Overview

• Under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin carries up to two years in prison and unlimited fines, the MHRA said.
• The agency said it is deploying extra enforcement resources and pursuing criminal investigations to identify suppliers, seize stock, and bring cases to court.
• Between 4 June and 6 August, 41 suspected botulism cases were reported across several regions in England, which officials link to unlicensed cosmetic injections.
• Since May 2023, the MHRA and Border Force have seized more than 4,700 vials, many traced to South Korea, including Innotox, a liquid product sold illegally online that has encouraged risky DIY use.
• Surgeons’ groups stressed that botulinum toxin is prescription-only and should be administered in regulated clinical settings by qualified professionals, warning of serious complications from illicit treatments.