, discuss your aesthetic goals, and provide a detailed explanation of whether Letybo, Botox, or another one of our advanced treatments may be the best choice for your unique needs. Our objective is always to achieve natural-looking results that enhance your inherent beauty with precision and safety.

Interested in the latest in aesthetic innovation? Book your next treatment today!