Characterization of Tissue Histology for the Injectable Cellulite Treatment Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum-aaes: Results in Swine.

Background: Cellulite is a common aesthetic condition that affects predominantly females. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes (CCH-aaes) injections disrupt native collagen structures, resulting in an improvement in cellulite appearance. However, injection-site bruising is a frequently occurring adverse event with CCH-aaes treatment. Objectives: To characterize tissue histology following CCH-aaes injection in Yorkshire pigs. Methods: In an animal study, female swine with 10 defined dosing sites on the ventral-lateral aspect received 1 or 2 CCH-aaes (0.07 mg/0.3 mL) or placebo subcutaneous injections at a single site at designated time points before tissue sampling. Results: Injection with CCH-aaes was associated with lysis of mature, collagen-rich septa in the subcutaneous layer at and adjacent to the injection site as early as Day 1. On Day 4, an increase in inflammatory cells and a decrease in hemorrhage (vs Day 2) were observed, with inflammation and hemorrhage decreased by Day 8. By Day 21, deposition of new collagen and reorganization of fat lobules were observed. Observations with repeat CCH-aaes treatment were comparable with 1 course of CCH-aaes treatment. Conclusions: In this animal study, targeted enzymatic subcision of collagenous bands and remodeling of subcutaneous tissue were observed following CCH-aaes injection.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes injections for the treatment of thigh cellulite in women: An open-label study interim analysis.

BACKGROUND: Collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes (CCH-aaes) is approved in the United States for moderate-to-severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women. AIM: Interim analysis to evaluate efficacy/safety of CCH-aaes in the treatment of thigh cellulite. METHODS: Data were analyzed from a phase 3, open-label study (REAL). Women with mild-to-moderate cellulite on both thighs (Clinician Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale score, 2 or 3) received ≤0.84 mg (volume, 18 ml) of CCH-aaes subcutaneously, in up to 12 dimples per posterolateral thigh, in up to 3 treatment sessions (Days 1, 22, and 43). Follow-up was on Day 90 (interim cutoff). A subset of women participated in the concurrent study (PIXELS), which included high-definition photography and 3D-image scanning of treatment areas. RESULTS: Twenty-two women (44 thighs) were included in the interim analysis (mean age, 42.3 years; thighs with mild cellulite, 68.2%). Investigators reported high percentages of responders (score of "improved" or better on Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale) at Day 90 for either thigh (86.4%; primary endpoint) or both thighs (72.7%). Patient-reported bother due to cellulite was reduced at Day 90; mean change was 15.3 points (85.5% reduction) in BODY-Q Appraisal of Cellulite Scale total score (possible range, 11-44). In PIXELS analysis, Day 90 3D-image scans showed improvement from baseline in skin roughness in some of the treated thigh areas. The most commonly reported adverse events were injection-site bruising and pain (95.5% and 50.0% of patients, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CCH-aaes treatment of mild-to-moderate thigh cellulite was effective and generally well tolerated, with markedly reduced cellulite-related bother.

Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum-aaes for Treatment of Cellulite: A Pooled Analysis of Two Phase-3 Trials.

Background: Collagen-rich fibrous septae and subcutaneous adipose protrusions play a role in cellulite pathophysiology. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes (CCH-aaes) injection causes enzymatic release of septae to resolve cellulite depressions and create a skin smoothing effect. This analysis pooled data from two identically designed, phase-3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to examine the efficacy and safety of CCH-aaes. Methods: Adult women with moderate/severe cellulite (3-4 on Clinician Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale and Patient Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale) on the buttocks received up to three treatment sessions (Days 1, 22, and 43) of subcutaneous CCH-aaes 0.84 mg or placebo per treatment area. Composite and individual component response (≥2-level or ≥1-level improvement from baseline in Patient Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale and/or Clinician Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale) and additional patient-reported outcomes were determined at Day 71. Results: Analysis included 424 CCH-aaes-treated and 419 placebo-treated women. CCH-aaes-treated women were 5.9 times more likely than placebo-treated women to be ≥2-level composite responders at Day 71 (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 5.9 [2.2-15.4]; P < 0.001). A significantly greater percentage of CCH-aaes-treated women versus placebo-treated women were ≥1-level composite responders at Day 71 (39.4% versus 14.6%; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated no apparent impact of Fitzpatrick skin type category and baseline cellulite severity (moderate/severe) on CCH-aaes efficacy. An inverse relationship between age and CCH-aaes response was observed in those with a body mass index less than 32 kg per m2. The most common adverse events with CCH-aaes were injection-site bruising and injection-site pain. Conclusion: CCH-aaes treatment significantly improved moderate-to-severe buttock cellulite appearance and was generally well tolerated.

Evaluation of five collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes injection techniques for the treatment of cellulite on the buttock or thigh.

