Clinical Research Directory

Radiofrequency Treatment Versus Topical Therapy for Facial Acne Vulgaris

This clinical study will compare a radiofrequency (RF) treatment with a standard topical treatment for adults with mild-to-moderate inflammatory facial acne vulgaris. Approximately 60 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Participants in the RF group will receive three treatment sessions using the Density Noir radiofrequency system at 6-week intervals. Participants in the topical treatment group will use a combination gel containing adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% once daily for 12 weeks. Participants in both groups will be followed for an additional 12 weeks after completion of treatment. The main purpose of the study is to compare how well the two treatments reduce the number of inflammatory acne lesions and facial sebum production. The study will also evaluate treatment safety and tolerability. Additional assessments will include overall acne severity, skin redness, dermal thickness, quality of life, treatment-related pain, participant satisfaction, and durability of treatment response.

Microneedling With Glycolic Acid or Trichloroacetic Acid for Atrophic Acne Scars

Atrophic acne scars are depressed scars that can remain after acne has healed. Microneedling is a procedure that uses very small needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which may stimulate collagen production and improve scar appearance. Chemical peels, including glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid, may also improve acne scars. This study compares three approaches for treating atrophic acne scars: microneedling followed by a 35% glycolic acid peel, microneedling followed by a 15% trichloroacetic acid peel, and microneedling alone. Sixty adults with atrophic acne scars are randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Participants receive a series of microneedling treatments at 2-week intervals. The study evaluates changes in scar severity, participant satisfaction, treatment-related pain, recovery time after treatment, and side effects. The findings may help identify whether adding either chemical peel to microneedling provides greater benefit than microneedling alone and whether one combination has a shorter recovery time or fewer side effects.

A Study to Compare the Efficacy, Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Trifarotene 50 mcg/g Cream in Chinese Subjects With Acne Vulgaris

The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of trifarotene 50 microgram per gram (mcg/g) cream versus vehicle cream when applied once daily (QD) for 12 weeks in Chinese participants with moderate facial and truncal acne vulgaris.

Adjunctive 308-nm Excimer Light With Oral Azithromycin for Inflammatory Acne

This randomized, evaluator-blinded, split-face study evaluated whether adjunctive lesion-directed 308-nm excimer light improves inflammatory acne outcomes during oral azithromycin therapy. All participants received oral azithromycin 500 mg three times weekly for 8 weeks. One randomly allocated hemiface additionally received 308-nm excimer light twice weekly for 8 weeks, while the contralateral hemiface served as the azithromycin-only control. Papule and pustule counts and hemiface Investigator's Global Assessment were assessed through Week 8. Investigator's Global Assessment was reassessed at Week 16 after an 8-week treatment-free follow-up. We hypothesized that the excimer-treated hemiface would demonstrate greater reduction in total inflammatory-lesion count by Week 8.

A Clinical In-Use Evaluation to Assess the Tolerability and Efficacy of a Moisturizer on Acne Prone Skin

The objective of this study is to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of a facial moisturizer in subjects with mild to moderate acne vulgaris over a 4-week treatment period.

Effect of Oral Isotretinoin on Ocular Surface and Meibomian Glands

The aim of the study was to evaluate meibomian gland morphology using non-contact meibography and ocular surface changes in patients with acne vulgaris treated with isotretinoin as indicators of dry eye, which is known to be a side effect of isotretinoin.

Study to Assess Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Treatment Effect of Cabtreo

This study is to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and treatment effect for topically applied CABTREO lotion in pediatric participants ages 9 to 11 years, 11 months with Acne Vulgaris.

Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of BF-200 ALA (Ameluz®) and BF-RhodoLED® in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne Vulgaris With Photodynamic Therapy in Adults

The aim of this study is to test the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the medication Ameluz® performed with the PDT-lamp BF-RhodoLED® in comparison to the respective placebo treatment for moderate to severe Acne vulgaris.

