Health: Customized Wrinkle Treatment Approved By The FDA
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Using your own cells to look younger. It's a breakthrough treatment from a Biotech company in Chester County that just got FDA approval.
3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has an exclusive look at this customized therapy.
Janet David was one of the first to test the revolutionary new wrinkle treatment, and she loves the way she looks now.
"Most people want to look better and you want to put off plastic surgery for a long time, so this might be the answer," said Janet.
The process started with a tiny skin sample taken from behind the 64-year-old grandmothers ear.
It was then sent to Fibrocell Science in Exton.
David Pernock, the CEO, says they've pioneered a technique that multiplies fibroblast cells, a critical part of smooth, young looking skin.
"The fibroblast cell is a very unique cell, and what it's responsible for is the production of collagen and other growth factors," said David.
After about three months of multiplying, those cells are turned into an injectable wrinkle treatment called laViv. It's used like the synthetic fillers Restylane and Juvederm. But laViv is made from the patients cells, a custom made filler.
"We're doing something that's totally unique. We're taking a person's own cells and producing a very natural product that could be injected underneath the skin to improve skin wrinkles," said David.
In years of testing, Fibrocell Science also had to address FDA concerns about side effects.
Janet had a series of laViv injections into her nasolabial folds, over a period of several months.
"I'm very excited about this," said Janet.
Doctors say results last longer and are more natural looking than the synthetic fillers.
"I think cell based therapies are going to be a big thing in the future," said David.
"I certainly will be the first one in line to have it done again in another area," said Janet.
Reported By Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3
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