Kybella was developed by Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company based in California. The company was founded in 2005 and was focused on the development of innovative treatments for aesthetic and medical conditions.
Kybella was discovered through a series of research studies that explored the use of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule, for the treatment of fat. Deoxycholic acid is a substance that is produced by the body and plays a role in the breakdown and absorption of fat.
Kythera Biopharmaceuticals conducted several clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Kybella, and in 2015, the treatment was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the reduction of submental fat (fat under the chin).
Today, Kybella is widely used as a non-invasive treatment for reducing the appearance of a double chin.