Comparison of Topical Clascoterone and Adapalene for Mild Acne Vulgaris

There is no local data available regarding the comparative efficacy of topical clascoterone and topical adapalene, particularly in patients with mild acne vulgaris. The findings of this study will help dermatologists identify the more effective topical treatment for mild acne vulgaris, leading to improved patient outcomes and better utilization of healthcare resources. Furthermore, the study will contribute local data to the existing literature and may assist in developing evidence-based treatment recommendations for patients with mild acne vulgaris in our setting. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria from the Dermatology Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, MTI, Peshawar will be incorporated into the study following approval from the ethics committee. At the commencement of the trial, baseline demographics including gender, age, height, weight, BMI, duration of acne, socioeconomic status, profession, monthly income, education level and residential status will be documented. An elaborate explanation of the process involved in the study will be provided to the participants, and consent will be taken following an explanation of the pros and cons involved. Randomization will be performed by computer generated random list. The group assignments will be put into sealed envelopes, which will be opened when the patient will be included in study. 30 patients will be in topical clascoterone group (A) while 30 patients will be in topical adapalene group (B). Patients allocated to Group A will receive topical clascoterone 1% cream. It is required that they will clean their faces using a mild cleansing agent, dry their faces and thereafter apply a thin coating of clascoterone 1% cream to their whole face area in the morning and evening for 12 consecutive weeks. Patients allocated to Group B will receive topical adapalene 0.1% gel. Patients will cleanse the skin using a gentle cleanser, allow it to dry in the air for 10 minutes, and then apply one pea-sized amount of 0.1% adapalene gel over their entire affected area of the face once a day before going to bed for 12 weeks.

AI-Generated Acne Vulgaris Learning Material Study

This comparative educational intervention study evaluated the educational effectiveness of artificial intelligence-generated patient information material on acne vulgaris among early-year medical students. In the first phase, acne vulgaris information texts were generated using different artificial intelligence models and evaluated by two dermatologists using quality and understandability assessment tools. In the second phase, the best-performing artificial intelligence-generated material was compared with standard human-generated material from the Turkish Dermatology Association and a control group. A total of 190 first- and second-year medical students at Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine participated in the study. Participants were divided into three groups: artificial intelligence-generated material group, Turkish Dermatology Association material group, and control group. After the educational materials were presented, participants completed a 12-question knowledge assessment questionnaire on acne vulgaris.

Low-Dose Versus Conventional-Dose Oral Isotretinoin for Acne Vulgaris

Background and Purpose: Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that can cause significant physical and emotional distress. Oral isotretinoin is a highly effective treatment for severe or persistent acne. While the standard (conventional) dose is effective, it is often associated with side effects like dry skin, chapped lips, and altered labs. The purpose of this study is to compare a lower daily dose of oral isotretinoin against the conventional daily dose in individuals with acne vulgaris. What the Study Aims to Find Out: Researchers want to determine if a low-dose regimen can match the effectiveness (efficacy) of the conventional dose while reducing the frequency and severity of side effects (safety). Study Design: Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the low-dose oral isotretinoin or the conventional-dose oral isotretinoin. Researchers will monitor and compare acne clearance rates, patient satisfaction, and any side effects experienced by the participants throughout the treatment period.

Laser Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne Vulgaris

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if fractional ablative laser can treat active acne vulgaris in adults 18 to 40 years old with moderate to severe acne vulgaris. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does ablative fractional carbon dioxide treatment effectively treat moderate to severe active nodular acne vulgaris? Does ablative fractional carbon dioxide treatment effectively treat moderate to severe active nodular acne vulgaris over a short time frame? Is non-selective laser useful in treating inflammatory skin disease? How does the microbiome change after laser treatment? Participants will... * Receive up to 3 laser treatments * Attend a baseline visit and follow-up visits post-treatment where participants will receive a clinical assessment, facial swab, and facial-imaging

Randomized, Triple-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Trial of Topical Dapsone Gel 7.5% in Patients With Acne Vulgaris

