TrenibotE Could Provide a Rapid-Onset Botox Alternative
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A recent development in Botox-type injectables is TrenibotE (trenibotulinumtoxinE), a novel neuromodulator from AbbVie—the pharmaceutical company behind Allergan Aesthetics and Botox® Cosmetic. AbbVie is currently seeking FDA approval for TrenibotE to treat moderate to severe glabellar lines, commonly known as frown lines or “11s” between the eyebrows.
What makes TrenibotE noteworthy is its unique clinical profile: it works significantly faster than traditional neuromodulators, but maintains results for a much shorter duration. Here is what we know about this emerging aesthetic treatment.
How TrenibotE is different from traditional neuromodulators
While popular options currently available in the United States like Botox®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®, Daxxify®, and Dysport® are all derived from botulinum neurotoxin serotype A, TrenibotE is formulated from botulinum neurotoxin serotype E. This distinction has significant implications for how the product performs.
According to clinical trial data submitted to the FDA, TrenibotE can begin reducing the appearance of glabellar lines as early as eight hours following injection. This stands in stark contrast to traditional neuromodulators like Botox, which typically require three to five days before patients notice initial smoothing effects, with peak results appearing around 10 to 14 days post-treatment.
However, this accelerated timeline comes with an important trade-off. Clinical trial data suggests that TrenibotE’s smoothing effects last approximately two to three weeks, compared to the three to six months of duration typically expected from Botox, Dysport, or similar products. This shortened duration fundamentally changes the value proposition and practical considerations for patients.
Related: Letybo is the Latest Botox Alternative to Get FDA Approval
TrenibotE starts smoothing frown lines within hours and lasts approximately two to three weeks.
Who might benefit from a rapid-onset, short-duration neuromodulator?
Given TrenibotE’s unique clinical profile, certain types of patients may find value in this treatment option.
1. First-time neuromodulator patients
One of the barriers to neuromodulator injections is patient anxiety about committing to a treatment whose effects could last several months. TrenibotE could serve as an introductory “trial” neuromodulator for cautious patients. The brief duration means that if a patient experiences minor asymmetry or simply decides they prefer their natural appearance, the effects will resolve within weeks rather than months. This lower-stakes entry point may help nervous patients overcome their hesitation and eventually transition to longer-lasting neuromodulators once they’ve experienced the benefits firsthand.
2. Patients seeking treatment in a new area
Just as new patients may want to try a shorter-acting neuromodulator for their first treatment, those who have had Botox-type injectables before but are seeking treatment in a new area may prefer TrenibotE for their first injections.
For example, patients who receive neuromodulators solely in the frown lines (11 lines) and are considering expanding their treatments to include the crow’s feet (canthal lines) may wish to try TrenibotE in that area before committing to the treatment area with a formula that lasts 3 months or longer.
3. Patients seeking results for a specific event
TrenibotE may appeal to patients who want to look refreshed for an important upcoming event—a wedding, reunion, vacation, or professional engagement—but don’t necessarily want to commit to ongoing neuromodulator treatments. TrenibotE’s rapid onset could allow for more last-minute aesthetic touch-ups, though we always recommend scheduling treatments well in advance whenever possible for safety and optimal results.
Practical considerations: cost, convenience, and frequency
While TrenibotE’s rapid onset is appealing, patients must carefully consider the practical implications of a neuromodulator that requires retreatment every two to three weeks.
Traditional neuromodulators require maintenance treatments approximately three to four times per year. If you opt for TrenibotE instead, you would need to schedule and attend treatment appointments every few weeks—potentially 17 to 26 times per year to maintain continuous results. Each appointment requires time for consultation, treatment, and post-treatment care, and the cumulative time investment of biweekly or monthly visits significantly exceeds the commitment required for longer-lasting alternatives.
Additionally, as of late 2025, AbbVie has not released pricing information for TrenibotE. Patients should consider that each neuromodulator treatment involves not just the cost of the product itself, but also the professional fees for your cosmetic injector’s expertise, assessment, and precise injection technique. We encourage patients to have frank discussions with their provider about the total annual cost of their desired treatment plan.
The importance of choosing a qualified injector
Regardless of which neuromodulator you select, the skill and expertise of your injector is the single most important factor in achieving safe, natural-looking results.
We strongly encourage patients to seek treatment exclusively from board certified cosmetic surgeons with specialized training in facial aesthetics or from medical spas under the direction of a board certified cosmetic surgeon.
Before committing to any neuromodulator treatment, schedule an in-person consultation with your injector to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations. A qualified provider will welcome your questions and take time to ensure you fully understand your treatment options before proceeding.
Related: How to Choose a Safe Medspa for Non-Surgical Treatments
TrenibotE is currently not available, as it is under review by the FDA. However, patients have access to several safe, effective, FDA-approved neuromodulators that have demonstrated excellent results for millions of satisfied patients over many years. These established options remain the gold standard for reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and achieving natural-looking facial rejuvenation.
To learn more about neuromodulator treatments and find a board certified cosmetic surgeon in your area, visit the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery’s online directory.