A new cosmetic dermal filler could soon be on the market following the news that Merz Pharmaceuticals has filed for CE Mark approval for the Cosmetic Dermal Filler Bead.

The product will be manufactured by CellMed - the German subsidiary of Biocompatibles - and will bring an entirely new aesthetic dermal filler to the market.

Made from highly purified alginate material, the Cosmetic Dermal Filler Bead is designed to address facial wrinkles.

Dr Martin Zugel, chief executive officer of Merz Pharmaceuticals, said: "We are pleased to have achieved a timely filing of the regulatory documents of the novel Cosmetic Dermal Filler.

"Upon approval we look forward to a successful market launch in Merz' key European territories in 2009."

Crispin Simon, chief executive of Biocompatibles, added: "This is an important milestone for us, for the Dermal Filler Beads programme and also for our proprietary alginate material."

Dermal fillers are designed to improve the appearance of the skin, which naturally loses some of its collagen and fat as it ages, making it appear thinner and more wrinkled.