Allergan Presents New Phase 3 TrenibotE Data and GLP-1 Patient Insights at AAD 2026

At the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, presented new data spanning aesthetic dermatology.¹ Two posters—one evaluating the investigational neurotoxin trenibotulinumtoxinE (TrenibotE) and another examining aesthetic trends among patients receiving glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists— provided a comprehensive view of emerging therapeutic options and shifting patient needs in aesthetic practice.

"At Allergan Aesthetics, we are dedicated to scientific research that reinforces customer and patient trust and confidence in our broad product portfolio," said John Maltman, PhD, vice president, global aesthetics medical affairs at Allergan. "Our data presented at AAD advance knowledge of our market-leading and emerging portfolio to deliver safe and effective treatments that address patients' aesthetic concerns."¹

Safety and Efficacy of Repeat TrenibotulinumtoxinE Treatments

Kaufman et al. reported findings from an 18-week, open-label phase 3 study assessing the safety and efficacy of up to 3 repeat treatments of TrenibotE 700 U for glabellar lines.² The trial enrolled 992 adult participants with moderate to severe glabellar lines at maximum frown, as assessed by both investigators and patients using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS). Participants received initial treatment followed by up to 2 retreatments at approximately 6-week intervals, contingent on return to baseline severity.

TrenibotE demonstrated a rapid onset of action, with clinical improvements observed as early as 48 hours after administration, consistent with its distinct pharmacologic profile as an investigational first-in-class botulinum neurotoxin serotype E. Across all the treatment cycles, efficacy was maintained, with a substantial proportion of patients achieving ≥1- and ≥2-grade improvements in FWS scores. Importantly, these improvements were consistent across repeated administrations, suggesting no attenuation of response over time.

Safety outcomes were favorable and remained consistent across treatment cycles. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) decreased slightly with subsequent treatments (22.0% in cycle 1, 19.1% in cycle 2, and 14.7% in cycle 3), and most events were mild in severity. The most commonly reported treatment-related adverse events included headache, injection site pain, and bruising. Serious adverse events were rare (≤0.5%), and no events leading to discontinuation were considered related to the therapy.

Notably, there was no evidence of neutralizing antibody development, and only 1 participant developed non-neutralizing binding antibodies without clinical impact. No cases consistent with distant spread of toxin were identified, supporting the immunologic tolerability of repeated TrenibotE exposure.

“Robust research has been done in the trenibtoulunumE program, including this latest open-label phase 3 study using the first Type E botulinum toxin. Safety and efficacy were clearly demonstrated after 3 sequential doses of Trenibotulinum toxin. Trenibotulinum toxin’s unique profile of early onset as fast as 8 hours with duration of only 2 to 3 weeks may give those patients considering botulinum toxin treatment a trial option,” trial investigator and director of Skin Associates of South Florida and the Skin Research Institute, Joely Kaufman, MD, told Dermatology Times.

Aesthetic Trends in Patients Receiving GLP-1 Agonists

In another poster, Burgess et al. examined the characteristics and concerns of patients receiving GLP-1 agonists for weight loss who subsequently seek aesthetic treatments.³ This analysis was based on a large electronic survey of 406 US health care providers across dermatology, plastic surgery, and other aesthetic specialties, each with substantial experience treating GLP-1–associated aesthetic concerns.

Researchers highlighted the rapid emergence of this patient population, driven by widespread adoption of GLP-1 therapies. Providers reported a marked increase in GLP-1-treated patients between 2023 and 2024, with an estimated 137% growth across specialties. These patients were predominantly female (70%), white (64%), and aged 30 to 49 years (56%), although representation across genders, age groups, and racial/ethnic backgrounds was noted.

A key observation was that approximately 52% of GLP-1-treated patients expressed concern about their facial appearance, commonly related to volume loss and skin laxity—features often described as “GLP-1 face.” These concerns are increasingly prompting patients to seek aesthetic interventions, with 32% reported as new to aesthetic practices.

Despite high interest, several barriers to treatment were identified. Cost was the most frequently cited limitation (82%), followed by fear of unnatural results (58%) and uncertainty about treatment options (40%). Additional concerns included safety, discomfort with injections, and logistical challenges such as scheduling.

References

1. Allergan Aesthetics Releases Findings on the Safety and Efficacy of Repeat TrenibotE Treatments and Data on Medical Weight Loss Aesthetics Patient Behaviors at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Meeting (AAD). Press release. Abbvie. Published March 30, 2026. Accessed March 30, 2026. https://news.abbvie.com/2026-03-30-Allergan-Aesthetics-Releases-Findings-on-the-Safety-and-Efficacy-of-Repeat-TrenibotE-Treatments-and-Data-on-Medical-Weight-Loss-Aesthetics-Patient-Behaviors-at-the-2026-American-Academy-of-Dermatology-Meeting-AAD

2. Kaufman J, Coleman W, Gold M, et al. Safety and Efficacy of TrenibotulinumtoxinE Following Repeat Treatments for Glabellar Lines: Findings From an Open-Label Phase 3 Study. Poster presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. March 27-31, 2026.

3. Burgess C, Sadeghpour M, Hooper D, et al. Population Trends in Facial Aesthetic Concerns Among Patients Receiving GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss. Poster presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. March 27-31, 2026.