Huons Biopharma said Tuesday that it has received approval to conduct a phase 3 clinical trial for its botulinum toxin Liztox, branded a Hutox in the global market, in treating upper limb spasticity after stroke.

The company completed the phase 1 trial in November and submitted the plan to enter the phase 3 clinical trial in April.

Huons Biopharma plans to confirm the efficacy and safety of Liztox in treating muscle tone for adults with post-stroke upper limb spasticity in a phase 3 clinical trial.

It expects to complete the study by 2023 and obtain the first indication for Liztox in treating limb problems. In addition, Liztox has indications in cosmetic uses, including improvement of wrinkles around the forehead and eyes.

To keep up with the rapidly growing therapeutic market, the company has also been conducting phase 2 clinical trials of Liztox to check efficacy and safety in treating benign masseteric hypertrophy.

Huons Biopharma has received regulatory approval for its 200 unit Liztox, which is expected to have a high preference due to the relatively large dosage required for therapeutic uses, unlike cosmetic purposes.

“Through the phase 1 clinical trial conducted last year, we obtained valid data on the therapeutic effect and safety of Liztox in relieving upper limb spasticity after stroke,” Huons Biopharma CEO Kim Young-mok said. “We will expand the use of Liztox in both cosmetic and therapeutic fields.”