BACKGROUND: Given differences in buttock versus thigh cellulite, collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes (CCH-aaes) injection technique may impact treatment effects at these sites. AIM: To evaluate efficacy and safety of 5 CCH-aaes injection techniques. METHODS: A phase 2A, open-label trial enrolled women with mild-to-severe cellulite (Clinician Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale) on both buttocks or thighs. CCH-aaes 0.84 mg was administered as 12 injections in each of two buttock or two thigh treatment areas (total dose, 1.68 mg) during three treatment sessions (Days 1, 22, 43). On Day 1, women were sequentially assigned to: Technique A = shallow injection/3 aliquots; Technique B = shallow injection/1 aliquot; Technique C = deep injection/1 aliquot; Technique D = deep and shallow injections/5 aliquots; or Technique E = shallow injection/4 aliquots. Change from baseline in Hexsel Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS) depression depth (range, 0 [no depressions] to 3 [deep depressions]) was assessed at Day 71. Safety was evaluated via adverse events. RESULTS: Sixty-three women with buttock (n = 31) or thigh (n = 32) cellulite received ≥1 CCH-aaes dose. For buttock cellulite, CCH-aaes injection Technique A resulted in the greatest baseline-adjusted improvement in CSS score on Day 71 (least-squares mean, 1.17-point improvement). For thigh cellulite, CSS score improvement was greatest with Technique D (least-squares mean, 1.40-point improvement). CCH injection Techniques A, D, and E were associated with more favorable safety profiles than Techniques B and C. CONCLUSION: Different CCH-aaes injection techniques are required with buttock (Technique A) versus thigh (Technique D) cellulite to optimize treatment outcomes.

Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulations to Evaluate a Potential Dose Regimen of Testosterone Undecanoate in Hypogonadal Males.

Intramuscular testosterone undecanoate is indicated as testosterone replacement in adult males with a deficiency in or absence of endogenous testosterone (hypogonadism). Intramuscular testosterone undecanoate 750 mg is approved to be administered at initiation and at 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose every 10 weeks. However, a more frequent maintenance regimen may improve symptom management of low testosterone at the end of each dosing interval. The current objective was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for intramuscular testosterone undecanoate 750 mg and to perform PK simulations to assess the impact of an 8-week maintenance regimen on testosterone exposure. A 1-compartment model with first-order absorption and first-order elimination best described the PK of testosterone undecanoate. The model included time-dependent suppression and gradual recovery of endogenous testosterone production during testosterone undecanoate administration. Significant covariates included body weight and sex hormone-binding globulin level. With the final PK model, simulations were performed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week vs a 10-week maintenance regimen on testosterone exposure. The 8-week testosterone undecanoate regimen had a predicted 11% increase in average concentration and last observed concentration during a dosing interval before a subsequent dose and a 5% increase in maximum concentration. This translated into an ≈10% increase in the percentage of patients predicted to have a last observed concentration during a dosing interval before a subsequent dose >300 ng/dL, minimal change in the percentage of patients with average concentration in the normal range, and a low likelihood of maximum concentration >2500 ng/dL. These simulations suggest that more frequent administration of intramuscular testosterone undecanoate may be beneficial in some patients. Further clinical evaluation of an 8-week dose regimen is warranted.

Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum-aaes for the Treatment of Cellulite in Women: Results From Two Phase 3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Fibrous septae play a role in contour alterations associated with cellulite. OBJECTIVE: To assess collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes (CCH) for the treatment of cellulite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two identically designed phase 3, double-blind, randomized studies (RELEASE-1 and RELEASE-2) were conducted. Adult women with moderate/severe cellulite (rating 3-4 on the Patient Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale [PR-PCSS] and Clinician Reported PCSS [CR-PCSS]) on the buttocks received up to 3 treatment sessions of subcutaneous CCH 0.84 mg or placebo per treatment area. Composite response (≥2-level or ≥1-level improvement from baseline in both PR-PCSS and CR-PCSS) was determined at Day 71. RESULTS: Eight hundred forty-three women received ≥1 injection (CCH vs placebo: RELEASE-1, n = 210 vs n = 213; RELEASE-2, n = 214 vs n = 206). Greater percentages of CCH-treated women were ≥2-level composite responders versus placebo in RELEASE-1 (7.6% vs 1.9%; p = .006) and RELEASE-2 (5.6% vs 0.5%; p = .002) and ≥1-level composite responders in RELEASE-1 (37.1% vs 17.8%; p < .001) and RELEASE-2 (41.6% vs 11.2%; p < .001). Most adverse events (AEs) in the CCH group were injection site related; few CCH-treated women discontinued because of an AE (≤4.3%). CONCLUSION: Collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes significantly improved cellulite appearance and was generally well tolerated.

