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The wrinkle review: study finds more evidence needed to compare anti-wrinkle drugs


June 1, 2016



Ottawa researchers are known around the world for conducting systematic reviews to rigorously compare different medical treatments, but occasionally they also use this expertise to answer important non-medical questions. For example, Dr. James Bonaparte recently led the first large-scale analysis to compare three common anti-wrinkle medications, including Botox. Each supposedly has different features, but it is unclear whether they actually affect patients differently. The systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, used a unique method to compare the three medications. It found that all three reduced wrinkles better than a placebo and had similar side effects, but no difference could be found between them. However, many of the studies had limitations, leaving the researchers to conclude that more studies are needed, particularly research that compares the medications head to head.

Authors: James Bonaparte, David Ellis, Jason Quinn, Jessica Rabski, Brian Hutton.

Funders: Allergan, Inc. Canada

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Amelia Buchanan
Senior Communication Specialist
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73687
Cell: 613-297-8315
ambuchanan@ohri.ca