New Study Shows Topical Botulinum Toxin Gel Improves Wrinkles
Treatment Effective on 89 Percent of Patients

DENVER - The revelation of a needleless botulinum toxin type A wrinkle fighter could fuel an even greater expansion of cosmetic surgery's non-invasive market. According to a study being presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual conference, Plastic Surgery 11 THE Meeting, September 23-27, in Denver, an investigational, topical botulinum toxin gel may promise an effective and painless anti-aging treatment. The gel, currently referred to as RT001, is being studied for the treatment of crow's feet.

"This unique, painless product could greatly expand the patient population for wrinkle reduction by offering a highly effective treatment option," said Michael Kane, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study author. "Many patients want the benefits injectable products offer but shy away from needles."

The study examined 270 patients with moderate to severe wrinkling around the eyes. Following application of the new botulinum toxin gel, 89 percent of patients experienced a statistically significant improvement of their wrinkles.

The gel is in clinical trials and not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It reduces wrinkles by penetrating the skin and relaxing the underlying muscles. It differs from other topical treatments as those do nothing to affect the underlying muscle structure of the face. The gel is applied by the physician and then wiped off using a simple proprietary cleansing procedure.

"You can't compare RT001 to a cosmetic skin cream," said Dr. Kane. "This is a drug, not a take home product. If approved, patients will only be able to undergo the procedure at a physician's office."

Dr. Kane, who is a clinical investigator on RT001, adds that more than 500 patients have been treated in 11 clinical trials with successful results. The studies show that the wrinkle reducing effect of the product last about four months, which according to published literature, is consistent with the effect of injectable treatments.

"This is a very promising product and I'm enthusiastic about the technology," said Dr. Kane. "We are finishing Phase II testing now, and Phase III studies will need to be completed before it hits the market."

The study, "Safety and Efficacy of Topical Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Lateral Canthal Lines - A Review of the US Phase II Experience," is being presented Saturday, September 24, 1:45 p.m., at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Reporters can register to attend Plastic Surgery 11 THE Meeting or arrange interviews with presenters by contacting ASPS Public Relations at (847) 228-9900 or in Denver, September 23-27, at (303) 228-8410.

Some of the procedures and technologies presented at Plastic Surgery 11 THE Meeting, such as RT001, are currently under investigation and are presented for research and educational purposes. More scientific study is needed to further determine efficacy and success rate. The ASPS and The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF) do not necessarily endorse the procedures or technologies presented and recommend that any reporting of the presented information be done responsibly with full disclosure of their unproven nature.