The goal of this randomized, triple-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial is to evaluate whether topical 7.5% dapsone gel is effective for treating mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris in adults. The main questions are: * Does dapsone gel improve global acne severity compared with a matched vehicle gel? * Does dapsone gel improve comedonal and papulopustular acne severity? * Does dapsone gel reduce erythema and melanin indices measured with a Mexameter, and sebum index measured with a Sebumeter? * Does treatment with dapsone gel improve patients' acne-related quality of life? Researchers compared once-daily dapsone gel with a matched vehicle gel without the active ingredient. Participants: * Applied either dapsone gel or vehicle gel once daily for 8 weeks * Attended clinic visits at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12 * Had acne severity assessed using the Global Acne Grading System and Plewig and Kligman comedonal and papulopustular stages * Had erythema and melanin measured with a Mexameter, and sebum measured with a Sebumeter at predefined facial sites * Completed an acne quality-of-life questionnaire at baseline and week 8 * Had standardized photographs taken at each visit Treatment was continued for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week treatment-free follow-up through week 12.

Clinical Trial to Compare Oral Isotretinoin to Standard of Care in Moderate Acne Skin of Color Patients

In Dermatology, assessment of people of color remains underrepresented in RCTs (\<10%) and guidelines. Acne affects around 9% of the population worldwide and negatively affects quality of life and self-esteem with anxiety, suicidal ideation and physical scarring. Main lesions associate comedons, inflammatory papules and pustules which grading of severity allows decision-making, e.g., topicals in mild acne and isotretinoin in severe acne. In darker skin type patients, i.e., Fitzpatrick phototypes IV-VI, acne-related pigmentation (ARP) occurs in 65% of cases which reflects either per- or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Whatever is the mechanism, ARP (number, size, importance of dyschromia) impacts the quality of life in such patients. In moderate acne, treatment is based on oral antibiotics for 3 months, i.e., doxycycline or lymecycline, with topical treatment like tretinoin targeting comedons (and potentially ARP). However, oral antibiotics first-line were developed in white skin patients only and never showed its efficacy in ARP. Moreover, doxycycline could be associated with new-onset hyperpigmentation in acne patients. Isotretinoin -acting on the sebaceous gland and therefore the most effective drug in acne- is only prescribed after failure of antibiotics according to the guidelines.The main objective: To assess the superiority at M6 of a treatment of moderate facial acne in skin of color patients with oral isotretinoin in first line compared to the current standard of care on the severity of ARP.Multicenter randomized controlled trial - open study. The number of subjects required for the trial = 420

Vitamin D Supplementation in Acne

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare in acne vulgaris patients. The main question it aims to answer is: • To assess the therapeutic benefit of vitamin D supplement in acne vulgaris treatment, following a 2-month treatment regimen that includes vitamin D supplementation compared to conventional (systemic azithromycin and topical retinoid) treatment alone. Participants will receive vitamin D supplements in addition to capsule Azithromycin and topical retinoid. Researchers will compare groups to determine efficacy of Vitamin D supplements in the treatment of Acne vulgaris.

Weekly Isotretinoin vs Tetracycline for Moderate Acne

In the effort to find better treatments for Moderate Acne, which often relies on long-term antibiotic use, researchers are exploring alternative options. While Isotretinoin, a Vitamin A derivative, is highly effective for severe acne, its side effects limit its use for milder cases. A recent study from our institution investigated a new approach: weekly Isotretinoin dosing. The results were promising, with acne improvement and no major side effects. This suggests that weekly Isotretinoin could be a successful alternative for moderate acne in both males and females. To validate these findings, investigators propose a randomized controlled trial comparing weekly Isotretinoin to daily Doxycycline over four months. This study could confirm the safety and effectiveness of weekly Isotretinoin, as well as shed light on patient satisfaction, and long-term results compared to standard antibiotics. This research may offer a breakthrough in treating moderate acne while addressing concerns about antibiotic overuse.

