KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals gains Health Canada OK of Belkyra/Kybella

KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: KYTH) has received authorization from drug regulator Health Canada to market Belkyra (deoxycholic acid) “for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat (SMF) in adults.”

Belkyra is a non-surgical treatment for improving the appearance and profile of submental fullness - more commonly known as “double chin,” a facial aesthetic condition that affects both women and men. Belkyra was recently launched in the USA under the brand name Kybella, following US Food and drug Administration approval.

“We are pleased to offer Belkyra for patients who are seeking a non-surgical solution to improve the appearance of their submental fullness, sometimes referred to as a double chin, an oft-cited, but undertreated facial feature,” said Keith Leonard, president and chief executive of KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, which recently accepted a $2.1 billion takeover approach from Allergan (NYSE: AGN). “The authorization of Belkyra in Canada is another milestone for KYTHERA and for physicians who now have a treatment for fat under the chin."