For mild-to-moderate thigh cellulite, collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes (CCH-aaes) is effective and generally well tolerated, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology .

John H. Joseph, M.D., a plastic surgeon in private practice in Encino, California, and colleagues analyzed data from a phase 3, open-label study involving women with mild-to-moderate cellulite on both thighs. Participants received ≤0.84 mg CCH-aaes subcutaneously in up to 12 dimples per posterolateral thigh in up to three treatment sessions on days 1, 22, and 43. The interim analysis included follow-up on day 90 for 22 women (44 thighs).

The researchers found that the percentage of responders (score of "improved" or better on the Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale) at day 90 was 86.4 percent for either thigh and 72.7 percent for both thighs. At day 90, there was a reduction noted in patient-reported bother due to cellulite (mean change, 15.3 points [85.5 percent reduction] in the BODY-Q Appraisal of Cellulite Scale total score). In some of the treated thigh areas, there was improvement from baseline in skin roughness seen on day 90 three-dimensional image scans. Injection-site bruising and pain were the most commonly reported adverse events.

"These data support that CCH-aaes treatment is effective, markedly reduces cellulite-related bother, and is generally well tolerated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate thigh cellulite," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to Endo Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures CCH-aaes and funded the study.

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