While we usually wait for the official FDA approval before getting excited, the recent news from AbbVie has us intrigued. The makers of Botox Cosmetic just submitted a biologics license application to the Food and Drug Administration for TrenibotE, a new fast-acting, short-duration neurotoxin designed to smooth frown lines without the long-term commitment of traditional options. If it gets the green light, this next-gen treatment could be the perfect choice for anyone looking to freshen up quickly before a big event.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Kenneth R. Beer is a board-certified dermatologist in West Palm Beach, FL
- Dr. Matthew J. Elias is a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Dr. Brenda Dintiman is a board-certified dermatologist in Fairfax, VA
- Dr. Mary Lupo is a board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans, LA
- Dr. Mariana Atanasovski is a board-certified dermatologist in Rochester, MI
Unlike conventional wrinkle relaxers, which can take a few days to kick in and last for months, TrenibotE (TrenibotulinumtoxinE) promises a faster onset and a shorter duration. Its effects can be seen as early as eight hours post-injection and last about two to three weeks. It’s a great option for patients trying out wrinkle relaxers for the first time or those who want to test the waters. “You can erase lines the day before a big event. However, its duration is shorter, lasting around two to three weeks, so it’s a very temporary result,” notes West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth R. Beer, MD.
TrenibotE’s faster onset and shorter duration will appeal to many patients practitioners say as it could fill a niche. “The only real use case I see is for special events where the patient forgot to get injected, like a bride on a Friday before a weekend wedding,” says Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew J. Elias.
Others question whether there’s a need for a neurotoxin with such a short duration. “I think that most results can be achieved by using existing Botox,” says Fairfax, VA dermatologist Brenda Dintiman, MD. “I see results within three to seven days in many patients. Do we need faster than that with shorter duration?”
New Orleans, LA dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD, who consulted on the development of Bonti (later acquired by Allergan), notes that while the idea of a short-duration toxin is intriguing, it comes with practical challenges. “The procedure and consult time is the same, so how do you charge for that in a way that both patient and doctor get value?” she asks. “I see it as a great tool for scar prevention for surgeries and injuries, but I just don’t see patients who want a three-week result.”
However, Rochester, MI dermatologist Mariana Atanasovski, MD does see the appeal, especially for patients new to neurotoxins. “It offers a way to explore treatment without a long-term commitment,” she adds.