Human Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Subcutaneous Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum in Women.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium collagenase histolyticum (CCH) is being evaluated in women as a cellulite treatment. OBJECTIVE: To report preclinical safety and human pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety data for CCH. METHODS: Across 3 PK studies, 41 women received 12 subcutaneous injections per thigh/buttock in 1 session (up to 3.36 mg/dose). Blood samples were taken at baseline; at 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes postdose; and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 168, and 504 hours postdose. In a preclinical study, rats received 0, 0.029, 0.13, or 0.29 mg/dose of CCH intravenously (IV) every other day (QOD) for 16 days (total, 8 doses) and were evaluated for histopathologic changes. RESULTS: In human PK studies, no quantifiable plasma concentrations of AUX-I or AUX-II were observed postdose (n= 39 evaluable). Adverse events were injection site–related (bruising [97.6%], pain [87.8%], and edema/swelling [46.3%]). Antidrug antibodies were seen in most women at 504 hours postdose. In rats, plasma concentrations of AUX-I and AUX-II (CCH components) were measurable for 30 minutes and 1-2 hours, respectively, after IV administration. At ≥43× proposed human therapeutic dose on a mg/kg basis, rats experienced elevated liver enzyme levels, increased liver weights, and histologic changes that were mostly reversed during a 14-day recovery period. CONCLUSIONS: In human studies, no quantifiable circulating CCH levels were observed after a single subcutaneous dose of CCH up to 3.36 mg. Preclinical data indicated that repeat IV dosing (QOD; 8 doses) at ≥43× proposed human dose on a mg/kg basis for CCH was generally well tolerated.J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(9):852-856. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5048THIS ARTICLE HAD BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO ACCESS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT LOGGING IN. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PLEASE CONTACT THE PUBLISHER WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

Long-Term Safety and Curvature Deformity Characterization in Patients Previously Treated with Collagenase clostridium Histolyticum for Peyronie's Disease.

PURPOSE: We assessed the long-term safety and immunogenicity profile of collagenase clostridium histolyticum and characterized penile curvature deformity over time in patients previously treated for Peyronie's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This phase 4 study included men who received collagenase clostridium histolyticum in either 12-month, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trials (IMPRESS I/II), or one of two 9-month open label studies. Eligible patients received no additional collagenase clostridium histolyticum treatment and were followed once yearly for up to 5 years to assess Peyronie's disease clinical symptoms, patient reported outcomes and safety. RESULTS: Of 280 patients enrolled 204 (73%) completed the study. At baseline 247 patients had already experienced a mean±SD penile curvature decrease from 51.8±15.0 to 31.0±16.1 degrees (improvement of 20.9±16.2 degrees or 39.5%). At year 5 in 180 patients, despite no additional treatment, there was an additional 9.1% improvement in mean penile curvature compared with reference data (4.3±13.4 degrees, 95% CI 2.3-6.2, p <0.02). At baseline 183 patients experienced mean Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire bother domain score improvement from 6.5±3.5 to 3.4±3.3. At year 5 there was additional score improvement to 2.4±2.9 (p=0.0003). Adverse events were reported in 17.5% (49) of patients but no adverse events were considered treatment related. No long-term safety issues were identified up to 5 years after treatment. Long-term immunogenicity profiling showed a decreasing trend in the number of anti-AUX-I and anti-AUX-II seropositive cases at years 4 and 5 after collagenase clostridium histolyticum treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum continued to have penile curvature and Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire domain score improvements through year 5 without additional collagenase clostridium histolyticum treatment, and no additional safety signals were identified.

Efficacy, Safety, and Durability of Response of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum-aaes for Treating Cellulite.

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes (CCH) enzymatically releases fibrous septa that contribute to the skin dimpling characteristic of cellulite. Long-term safety/duration of efficacy (durability) results from an open-label extension (OLE) of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) evaluating CCH efficacy/safety for moderate-to-severe cellulite of the buttocks or posterolateral thighs in women was assessed. Efficacy/safety of CCH treatment/retreatment during OLE was also evaluated. METHODS: After RCT unblinding, women could enroll in OLE for assessment of long-term CCH durability (observation only, up to day 720) or CCH treatment/retreatment, the latter in women with moderate-to-severe buttock/posterolateral thigh cellulite [Clinician Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale (CR-PCSS) and Patient Reported PCSS (PR-PCSS) scores of 3/4; Hexsel Cellulite Severity Scale score ≤13]. A treatment/retreatment course comprised 1 or 2 courses of 3 sessions (0.84-mg CCH injected at days 1, 22, and 43). CCH efficacy/safety was assessed at baseline, days 22, 43, 71, and quarterly at day 360. RESULTS: Of the 259 OLE participants, 53 were observed for long-term CCH durability. For those who were ≥2-level composite responders during RCT (≥2-point CR-PCSS/PR-PCSS score improvements), CCH effect was durable (scores did not reach RCT baseline levels) in all women on days 180 (19/19), 360 (16/16), and 720 (7/7). Of the 200 women receiving CCH treatment/retreatment, more than 75% had ≥1-level improvement in patient and clinical assessments at day 71. The most common adverse events were injection-site bruising and pain. CONCLUSIONS: CCH treatment provided durable improvement in moderate-to-severe buttock/thigh cellulite and was generally well tolerated. Repeated CCH exposure did not increase adverse event risk or reduce efficacy.