Pipeline Previews

La Roche-Posay has just introduced an array of products that target wrinkles, acne and hyperpigmentation.

Redermic[+] UV Intensive Daily Anti-Wrinkle Firming Fill-In Care with SPF 25 is said, by the company, to be “the first wrinkle-filling treatment with broad spectrum sun protection to combat the effects of 'micro-inflammatory' aging,” it is made with anti-inflammatory neurosensine, 5% vitamin C, wrinkle-filling madecassoside, hydration-promoting hyaluronic acid and other protectants.

A duo of anti-acne products, Effaclar K and Effaclar Serum, has now been introduced. While Effaclar K (made with retinyl linoleate, salicylic acid and lipo hydroxy acid, or LHA) targets mild acne in teens and adults, Effaclar Serum (made with LHA, glycolic acid, activating protease factor, citric acid 1% and anisic acid 0.1%) combats adult acne and associated concerns, including enlarged pores, rough skin texture, skin tone and fine lines.

Mela-D Pigment Control Concentrated Dark Spot Correcting Serum, which is made with kojic acid, glycolic acid and LHA 0.4%, is designed, said the company, to “correct and prevent the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone while improving radiance and texture [...]”

Stiefel, a GSK company, has announced the addition of the Illuminesse Brightening Complex to its REVALESKIN^® System of “professional grade [skin] care products.

Made with 0.5% CoffeeBerry^® Whole Fruit Extract, the product is designed to: replenish the skin's antioxidants, neutralize free radicals that are involved in aging, and prevent damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.

According to the company, the formula is “98.5% natural and is gentle enough for sensitive skin and skin of color.”

Allergan, Inc. has announced that the FDA has approved a fully in vitro, cell-based assay for use in the stability and potency testing of BOTOX^®(onabotulinumtoxinA) and BOTOX Cosmetic.

Allergan estimates that use of the new assay will reduce the use of animal-based assay testing for BOTOX and BOTOX Cosmetic by up to 95 percent or more over the next three years, as other regulatory agencies around the world approve this new assay. The new assay is the first to be developed and approved for any botulinum neurotoxin currently available worldwide, and is specifically applicable to Allergan's botulinum toxin type A product.

Allergan is considering the license of this technology to other parties that share its commitment to implementing non-animal alternatives to animal-based assays in the manufacture of their medical products.

Ellman International, Inc., maker of the Pellevé™ Wrinkle Reduction System, a revolutionary skin tightening system for non-ablative skin rejuvenation, introduced its new family of GlideSafe™ Handpieces to the European market.

Available only through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, med spas and cosmetic clinics, the Pellevé Wrinkle Reduction System is a cosmetic treatment that softens wrinkles on the face with “advanced radiofrequency technology.”

The GlideSafe handpieces feature a sensor designed to stop energy flow when the device senses loss of contact with skin — resulting in a more comfortable treatment for the patient. In addition, each handpiece delivers three cumulative hours of treatment (activation) time so doctors have the option of customizing each patient's treatment by using different size handpieces for different areas of the face. This feature allows users to treat multiple patients and perform many procedures using the same charged handpiece.

PhotoMedex Inc. has developed an FDA-cleared phototherapy treatment for psoriasis in children called the XTRAC laser. The XTRAC laser uses a carefully focused beam of UVB light only on the affected area without exposing healthy skin to UVB rays. XTRAC laser treatments offer parents an alternative to medications and creams in treating their child's psoriasis.

In addition, PhotoMedex says that the XTRAC laser is a safer treatment option, allowing children to avoid the side-effects of topical