Clascoterone for Steroid-related Acne Vulgaris in Transgender Male Patients Receiving Masculinizing Hormone Therapy

Mechanism-based acne treatment for transgender patients receiving testosterone currently does not exist and is an unmet medical need. This study explores clascoterone to treat testosterone induced acne. Many treatments we use to treat acne in females cannot be used in transgender males because they interfere with hormone therapy. Androgens have been associated with the development of acne vulgaris. Recently, a topical androgen receptor inhibitor cream (clascoterone) has been FDA-approved for the treatment of acne. However, clinical trials of clascoterone have excluded participants on exogenous hormones. Clascoterone has been hypothesized to be effective in the treatment of acne in transgender male participants on masculinizing hormone therapy, but it has never been studied or reported in the literature.

Investigating the Efficacy of Oral Probiotics Versus Placebo in Pakistani Patients With Moderate Acne on Acne Lesion Count and Systemic Inflammation

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of oral probiotics compared to placebo in Pakistani patients with moderate Acne Vulgaris. Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory disorder influenced by microbial colonization, seborrhea, and immune dysregulation. Rising antibiotic resistance necessitates alternative therapeutic approaches. Emerging evidence highlights the gut-skin axis, suggesting probiotics may reduce systemic inflammation and acne severity. A total of 64 patients will be randomized into probiotic and placebo groups and treated for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is reduction in total acne lesion count, while the secondary outcome is change in serum Interleukin-6 levels. Clinical assessment includes lesion counts, GAGS scoring, and standardized photography. IL-6 levels will be measured using ELISA at baseline and study completion. Data will be analyzed using SPSS with appropriate statistical tests, considering p ≤ 0.05 as significant. This study aims to provide evidence for probiotics as a safe, effective, and antibiotic-sparing option in acne management, particularly in South Asian populations.

Comparative Effectiveness of Clindamycin-Retinoid, Clindamycin-Retinoid-Dexamethasone, and 10% SM-hUCMSC Secretome Gel in the Improvement of Mild-to-Moderate Acne Vulgaris

The goal of this clinical trial is to etermine and compare the effectiveness of three therapeutic regimens for mild to moderate acne vulgaris, such as, clindamycin-retinoid combination, clindamycin-retinoid-dexamethasone combination, and sekretome SM-hUCMSC 10% gel. The main questions it aims to answer are : * Is there a change in the number of inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, nodules) and non-inflammatory lesions (open and closed comedones) before and after treatment in each treatment group? * Is there a difference in the reduction of acne vulgaris severity scores among the three treatment groups? * Are there differences in the rate of clinical improvement (time required to achieve a certain reduction in lesion count or severity score) among the treatment groups? * What are the incidence and characteristics of local adverse effects (erythema, burning sensation, skin dryness, irritation, hypo-/hyperpigmentation, and others) in each treatment group? * Are there differences in the impact of each therapeutic regimen on the risk of acne scar formation and improvement in skin quality (texture, elasticity, and color homogeneity)? * Does secretome gel demonstrate sufficient clinical potential and urgency as a safer and more prospective topical therapeutic alternative for acne vulgaris compared with retinol-clindamycin and retinol-clindamycin-dexamethasone 0.1% combinations? Participants will be allocated into three groups using simple block randomization. * Group A will receive a combination of clindamycin and a retinoid, applied thinly to the entire facial area once daily at night. * Group B will receive a combination of clindamycin, a retinoid, and dexamethasone, with the same method of application as Group A. * Group C will receive 10% SM-hUCMSC secretome gel, applied thinly to acne-affected areas twice daily (morning and night).

Clindamycin Phosphate, Adapalene, and Benzoyl Peroxide Triple Combination Gel in Canadian Patients With Acne Vulgaris

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the effects of a treatment that contains clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide in people with acne. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * How satisfied are people with this treatment? * How well do people follow the treatment plan? * How effective and safe is the treatment? * How does the treatment affect quality of life? * How do people use other skin care products, such as cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen, while using this treatment? About 200 people aged 12 and older with acne across Canada will use the treatment as part of their regular care and answer questions about their experience over 20 weeks.

