Posted July 08, 2008 in Blog, Uncategorized

The newest facial filler has been approved in the United States, Evolence. With rumors that traditional bovine (cow hide) collagen will not be available soon, this new product will be used in those patients who are unable to tolerate hyaluronic acid fillers. It is a porcine (pig skin) derived collagen product (we will have to ask the Rabbi if it is Kosher to inject). It is said to last 6 months (we’ll see), and unlike previous collagen products will not require allergy skin testing prior to use. It is owned by Johnson and Johnson, so expect to hear about it a lot real soon. I have included their press release below:

Herzliya, Israel and Morris Plains, NJ (June 30, 2008) − The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) today announced the approval of EVOLENCE® for the correction of moderate to deep facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. EVOLENCE® is a new advanced collagen-based structural dermal filler, and a first of its kind product. The introduction of EVOLENCE® marks the first dermal filler entry for the Aesthetics Group of OrthoNeutrogena. While new to the United States, EVOLENCE® has been available in other markets such as in Canada, Western and Eastern Europe, Israel, South Korea and Russia since 2004.

“EVOLENCE® represents a new generation of facial fillers, an innovative structural agent providing beautiful, immediate results by replacing the collagen lost with long-lasting, naturally sourced collagen,” said Annie Heremans, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, responsible for the Company’s research and development of the Medical and Aesthetic Dermatology franchises. “We are pleased to enter the U.S. aesthetic space with a differentiated dermal filler designed for optimal patient outcomes. Given our rich heritage in skin care and and commitment to science, we anticipate EVOLENCE® will be a welcome addition to current aesthetic treatment options.”

EVOLENCE® will be introduced throughout the second half of 2008, in coordination with physician training, to ensure optimal patient satisfaction and outcomes.

EVOLENCE® represents a breakthrough in aesthetics. As one of nature’s most fundamental and abundant building blocks, collagen comprises up to 80% of the dermis and it helps maintain skin strength, structure and support. Collagen naturally breaks down as a person ages, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, lines and folds.

EVOLENCE®, and its proprietary GLYMATRIX™ Technology, uses naturally sourced collagen to replace the body’s lost collagen, adding volume and structural support in depleted areas, for a more naturally youthful appearance. In addition, no pre-test is needed, and GLYMATRIX™ Technology delivers longer-lasting durability than previous collagen dermal fillers.

Results are visible and immediate at the time of treatment, with minimal to no bruising or swelling, allowing physician and patient to gauge the amount of wrinkle correction with more precision. EVOLENCE® is recommended for the correction of moderate to deep facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, to be injected in the mid-to-deep dermis.

“We now have a collagen filler that does not require a pre-test and delivers immediate, beautiful and
natural-looking results that last with minimal to little downtime for the patient,” said Z. Paul ” said Z. Paul Lorenc, M.D., F.A.C.S., Assistant Professor of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine and Principal Investigator on the EVOLENCE® U.S. pivotal study. “EVOLENCE® consistent and predictable results for all patients with every treatment.”