Explainer | New Botox alternative Daxxify is a longer lasting anti-wrinkle injectable that’s made without human or animal ingredients
- Daxxify, made of peptides rather than human or animal ingredients, will be the first significant rival to Botox in decades once it hits the market, experts say
- While most injectables promise effects that can last three to four months, clinical studies suggest the effects of Daxxify might last up to nine months
Botulinum toxin injectables, known by brand names such as Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau, have been the go-to formulas for those who want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for years.
From 2000 to 2020, Botox injections increased by 459 per cent and that number is expected to continue growing.
However, a new player has entered the game, and threatens to usurp Botox’s rule as soon as it becomes available. Say hello to Daxxify, a peptide-formulated aesthetic injection that experts say will be the first significant rival to Botox in decades.
What is Daxxify?
Daxxify is a neuromodulator used to temporarily lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The formula has been in the works for years and was approved by the United States’ Federal Drug Administration (FDA) on September 8.
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Neuromodulators, or neurotoxins, are a group of drugs that relax and soften the skin when injected into the underlying muscles of the face. This makes it look smoother and plumper for about three to four months.
Daxxify is the only formula stabilised with peptide technology and 100 per cent free of human- or animal-based ingredients.
How is it different from Botox?
The main reason that Daxxify may become popular very fast is the predicted duration of its effects. Dr Edward Chamata, in the US, explains that most neuromodulators offer results that may last up to three months. Daxxify promises more longevity.
“Clinical studies have shown Daxxify to last six months, and even up to nine months in some patients,” Chamata says.
In the long run, this can bring significant benefits to patients for a variety of reasons, “the biggest one being less frequent pokes with a syringe since the treatment frequency to maintain results is less”, Chamata says. This is more convenient for patients, as fewer clinic visits are required to preserve the results of injection.
Additionally, while other neuromodulators are developed with human serum albumin – the most abundant protein in human blood plasma – Daxxify’s formulation is built from peptides, or amino acids. According to Chamata, this allows the formula to be more stable.
What areas can it treat?
The FDA has approved the use of Daxxify on the glabellar lines in the face – the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows when you frown. “[But] don’t be surprised if it gains approval for other uses in the near future,” Chamata says.
How much does Daxxify cost?
There is no disclosed pricing for it yet. Nevertheless, while Daxxify’s longevity may mean fewer visits to the dermatologist’s office, that does not necessarily mean you will be able to save lots of money, as it is expected that Daxxify will be more expensive than other neuromodulators.
Still, there is a chance Daxxify users will end up breaking even, since they will need to get the procedure done only once or twice per year.
Are there any side effects?
According to clinical trials, Daxxify is safe and well tolerated by humans, with no major adverse outcomes registered. That said, the most common side effects reported during the trials were mild headaches, temporarily drooping eyelids and muscle stiffness, which are pretty much the same effect you would get from other injectable neuromodulators.
Is it available yet?
Daxxify is not yet on the market, but dermatologists predict the injectable will be widely available in most clinics by 2023.
