Abstract
BACKGROUND: ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid injection) is the only injectable drug approved for submental fat (SMF) reduction. In the phase 3 REFINE trials, adults with moderate or severe SMF who were dissatisfied with the appearance of their face/chin were eligible to receive up to 6 treatment sessions with ATX-101 (2 mg/cm2) or placebo. Primary and secondary endpoints, evaluated at 12 weeks after last treatment, significantly favored ATX-101 supporting its efficacy for reducing SMF and the psychological impact of SMF, and increasing satisfaction with the appearance of the face/chin. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ATX-101 by treatment session. METHODS: This post hoc analysis used pooled data from the REFINE trials to evaluate efficacy endpoints and adverse events following each treatment session to further characterize the ATX-101 treatment response and safety profile. RESULTS: In both treatment groups, mean injection volume declined over subsequent treatment sessions, though more markedly in the ATX-101 group. The majority of ATX-101-treated patients achieved a ≥1-grade improvement in SMF within 2 to 4 treatment sessions based on either clinician or patient assessment. Furthermore, 19.1% of ATX-101-treated patients (vs 3.9% of placebo-treated patients) received fewer than 6 treatment sessions owing to patient satisfaction with treatment or lack of sufficient SMF for further treatment. In both treatment groups, the incidence/severity of common injection-site adverse events declined over subsequent treatment sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Although up to 6 treatment sessions were permitted in the REFINE trials, most ATX-101-treated patients achieved an improvement in SMF within 2 to 4 treatment sessions. Level of Evidence: 3.