Revance Therapeutics, a bio-pharmaceutical company in California, is exploring a “no-needle” Botox product that could be applied to the skin in cream form, reports WCBS-TV in New York City.
There are still two years of clinical trials to go for the product, called RT001, after which the FDA will decide whether to approve the drug.
The cream is being tested for use on crow’s feet, and patients in the early trials tended to see a moderate reduction in wrinkles around their eyes after using the product for about a month.
While having a non-injectable alternative to Botox may seem like a no-brainer, some doctors point out the potential dangers. In an interview with WCBS-TV, New York City dermatologist Dr. David Colbert says he worries that such a product would be so popular that black market versions would be sold online without oversight and that the potential muscle paralyzing effects could be dangerous.
“I think it’s a brilliant idea, but I’m more concerned about the welfare of people who would use it irresponsibly,” Colbert says.
Others feel differently. Dr. Scott Newman, a plastic surgeon in New York City, told WCBS-TV that he feels the potential benefit is worth the risk. “It’s like the holy grail. If you can get a wonderful result with less downside, why wouldn’t that be an attractive option?”
Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon in Michigan, had his own thoughts on the product’s potential that he shared on his website: “I think a huge application of this topical botulinum toxin is in sweat reduction. Could you imagine an antiperspirant stick with this product that lasts several months with each application and leaves no residue? I’d buy it!”
The segment can be view on WCBS-TV’s website at http://wcbstv.com/video, by searching for “Botox cream.” (Pictured: before & after use of RT001 for 28 days; image via WCBS-TV)
Tags: Botox, botulinum toxin
