LG Chem has entered the domestic market for treating excess fat under the chin.

LG Chem has announced the launch of Bellacholine (deoxycholic acid), an injectable drug designed to target submental fat. Bellacholine is intended for the treatment of moderate to severe protrusion or excess submental fat in adults.

According to LG Chem, the primary ingredient in Bellacholine, deoxycholic acid, selectively disrupts fat cell membranes, leading to a reduction in fat mass. Additionally, it can aid in maintaining and enhancing skin elasticity by promoting collagen synthesis.

The company explained that Bellacholine combines "Bella," meaning beauty in Italian, with "deoxycholic line," the active ingredient. They added that the name reflects the idea of "achieving a clear jawline and rediscovering beauty."

LG Chem highlighted its entry into the market for submental fat improvement drugs, where options have been scarce. It stressed that Bellacholine's competitive edge lies in its unique one-component manufacturing process, which includes a heat treatment step to minimize sedimentation risks.

"In preparing for Bellacholine's commercialization, we have placed the greatest emphasis on establishing manufacturing quality that customers can trust," said Noh Ji-hye, head of LG Chem's aesthetics division. "We will actively pursue Bellacholine's differentiation points to speed up market penetration."

Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Violet is the only injectable fat-reducing drug in Korea licensed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).

Last December, Medytox applied for marketing authorization from the MFDS for NEWV (MT921 in development name).