By Rhonda L. Rundle

The Wall Street Journal

December 27, 2006

The Food and Drug Administration has approved an injectable wrinkle treatment called Radiesse that its maker boasts lasts longer than rival treatments in temporarily correcting smile lines. The agency's action has sparked competing claims over whether Radiesse (pronounced Ray-dee-ESS) will prove cheaper and better over time than established wrinkle fillers like Restylane.

A patient receives an injection of the wrinkle filler Restylane, which has a new rival as the FDA has cleared the use of Radiesse.

"Right now, [dermal] fillers are too expensive. Many people are thinking about these treatments, but aren't doing them. We will displace a lot of this market, but will grow it too," proclaims Steven Basta, BioForm chief executive officer. Radiesse will cost a patient roughly $850 a year versus $2,400 for comparable enhancement with Restylane, he estimates. His estimate, based on average retail prices and including the physician's fees, assumes it takes two $600 syringes of Restylane, twice a year, to achieve what one syringe of Radiesse can do for 12 months.