ATX-101 beneficial for submental fat reduction

(HealthDay)—ATX-101, an injectable form of deoxycholic acid, is beneficial for submental fat (SMF) reduction, according to a study published in the October issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Shannon Humphrey, M.D., from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, and colleagues examined the efficacy and safety of ATX-101 in a phase III trial. Adults dissatisfied with their moderate or severe submental fat were randomly allocated to ATX-101 or placebo (258 patients per treatment group).

The researchers found that 66.5 and 22.2 percent of those treated with ATX-101 and placebo, respectively, achieved a composite improvement of one or more grades in SMF (Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio, 2.98), while 18.6 and 3.0 percent, respectively, achieved a composite improvement of two or more grades in SMF (Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio, 6.27). The likelihood of achieving submental volume reduction confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, greater reduction in psychological impact of SMF, and satisfaction with treatment was increased for those treated with ATX-101 (all P < 0.001). Overall, 85.7 and 76.9 percent of adverse events in the ATX-101 and placebo group, respectively, were localized to the injection site.

"ATX-101 is an alternative treatment for SMF reduction," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, including Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, which is developing ATX-101 and funded the study.

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