Efficacy of 0.5% Topical Timolol Eye Drops in the Treatment of Post-Inflammatory Erythema Following Acne Vulgaris

Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is a common sequela of acne vulgaris, characterized by persistent erythematous macules resulting from superficial vascular dilation. Current treatment options include energy-based devices such as intense pulsed light (IPL); however, these modalities may be costly and require specialized equipment. Timolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, has demonstrated vasoconstrictive properties and has been used off-label in dermatology for vascular-related conditions. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical 0.5% timolol ophthalmic solution in improving post-inflammatory erythema secondary to acne vulgaris and to compare its clinical outcomes with those achieved by intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. This prospective comparative study will assess changes in erythema severity using standardized clinical evaluation and objective measurement tools over a defined treatment period. The findings may provide evidence for a cost-effective and accessible therapeutic alternative for managing post-acne erythema.

Topical 5% Spironolactone Gel Versus 0.1% Adapalene Gel for Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Split-Face Study

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological conditions affecting adolescents and young adults. It results from multiple pathogenic factors, including increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation. Topical retinoids such as adapalene are widely used as first-line therapy; however, they may cause irritation and are not always effective in all patients. Recently, topical antiandrogen therapies such as spironolactone have gained attention because of their ability to reduce sebum production and improve acne lesions. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical 5% spironolactone gel nano-formulation compared with 0.1% adapalene gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris. A split-face study design will be used in which each participant will receive spironolactone gel on one side of the face and adapalene gel on the other side. This design allows each participant to serve as their own control and helps reduce variability in treatment response. Participants diagnosed with acne vulgaris will be enrolled and treated for a defined follow-up period. Clinical assessment will be performed at baseline and during scheduled follow-up visits to evaluate improvement in acne lesions and monitor possible adverse effects. The primary outcomes will include changes in acne lesion counts and clinical severity scores. Safety and tolerability of both treatments will also be assessed. The results of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of topical spironolactone nano-formulation as a potential alternative or adjunct therapy for acne vulgaris.

A Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of N-Acetyl-GED-0507-34-LEVO Gel 5% in Patients With Acne Vulgaris (GEDACNE 2)

The clinical trial aims to test a new drug for acne vulgaris. The trial is performed to answer this question "Is it possible to reduce the number of skin lesions on your face/trunk, after daily applications for 12 consecutive weeks of a new drug?". The trial aims to accurately measure the effects of the new treatment (N-Acetyl-GED-0507-34-LEVO gel 5%) and to achieve this, patients will be randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: * Study drug 1: test item, containing active ingredient * Study drug 2: a preparation not containing any active ingredient (vehicle). Researchers will compare active to vehicle to see if there are differences in the efficacy. Participants will: * Apply drug or a placebo every day for 12 weeks * Visit the site once every 4 weeks for checkups and tests (where applicable) * Record on a diary the daily applications of the study drug at home, and record any adverse events

A Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of N-Acetyl-GED-0507-34-LEVO Gel 5%, in Patients With Acne Vulgaris (GEDACNE-1)

The clinical trial aims to test a new drug for acne vulgaris. The trial is performed to answer this question "Is it possible to reduce the number of skin lesions on your face/trunk, after daily applications for 12 consecutive weeks of a new drug?". The trial aims to accurately measure the effects of the new treatment (N-Acetyl-GED-0507-34-LEVO gel 5%) and to achieve this, patients will be randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: * Study drug 1: test item, containing active ingredient * Study drug 2: a preparation not containing any active ingredient (vehicle). Researchers will compare active to vehicle to see if there are differences in the efficacy. Participants will: * Apply drug or a placebo every day for 12 weeks * Visit the site once every 4 weeks for checkups and tests (where applicable) * Record on a diary the daily applications of the study drug at home, and record any adverse events