A next-generation hyaluronic acid treatment designed to improve sexual and genital symptoms of GSM
Watford, UK. February 2nd 2026 – IBSA UK, the UK subsidiary of Swiss pharmaceutical company IBSA,
today announces the launch of Hyaluxelle®, a non-hormonal hyaluronic acid treatment indicated for adult women to treat vulvar vestibule atrophic symptoms, including vaginal dryness, burning, itching and introitus pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)[1].
Hyaluxelle® provides clinicians with a new treatment for women whose symptoms persist despite first-line therapies, or for those women who cannot receive or choose not to receive hormonal treatments for genital and sexual symptoms of GSM, supporting clearer patient pathways.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a chronic condition caused by estrogen deficiency, affecting the genital, urinary and sexual systems[2]. Symptoms are persistent, degenerative and rarely improve without treatment[2]. It has been estimated that at least half of post-menopausal women are affected[3], yet many do not seek help, often believing symptoms are a normal part of ageing[4].
Vulvo-vaginal atrophy, one of the most common and distressing symptoms of GSM, is driven by progressive trophic changes in vaginal and vulval tissues associated with low estrogen levels. These changes can result in symptoms such as vaginal dryness, discomfort, altered pH and pain during intercourse, with a significant impact on confidence, relationships and quality of life[2-5].
Joanna, a 59-year-old woman living with severe GSM symptoms, describes the personal impact of delayed diagnosis. “I lived for years with pain, UTIs, cystitis and a loss of sensation, but every visit to my GP, even a female GP, was treated as a bladder issue. Nobody suggested it might be linked to the menopause or joined the dots, and none of the treatments I was given helped. Without the right information or support, I became desperate for answers.”
She added: “The symptoms affected everything, what I wore, how I exercised, how I slept, but the hardest part was the impact on intimacy with my husband. I withdrew from our relationship because I was scared sex would hurt, and the loss of closeness was devastating, and I no longer felt like myself. Women deserve clear explanations and real options when their symptoms are not getting better.”
A clinically focused, non-hormonal option supported by NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology Hyaluxelle® is a clinically focused, non-hormonal injectable, developed using IBSA’s patented NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology.
The formulation is composed of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, creating hybrid cooperative complexes designed to enhance injectability and tissue biocompatibility. This enables a lower viscosity injection at the highest concentration available in the UK supporting tissue hydration, firmness, elasticity and optimal conditions for tissue regeneration[6].
Hyaluxelle® is administered as deep intradermal injections to the vulvar vestibule across two treatment sessions given one month apart, followed by clinical reassessment[1]. The viscoelastic and moisturising properties of the formulation help rehydrate the vulvar vestibule and create favourable conditions for restoring tissue structure through collagen and elastin production[5].
Clinical evidence demonstrates that Hyaluxelle® is effective in improving several vulvovaginal symptoms of GSM[5,7], including reductions in vaginal discomfort and pain during intercourse[7].
Studies also show improvements in sexual function domains and a positive trend in some aspects of health-related quality of life[7]. Histological analyses indicate increased epithelial thickness, enhanced tissue regeneration and reduced inflammatory infiltration following treatment[5]. Hyaluxelle® has been shown to be well-tolerated in clinical studies, with no reported major complications[5,8].
References
1. HYALUXELLE®. Instructions for Use.
2. Christmas M, et al. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2024;67(1):101-14.
3. Benini V, et al. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(6):770.
4. Nasreen SZA, et al. American Journal of Internal Medicine. 2019;7(6):154-62.
5. Garavaglia E, et al. Med Devices (Auckl). 2020;13:399-410.
6. Humzah D, et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(6):3216.
7. Mohammed GF, et al. Health Sci Rep. 2023;6(3):e870.
8. Garavaglia E, et al. Aesthetic Medicine. 2023;9(1):35-42.
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