STUDY TESTS DRUG TO REDUCE FACIAL WRINKLES AFFORDABLY

New York, NY, Nov. 12 – A new compound is showing dramatic results in reducing facial wrinkles caused by sun damage as well as the aging process, according to David J. Goldberg, MD, Director of Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey, and Director of Laser Research at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, where the studies are being conducted. The injectable compound is called Myobloc and is being evaluated to reduce crow’s feet, as well as lines on the forehead, lower eyelid, upper lip line, chin and muscle bands of the neck. The drug was developed by Elan Pharmaceuticals of San Diego, CA developed the new drug. The study results will be presented at numerous scientific meetings.

"In our study, we are seeing excellent preliminary results," notes Dr. Goldberg. "Wrinkles fade significantly 48-72 hours after treatment and the results last for 3-4 months depending on the individual. Many patients in the three-month, 60-person study have said they look 10-15 years younger," he adds.

Dermatologists studying the drug say it has many similarities to Botox injections, which have become one of the most common youth enhancement procedures performed by dermatologists in the US. Unlike Botox, Myobloc has a shelf-life of up to two years (versus three weeks for Botox). The longer shelf-life is expected to reduce product waste, and in turn enable dermatologists to offer the product for a fraction of the cost of Botox.

"It is anticipated that a Myobloc treatment might cost about one-third less than Botox, with results lasting as long as four months," explains Dr. Goldberg. In fact, a year’s treatments could lead to a savings in excess of $1,000.

Dr. Goldberg notes that in addition to its affordability, Myobloc treatments require no down-time. "A treatment will take about a half hour, after which the patient can return to work or routine activities."

How It Works

Minute amounts of the drug, derived from purified botulinum B, are injected just under the skin. The compound works by relaxing muscles that cause facial lines and furrows.

Priscilla Buongiorno, a 42-year-old study participant, says she was stunned by the results.

"Over the years, I saw my facial lines become more and more pronounced," she explains. "They made me look older, tired, even angry. But I didn’t feel that way inside. Within a few days after the treatment, I started to look more rested, years younger."

Consumers Advised to Ask Questions First

Although dermatological youth enhancement procedures – from muscle relaxants to laser treatments – are considered much safer and much less expensive than aggressive plastic surgery, consumers should still ask questions and do their homework to research new procedures before committing to a treatment.

"A consumer should feel comfortable in asking his or her dermatologist lots of questions before scheduling a treatment," advises Dr. Goldberg, who is Chair of the Ethics Committees for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

He can be reached at 1-800-718-5504 www.skinandlasers.com

This article provided by www.HealthNewsDigest.com