FDA approves wrinkle filler

The FDA has approved a new injectable gel, made by Genzyme and marketed by Inamed, that can be used to temporarily fill the deepest facial wrinkles.

Called Hylaform Plus, the larger-particle version of hyaluronic acid-based wrinkle filler Hylaform was approved for treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. The companies said the new product gives physicians in the US a new, effective, non-surgical tool to treat the deepest wrinkles and provide optimal facial contouring. Inamed said Hylaform Plus enhances its product line to compete with rival filler Restylane in the US market. Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler sold by Medicis Pharmaceutical.

Last year Inamed posted sales of more than US$87 million in its facial aesthetics business, but the company warned in August that sales would decrease in the mid to high teens this year due to competition. In addition to its line of wrinkle smoothers, the Santa Barbara, California-based company makes breast and facial implants and a device used to treat obesity.