Auxilium‘s Drug ‘Xiaflex’ Helps Get Rid of Cellulite: Study
Xiaflex, a drug manufactured by Auxilium pharmaceuticals Inc reduces cellulite, claims a study. The research is still mid-stage.
Cellulite or adiposis edematosa is collection of fat in connective tissues that imparts a saggy and dimpled appearance on skin around the buttocks, lower limbs and stomach. This condition occurs mostly in females after hitting puberty. In a beauty obsessed society, cellulite is considered a serious imperfection. The beauty and cosmetic industry is full of products that promise to eliminate cellulite.
A recent experiment by pharmaceutical giant Auxilium tested xiaflex or collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) on 63 female participants aged between 20 and 60. The subjects were given 10 injections with 0.0029 to 0.116 milligrams of the drug in cellulite infested regions like the thighs. Nearly 30 percent of the total participants received a placebo drug.
It was observed women who were given xiaflex had satisfactory results. The next mid stage study on CCH will be conducted in the first half of 2015. The effects of the drug in treatment of cellulite increases its market with turnover of more than $! Billion, suggests RF Lafferty & Co analyst Difei Yang, reports the Reuters.
"For many women, cellulite can be a source of considerable embarrassment or self-consciousness. Current treatments of cellulite with creams, light-based procedures or liposuction provide limited or no effectiveness. The clinical development of XIAFLEX, if successful, could lead to the first FDA-approved, office-based medical treatment option that is supported by scientific results," said James Tursi, Chief Medical Officer at Auxilium in a news release.
Currently, the medication is being examined for its use in the treatment of frozen shoulder syndrome in countries like Canada, U.S. and Australia. Xiaflex has already bagged approval for conditions like Peyronie's disease or abnormal curvature of penis and Dupuytren's contracture or inability to stretch and bend fingers and palm.
The total sales volume of xiaflex has crossed over $49.2 million within the first half of 2014 accounting for 30 percent of Auxilium's annual revenue.
