Arden, Allergan team-up to market 'new' Prevage

New York - In what is believed to be the first product collaboration between a cosmetics company and a drug, Elizabeth Arden Inc. and Allergan Inc., the pharmaceutical firm that markets and distributes Botox, have teamed up to market a reformulated version of Allergan's anti-aging product, Prevage.

The "new" Prevage, which contains 0.5 percent of the antioxidant idebenone, goes on sale in the United States in December. Another version, Prevage MD (with 1 percent idebenone), has already been made available to dermatologists. An earlier version of Prevage had been available through doctors, but users complained about the texture. The new versions are said to be less tacky and better absorbed by the skin.

According to an Arden spokesperson, studies show that in the recommended eight weeks of use, Prevage can reduce signs of skin aging, fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin softness. The spokesperson said Arden will be collaborating with Allergan and other drug companies in the future.

A 1.7-ounce bottle of Prevage reportedly will retail for about $150, while a 1-ounce bottle of Prevage MD will sell for about $115 in dermatologists' offices.