The Discovery of Botox

Key Discovery: Drs. Carruthers Discover the Cosmetic use for Botox
 

Date: 1987

Country: Canada 

“I haven’t frowned since 1987,” grins Canadian ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers, who, along with her husband dermatologist Alastair Carruthers is credited for the discovery and pioneering of Botox, currently the leading non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the United States.

 

Ironically, the botulinum toxin (root word from Latin botulus = sausage) or botox, was known for years as “Canadian bacon pathogen” as this bacterium, grew in mishandled meat products often caused fatal poisoning. The substance was originally developed in 1946 by Dr. Edward Schantz, a young army officer and was intended for use in biological warfare, as it is one of the most toxic natural substances on the planet.

Botox inhibits the transmission of neural signals to muscles and its potency and resulting paralysis is so deadly that the U.S. Office of Strategic Services once considered arming prostitutes with botulism capsules to poison high-ranking Japanese officers. Since the fifties various physicians have been using the paralyzing substance, successfully on patients for blocking neuromuscular transmissions but it was a happy accident that Dr. Carruthers discovered the cosmetic effect. 

After treating a patient suffering from a rare eye disorder known as blepharospasm, an ailment that causes excessive blinking of the eyes, “the patient requested ongoing treatment even though her symptoms were no longer present,” reported Dr.Jean Carruthers. The patient revealed that after the injections, the wrinkles between her brows had disappeared resulting in a tranquil, untroubled expression on her face. Dr. Carruthers’ husband, Alastair found the story intriguing and it was there, over ‘pillow talk’ that Botox has emerged as the rejuvenation therapy of choice for millions.