Clinical trial of Auxilium's Xiaflex shows it to be effective in smoothing cellulite

Clinical trial of Auxilium’s Xiaflex shows it to be effective in smoothing cellulite
Credit: Auxilium

(Medical Xpress)—Biopharmaceutical company Auxilium has announced that the results of Phase 2a clinical trials of its drug Xiaflex are thus far showing promising results in smoothing cellulite in women. In a double-blind study, they claim 68 percent of participants reported being either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the results, compared to 34 percent who reported the same degree of satisfaction after being given a placebo.

Most everyone is aware of cellulite, where once smooth skin ripples—it happens to both men and women as they age or gain weight, and because it's thought to be unsightly, researchers have been searching for cures. To date, despite the range of products on the market, none exist that actually fix the problem. That may change soon however, as the drug being tested by Auxilium appears to actually smooth the skin of those with cellulite.

The drug Xiaflex is already being used to treat men with excessive penis curvature (and for those with frozen shoulder syndrome) thus, its path to clinical trial for treatment of cellulite has not been difficult. It's believed to be exceptionally safe. It works, the company reports, by breaking down the collagen tethers that connect skin to muscle. It's when those collagen cords lose their elasticity that dimpling can occur—if fat builds up the tethers can't expand as the skin is pushed outwards, causing ripples to occur, the hallmark of cellulite. Xiaflex apparently allows the cords to stretch to some degree, reducing dimpling.

In the clinical trial, 150 women (aged 18 to 45) with cellulite were given three rounds of shots of either Xiaflex or a placebo in an area marked by cellulite (buttocks or thighs). Of those that received the drug, amounts were varied to test level effects. Satisfaction of results by the patient participants was calculated using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale which factors in assessments from both patient and physician.

Auxilium 's stock price spiked after the announcement, and no wonder, the potential market for a drug that reduces cellulite would likely be in the billions. The will next undergo a Phase 2b clinical trial early next year where it will presumably be given to a larger test group and undergo more exhaustive testing to ensure its safety.

More information: Auxilium press release: ir.auxilium.com/phoenix.zhtml? … wsArticle&ID=1960062

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Citation: Clinical trial of Auxilium's Xiaflex shows it to be effective in smoothing cellulite (2014, August 22) retrieved 18 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-08-clinical-trial-auxilium-xiaflex-effective.html
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