Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, caused by clogged hair follicles, excess sebum, bacterial colonization with Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation. It ranges from mild blackheads to severe cystic nodules that can leave permanent scarring, and despite many existing treatments, a significant portion of patients do not achieve clear skin.
What's actually going on in research
Current treatments include topical retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, hormonal therapies, and oral isotretinoin for severe cases, but antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. Trials are exploring novel topical agents, sebum-reducing approaches, and drugs targeting the microbiome or inflammatory pathways. Clascoterone, a topical androgen receptor blocker, is now approved for use in both males and females, and new retinoid formulations aim to reduce irritation.
Topical androgen blockade
Clascoterone is an approved topical androgen receptor blocker that reduces sebum production without systemic hormonal effects, and trials continue to refine its use across age groups.
Microbiome-targeted therapy
Topical bacteriophage preparations and selective antimicrobials targeting Cutibacterium acnes without disrupting the broader skin microbiome are in early and mid-stage trials.
Novel retinoid formulations
Encapsulated and slow-release retinoid formulations are being tested to deliver anti-acne activity with less irritation, broadening the population who can tolerate retinoid-based treatment.
What to know before you search
Eligibility varies by acne severity, prior treatments tried, age, and for some trials, sex or hormonal status.
What types of trials are currently open
- Topical drug trials — Testing new creams and gels targeting sebum, bacteria, or skin inflammation with fewer side effects.
- Systemic drug trials — Evaluating oral drugs for moderate-to-severe or treatment-resistant acne.
- Light and laser trials — Comparing photodynamic therapy and laser approaches to standard topical treatments.
- Hormonal therapy trials — Studying androgen-blocking drugs and hormonal agents in acne driven by hormonal factors.
- Microbiome trials — Testing bacteriophage or probiotic approaches to shift the skin bacterial balance.
Recently added Acne trials
Subcision With Injection of Poly Deoxyribonucleotide Versus Subcision With Injection of Non-cross Linked Hyaluronic Acid in Rolling Acne Scars Treatment : A Split Face Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of two different injectable agents combined with subcision for treating rolling acne scars. In this split-face clinical trial, each participant will receive subcision on both sides of the face. One side will then be treated with an injection of Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), while the other side will receive an injection of non-cross linked Hyaluronic acid (HA). The clinical outcomes and improvement in scar appearance will be assessed and compared between both treatments
Comparing Sarecycline and Doxycycline Effects on the Skin and Gut Bacteria in Acne.
This study is being done to help better understand how the gut and skin bacteria of the body change when people with acne are treated with Sarecycline or Doxycycline. The bacteria in the gut and on the skin will be studied to see how each treatment may affect them and whether they change the profile of the bacteria that is present.
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