ATX-101 for reduction of submental fat.
BACKGROUND
Facial esthetics are important for self-esteem. Undesired submental fat (SMF) deposits lead to an unappealing submental profile associated with aging and overweight. Compound ATX-101 is a proprietary formulation of purified synthetic deoxycholic acid for pharmacological submental contouring. Review areas covered: This reviews covers anatomy of SMF, biochemistry of deoxycholic acid related to adipose tissue and tissue response to injection of ATX-101. Data from clinical trials were analyzed for efficacy and safety.


METHODS
Published studies using PubMed(©) database 2000 - 2014 have been analyzed. The terms 'deoxycholate', 'deoxycholic acid', 'ATX-101' and 'injection lipolysis' were used.


RESULTS
Deoxycholic acid causes adipocyte breakdown and an inflammatory tissue reaction leading to fat cell reduction and limited fibrosis. Four large clinical Phase III trials demonstrated efficacy of ATX-101 in reduction of SMF measured by validated scales and objective measurements. Patients reported improved psychological features and feeling. Adverse effects were mild and temporary.


CONCLUSIONS
Adipocytolysis of SMF by ATX-101 is an important step forward to the development of approved drugs for reduction of localized fat pads. This could become a growing market.
Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Department of Dermatology and Allergology , Friedrichstrasse 41, 01067 Dresden , Germany wollina-uw@khdf.de.
Uwe
U
Wollina
Alberto
A
Goldman
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003840:Deoxycholic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans
C000599116:ATX-101 compound; D003840:Deoxycholic Acid
ATX-101; deoxycholic acid; injection adipocytolysis; submental fat