Four Paralyzed in Florida After Injecting Botulism Toxin

A Florida clinic doctor injected himself and three assistants with an unapproved and unlicensed animal research botulism toxin similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic. It resulted in total body paralysis of all four. They are alive thanks to the help of a mechanical ventilator to breath for them.

Details are sketchy as to the reasons why, but many have speculated it was an attempt to avoid the high cost of real BOTOX® Cosmetic.

The animal research injectable was obtained through List Biological Laboratories, San Jose, California. It was sold as a raw toxin; not as a medical grade injectable.

Accounts reveal that prior to injection the clinic doctor was undecided how to dilut the raw concentrated botulism toxin. Evidently his calculations were grossly incorrect and resulted in a dosage and injection of approximately 10,000 times the normal dosage.

This resulted in total body muscle failure and required intubation and a ventilator to sustain life.

It should be mentioned that the real BOTOX® Cosmetic made by Allergan has never resulted in botulism toxicity in the 15 years it has been used as a cosmetic agent.

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