Anti-aging Breakthrough: Better than Botox Bris

Ever wonder what happens to the part that's "cut off" during a circumcision? Well, wonder no more—at least if you're in the UK and have access to InterCytex's Vavelta. Vavelta is a cosmetic injectable that's derived from collagen cells from babies’ foreskin.

According to CosmeticsDesign.com (11/18/08), InterCytex is now trying to bring the product to the US. Of course it first needs FDA approval, and then the greater hurdle is in trying to convince folks on this side of the pond that the next greatest thing in anti-aging comes from, well, a baby's you-know-what.

InterCytex claims Vavelta has some selling points:

1. It's permanent (here's hoping the injector's hand is as steady as the doctor's or rabbi's...)
2. It relies on tiny skin cells called fibroblasts that rejuvenate damaged skin by repopulating areas where skin cells have been damaged. The fibroblasts are formulated as a suspension & packaged in 1 ml cell storage mediums for the injection process.
3. It's minimally invasive.
4. The injections target specific areas: around the eyes, forehead and mouth for signs of aging, and anywhere on the face or body for scar or burn damage.

BUT—and here's the kicker—it seems to have some source of supply issues that drive up the cost to the tune of almost double a Botox injection. Makes sense: you need circumcised babies and then mommy's authorization to even begin developing Vavelta. And not everyone favors circumcision.

The CosmeticsDesign.com article says not to get too excited yet though. It could take at least 4 years before Vavelta is available in the US of A.

posted by Nancy at RealSelf

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