【European Uni】The World’s First Fast-Acting Neurotoxin Just Got Approved in Europe

The European Commission has approved Boey (trenibotulinumtoxinE) from Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, making it the first and only rapid-onset, short-duration botulinum toxin serotype E approved in Europe. The decision applies across all 30 countries in the European Economic Area and follows Boey’s approval in Canada this past June.

What makes Boey different from other neurotoxins on the market is speed. In clinical trials, results showed up in as little as eight hours after treatment, with peak effect around day seven. Rather than the three-to-four-month runway typical of traditional botulinum toxin type A, Boey’s effects taper off in just two to three weeks. It is approved specifically for glabellar lines in adults for whom the lines carry real psychological weight.

Developed by the makers of Botox Cosmetic (sold as Vistabel or Vistabex in the EU), Boey is not meant to replace your go-to toxin but to offer an on-ramp. Allergan Aesthetics research found that a large majority of people are open to learning about new treatments and want a way to preview results before signing up for something longer lasting, and that’s exactly the gap Boey is designed to fill.

If the name trenibotulinumtoxinE (TrenibotE) sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve been tracking this one for a while. Boey is the brand name Allergan Aesthetics is using in Europe, though it’s not yet clear what the product will be called if approved in the US. In April, the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter on the US application, flagging manufacturing issues rather than safety or efficacy concerns. While American patients are still waiting, Europe is now the first to get access.

Allergan Aesthetics says it is now preparing to launch Boey across Europe, with education and training rolling out for providers. No word yet on US timing, but given how much buzz this toxin has generated since its earliest trial data, we will be watching closely.