Deoxycholic acid is a cytolytic agent injected subcutaneously to improve the appearance submental fat. Deoxycholic acid is a a bile acid which emulsifies and solubilizes dietary fats in the intestine, and when injected subcutaneously, it disrupts cell membranes in adipocytes and destroys fat cells in that tissue.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
As a bile acid, deoxycholic acid emulsifies fat in the gut. Synthetically derived deoxycholic acid, when injected, stimulates a targeted breakdown of adipose cells by disrupting the cell membrane and causing adipocytolysis. This results in an inflammatory reaction and clearing of the adipose tissue remnants by macrophages. Deoxycholic acid's actions are reduced by albumin and tissue-associated proteins, therefore its effect is limited to protein-poor subcutaneous fat tissue. Protein-rich tissues like muscle and skin are unaffected by deoxycholic acid, contributing to its safety profile.
- Primary indication
- For improvement in appearance of moderate to severe fullness associated with submental fat in adults.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C24H40O4 · 392.572 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2022 · United States, 2015
- Also known as
- Deoxycholate · Desoxycholic acid
- Code names
- DWJ211
- Brand names
Resolves to
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Which drugs share a target with Deoxycholic acid, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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