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Philip Burchard
Chief Executive Officer (Merz Group), Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA (Merz Group)

Interview Philip Burchard - Merz Aesthetics

🎥 Apr 10, 2019 📺 ANTI-AGE TV ⏱ 5m
Interview, Philip Burchard, CEO Merz Aesthetics. Merz Aesthetics launched 2 innovative technologies, Cellfina and Ultherapy and ...
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About Philip Burchard

In interviews from 2019, Philip Burchard, then CEO of Merz Aesthetics, discussed the company's product portfolio and market strategy. He described Ultherapy as a non-invasive treatment using micro-focused ultrasound to create heat points under the skin that stimulate collagen production, leading to a gradual natural lifting effect. He also described Cellfina as a treatment for cellulite dimples that releases fibrous bands under the skin. Burchard stated that the company was working on combining its products, such as fillers, neuromodulators, and energy-based devices, in small quantities to achieve natural-looking results, and that it was conducting clinical trials to seek registration and approval for combination use. Burchard said that the aesthetic market was growing worldwide despite geopolitical challenges, and that Merz Aesthetics had established regional organizations in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East to develop its presence. He stated that the company was developing new fillers internally and evaluating external innovations from startups and universities. He noted that Ultherapy was becoming increasingly popular and that the company was developing body indications, including for laxity under the arm and on the abdomen.

Source: AI-verified profile updated from Philip Burchard's recent appearances. Browse all interviews →

Transcript (6 segments)
I
Interviewer0:06
So I am Musa. Mr. Philip Burchard, CEO of Merz Aesthetics, you have two innovative products: Cellfina and Ultherapy. Could you describe each of them in a few words?
P
Philip Burchard0:21
Ultherapy is a micro-focused ultrasound. It creates little heat points below the skin, which trigger the body's repair mechanism. Fibroblasts generate new collagen, producing a natural lifting and skin-tightening effect in the face, neck, and décolletage. It is becoming increasingly popular because it is natural and non-invasive. Results appear slowly, taking up to three months, and can last one to one and a half years. Patients can return annually for treatment. This slows aging naturally. The physician also uses real ultrasound to see below the skin and avoid bones, nerves, and vessels, preventing side effects. The other product is Cellfina, which treats cellulite dimples. It is a bit more invasive, using a small knife and local anesthesia. The dimples are released and disappear after treatment. Some patients are very young and have only these dimples, which are especially unpleasant in summer. We have three‑ and five‑year data showing the effect may be permanent: one treatment and the dimples do not come back. There is some downtime and care is needed after treatment, whereas with Ultherapy you can return to work immediately. Cellfina delivers very good results for cellulite dimples.
I
Interviewer2:56
And can we combine, for example, which really appeals, with the fillers?
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Philip Burchard3:01
Absolutely. So Ultherapy is a very good foundational treatment for your face, and you can then add hyaluronic acid fillers, calcium-based fillers like Radiesse, and of course a neuromodulator like Xeomin. The clever combination of these products in small quantities by a very capable physician will give you very natural, long-lasting results.
I
Interviewer3:36
So Merz Aesthetics has a large range of products. And what will be your goals for this year?
P
Philip Burchard3:44
So this year, 2019, looks very promising because we are in a prosperous, growing market all around the world, despite some geopolitical challenges. We have established strong offices in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, and we are still developing and growing our products in those regions. We are also looking at our portfolio to combine products rather than use them individually, because combining in small quantities conservatively yields very natural, long-term results. We are working with physicians and planning clinical trials to eventually get approvals worldwide. We are developing new fillers in-house in our R&D in Germany and also scouting external startups, universities, and scientists for new filler approaches, such as adding vitamins or antioxidants, or using completely new materials. We evaluate these opportunities to bring them into the company and develop them for the market.