Objective 18-month Comparison of the Tolerability of 2 Dermal Fillers Formulated with Tri-Hyal Technology

BACKGROUND: The first phase of this study showed that ART FILLER Universal filler (AFU; FILORGA Laboratories) and ART FILLER Fine lines (AFFL) were non-inferior to JUVÉDERM Ultra 3 (Allergan) and FIRST LINES PureSense (Teoxane), respectively. The clinical benefits of AFU and AFFL on nasolabial folds and crow’s feet persisted until at least Day 180. This article reports results from an open-label extension phase that assessed the tolerability and efficacy of AFU and AFFL for up to 18 months based on clinical evaluation and ultrasound high-frequency imaging. METHODS: Eligible subjects were enrolled at D180 and assessed on D270, D360, and D540. The primary outcome measured was local tolerability. Secondary outcomes measured included: proportion of subjects in whom the severity of nasolabial folds and crow’s feet remained at least 1 point below the baseline measurement (Lemperle scale); general safety; Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores by subjects and investigators; wrinkle volumes; and skin thickness by high-frequency ultrasound. RESULTS: Adverse events were consistent with the product information and the initial study. No serious adverse events were recorded. In exploratory analyses, wrinkle correction with AFU and AFFL is sustained for at least 18 months: 48.4% and 98.3% of subjects respectively still showed at least a 1-point decrease in the mean Lemperle score compared with the baseline. The benefits were sustained irrespective of whether subjects received additional injections. Modifications in wrinkle volume and skin thickness at D540 were statistically significant compared with the baseline. CONCLUSION: AFU and AFFL were well tolerated and, in exploratory analyses, showed a sustained efficacy for at least 18 months.