FDA Oks Endo's Anti-Cellulite Injectable

Qwo is expected to be available throughout the United States at aesthetic healthcare practitioners' offices starting in Spring 2021.

The FDA has given its nod to an entirely new way to address cellulite.

Endo Aesthetic’s Qwo (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) is the first injectable treatment for moderate to severe cellulite of the buttocks in adult women. When fat in cellulite-prone areas swells and expands, the septae tether the skin, which causes cellulite. Qwo targets and lyses collagen tethers to release the skin dimpling and smooth skin.

Qwo is expected to be available throughout the United States at aesthetic healthcare practitioner's offices starting in Spring 2021.

“Qwo is a convergence of two hot categories in aesthetics –injectables and body contouring,” says Rob Catlin, Vice President. Aesthetic Sales and Marketing for Endo.  “We are excited to be a category creator in the aesthetics space.”

The company plans to roll out marketing initiatives in the coming months to help consumers better understand the etiology of cellulite, he says.

“The approval of Qwo will allow us to treat the root cause of cellulite with an injectable,” says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD,  President and Co-Founder, Modern Dermatology and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. “My patients come into my practice and expect that I can lift, smooth and fill with a syringe – so the fact that I will be able to eliminate cellulite dimples with an injection is going to be a game-changer.”

Three treatment sessions are needed for optimal cosmetic results, she says. Side effects of Qwo include injection site bruising, pain, areas of hardness, and itching in the treatment area.

CCH is approved for the treatment of adult Dupuytren's contracture patients with a palpable cord and Peyronie's disease in adult men.However, Qwo must not be substituted for other injectable collagenase products and has a new generic name, collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes. Qwo is not indicated for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease or Dupuytren’s contracture.