Since 2002, the name “Botox” has become interchangeable with any of the injectable wrinkle reducers currently available in the U.S. market—namely Xeomin, Dysport and Myobloc—until this past February when the FDA greenlit a new neurotoxin: Jeuveau.
As the first neurotoxin approved for aesthetic usage in close to a decade, there’s no guessing why Jeuveau has been making waves in the industry. But with a marketing campaign that brands itself as #Newtox, we had to find out what makes the wrinkle-busting shot so different. We reached out to New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, who currently offers Jeuveau in her practice, to find out.
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What’s the difference between Jeuveau and other injectable wrinkle reducers?
Jeuveau is currently the only “cosmetic-only” neurotoxin on the U.S. market, meaning that the toxin does not have any medical indications, unlike its competitors.
Botox Cosmetic was first FDA-approved in 1989 for an indication for blepharospasm and strabismus, Dysport is approved for upper and lower limb spasticity in certain patients and Myobloc is approved for a neurological condition called cervical dystonia. Instead, Jeuveau is solely indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (also commonly referred to as 11 or frown lines).
While most patients would agree wrinkle-reducer injections are pretty painless—picture a tiny mosquito bite—Dr. Wexler notes that around five-percent of her patients (myself included) reported that Jeuveau stung upon application. However, it quickly subsides.
If we put both under a microscope, would the molecular structures of Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic look similar?
Yes—Dr. Wexler explains that the molecular weight and structure of Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic are practically identical. “Both neurotoxins are 900 KDA in molecular weight. There are currently four toxins in the U.S. market and Jeuveau is the only toxin that is comparable to Botox.”
However, according to to Dr. Wexler, the purification systems found in these neuromodulators differ. “Jeuveau uses a purification system called the Hi-Pure Technology,” she explains, which, according to the brand, may allow the longevity of the product to outshine its competitors.
Is there a big price difference between Jeuveau and other injectable wrinkle reducers?
One of the main points of differentiation among #Newtox and other neuromodulators was its promise to be sold at a slightly lower price point than its competitors. However, many doctors, like Dr. Wexler, price the toxins the same in their practices.
“I believe it’s important to have competition in the toxin market so that one company cannot monopolize the market and keep driving up prices, which we then have to pass onto our patients.”
How long do results last?
Like other neurotoxins, results vary by patient, but usually last an average of 3–4 months.
What’s the main draw for consumers to switch from their go-to ‘tox to Jeuveau?
“Jeuveau is the first brand of neurotoxin that has come to market in 10 years,” says Dr. Wexler. “It’s the newest technology—consumers are always looking for something new and fresh.”
