NEW ORLEANS, LA – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Qwo™ (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) as the first injectable treatment for moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women. This landmark approval, announced by Endo International, introduces a non-surgical option to address a long-standing aesthetic concern that affects more than 90% of post-pubertal women. Rachel Hastings, Managing Partner at DelRicht Research, celebrated the approval as a major step forward in aesthetic medicine and praised the leadership of Dr. Sarah Jackson.

Dr. Sarah Jackson, board-certified dermatologist and principal investigator at Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans, LA, played a leading role in the clinical trials contributing to this approval through her long-standing partnership with DelRicht Research. Dr. Jackson has conducted multiple clinical trials across various therapeutic areas since 2016.

Rachel Hastings on Addressing a Root Cause of Cellulite

Cellulite is caused by the tension of fibrous connective tissue, called septae, which pull the skin downward and create a dimpled appearance. Qwo works by enzymatically breaking down these septae, targeting Types 1 and 3 collagen to release the tethered skin and smooth the treated area.

The FDA approval was supported by the largest cellulite clinical program in U.S. history, with studies showing significant aesthetic improvements after a series of injections. The most common side effects included bruising, pain, and mild swelling at the injection site, but Qwo was overall well-tolerated and non-invasive, an appealing alternative to surgery for many patients.

“This is a breakthrough not just in aesthetics, but in the confidence and quality of life it can offer to women,” said Rachel Hastings, Managing Partner at DelRicht Research. “Dr. Jackson’s continued leadership in clinical dermatology has once again brought a transformative therapy to patients.”

“This is a breakthrough not just in aesthetics, but in the confidence and quality of life it can offer to women. Dr. Jackson’s continued leadership in clinical dermatology has once again brought a transformative therapy to patients.”

— Rachel Hastings, Managing Partner at DelRicht Research

A New Era in Medical Aesthetics

Qwo represents a novel class of treatment for cellulite, and the first to be FDA-approved in injectable form. It is expected to be available at aesthetic healthcare practices in the U.S. starting in Spring 2021.

“As a dermatologist, I see firsthand how cellulite impacts a patient’s self-image,” said Dr. Sarah Jackson. “With Qwo, we finally have an injectable option backed by science that directly targets one of the underlying causes of cellulite. It’s a meaningful advancement for both patients and providers.”

“As a dermatologist, I see firsthand how cellulite impacts a patient’s self-image. With Qwo, we finally have an injectable option backed by science that directly targets one of the underlying causes of cellulite. It’s a meaningful advancement for both patients and providers.”

— Dr. Sarah Jackson, Principal Investigator at DelRicht Research

DelRicht Research and Audubon Dermatology’s work on Qwo reflects their broader commitment to delivering evidence-based, patient-centered innovations that shape the future of skin health and aesthetics.

Bridging Research and Real-World Impact

The success of Qwo’s clinical program underscores the value of high-performing investigative sites in accelerating FDA approvals. By aligning medical expertise, operational excellence, and patient trust, sites like Audubon Dermatology help bring cutting-edge treatments to market.

Read the full press release on PR Newswire.