Stony Brook University to begin clinical trials for cellulite treatment

Specialists at Stony Brook University are planning to start placebo-controlled clinical trials to treat cellulite.

The method is licensed to BioSpecifics Technologies and uses clostridial collagenase histolyticum (CCH), which is an injectable form of the enzyme collagenase, reports Science Daily.

The injection aims to break down collagen that anchors cellulite dimples while evening out skin irregularities caused by cellulite. It is hoped that the work will lead to the first medically based FDA-approved treatment.

Marie A. Badalamente, PhD, professor of orthopaedics, and Alexander B. Dagum, professor of surgery and orthopaedics, interim chair of surgery and chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Stony Brook University School of Medicine, both worked on the tests.

"While cellulite isn't harmful, it is a serious cosmetic concern for many people who want to feel better about their appearance and who want to reduce cellulite as much as possible. There are many methods to remove cellulite but few have been supported in medical literature to be effective or potentially usable as a standard practice," the specialist explained.

Those taking part in the study received injections based on an analysis of cellulite on the back of their thighs, with this area being tested in centimetres with photo documentation.

After six months, patients saw an average 76 per cent reduction of cellulite in the injected area, with only minimal side effects reported by participants.

Thanks to the results of the study, the company expanded the field of its CCH licence to include the potential treatment of adults with cellulite.

Auxilium is currently licensed to market and distribute XIAFLEX to treat adult Dupuytren's contracture patients with a palpable cord.

The company is accountable for the research, development and potential use of CCH for the treatment of cellulite, while it will also be responsible for the commercialisation, marketing, sales and distribution of CCH.

Posted by Ben Evans