BELOTERO Balance®, a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that is manufactured by Merz Aesthetics, was approved by the FDA earlier this month for the treatment of moderate and severe facial wrinkles.

BELOTERO® is produced with Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (CPM) technology, which gives the hyaluronic acid increased elasticity and viscosity. The injectable is designed to soften facial lines and folding for several months. For patients with severe facial wrinkling, face lift, brow lift, and eyelid lift surgery.

BELOTERO Balance® is currently approved for use in Austria, Germany, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Merz obtained approval from the FDA based on the results of a study that included 118 patients. Each patient was treated with the BELOTERO Balance® dermal filler on one side of the face. The other side of the face was treated with an FDA-approved bovine collagen.

Next, patients were evaluated according to the five-point Wrinkle Severity Scale (WSRS). The wrinkles treated with BELOTERO Balance® exhibited a greater reduction in wrinkles, for a longer period of time when compared to the wrinkles treated with collagen.

The patients involved in the study did not experience serious side effects or complications from the BELOTERO Balance® injections. Mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and injection site nodules were reported.

According to Rhoda S. Narins, MD, the lead investigator of the study and a dermatology professor at New York University Medical School, "BELOTERO Balance® is a soft dermal filler that is designed to achieve meaningful results by integrating into facial skin tissue. Patients are able to see a visible softening in their lines for a natural look that lasts."

Merz Aesthetics is a medical cosmetic company that manufactures a several facial injectable products. RADIESSE® is a hyaluronic acid-based filler that offers results that last for about two years. Earlier this year, Merz received FDA approval on another wrinkle-reducing injectable, Xeomin®. Xeomin® is a botulinum toxin-based injectable that is comparable to BOTOX Cosmetic® and Dysport®.