What is TrenibotE? Can it help treat lines faster than Botox?
If you are a last-minute procrastinator or someone used to getting immediate results thanks to technology and the internet making everything quickly accessible, this up-and-coming new injectable may be of interest to you.
Imagine instantly melting fine lines and wrinkles, rather than waiting days for your Botox to take effect. A new neuromodulator injectable called TrenibotE (trenibotulinumtoxinE) made waves by promising a fresher face in less time. But how does it compare to traditional neuromodulator injectables today, and do instantaneous results come with a tradeoff?
What is TrenibotE?
TrenibotE is a new neuromodulator by AbbVie, a pharmaceutical research and development company that also owns Allergan Aesthetics, the makers of the wildly popular neuromodulator injectable Botox. The company recently submitted a Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for TrenibotE, seeking approval to bring its product to an already crowded injectable market.
So, what makes TrenibotE unique?
"TrenibotE is the first neuromodulator made from botulinum neurotoxin serotype E," said Sara Dickie, MD. "Botox, Dysport, Xeomen, Jeuveau and Daxxify are all made from Botulinum serotype A. Myobloc is made from serotype B. A, B and E serotypes are variations on the botulinum toxin made by clostridial bacteria species that are active in humans."
Does that sound like a mouthful? Botulinum neurotoxins have seven distinct serotypes produced by different strains of the bacterium. Research indicates that serotype E has a rapid onset of action compared to other variants. That means TrenibotE decreases visible signs of fine lines and wrinkles much faster than traditional neuromodulator counterparts.
Roy Kim, MD, said that TrenibotE can start working in as little as eight hours. Compare that to traditional Botox, which can take three to five days to produce noticeable results.
What's the tradeoff?
Faster results from a neuromodulator injectable sound like a dream come true. Yet, patients also need to consider the concession they're making. TrenibotE works more quickly to reduce lines and wrinkles, but it also wears off more rapidly than traditional neuromodulators. So, it works faster, but only for a shorter duration. Dr. Kim said the effects seem to last anywhere from two to three weeks. Compare that to other neuromodulator injections, which last about three months.
Dr. Dickie suggested a rapid-onset injectable like TrenibotE may benefit the aesthetic community.
"The theory is that there are a bunch of people out there who are scared of Botox because they don't want to look weird or have an undesirable side effect that lasts for three months," said Dr. Dickie.
However, she noted that if an individual is concerned about undesirable side effects, they probably wouldn't want those side effects for three weeks either.
Individuals searching for a quick fix for a big event may also be interested in the near-immediate effects of an injectable like TrenibotE. Just remember, getting a last-minute appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon for TrenibotE before a big event like a wedding is no piece of cake either!
The value of TrenibotE could be in a therapeutic application.
"I can certainly see in a therapeutic realm where you would want rapid-onset action for spasticity or sweating, but at the same time, you want the effects to last longer," said Dr. Dickie.
There is also the possibility that TrenibotE becomes a "gateway" injectable. Introducing new patients to the effects of neuromodulator injectables, helping them become comfortable with the results and then guiding them to transition to other, longer-lasting injectables.
So, who are the best patients for TrenibotE?
"Patients who want virtually immediate results and don't mind it lasts only two to three weeks, patients who want to try a neuromodulator for the first time and are not certain if they will like it and patients who need some type of minor correction or tweak, have some event and want very fast results," said Dr. Kim.
When is TrenibotE coming to a surgeon's office near you?
TrenibotE has not yet gained FDA approval, and it is unclear how long the process will take, although there is some hope that it will be completed sooner rather than later.
"Phase 3 trials are complete, and AbbVie is a huge company that knows the process to get FDA approval," said Dr. Kim.
Dr. Dickie expects the injectable to eventually receive FDA approval, as it appears to be safe and effective, similar to other variations of pharmaceutical botulinum neurotoxins.
As with any injectable, a frank discussion with your plastic surgeon is always the best place to start. Instant gratification may be appealing, but immediate results come with an equally speedy transition back to your pre-injectable face. Discuss your goals with your board-certified plastic surgeon to find the right product that addresses your concerns in both the short and long term. Another neuromodulator injectable hitting the market just means patients have more options for achieving their desired aesthetic results.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
