Emerging drugs for acne

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder that affects most individuals at some point in their lives. It may result in significant morbidity, including cutaneous scarring and psychological impairment. Current treatments include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical and systemic antibiotics, and systemic isotretinoin. There are growing concerns of rising antibiotic resistance, significant side effects of isotretinoin therapy, and lack of safe and effective treatment for pregnant females. Recent advances in the pathogenesis of acne have led to a greater understanding of the underlying inflammatory mechanisms and the role the Propionibacterium acnes and biofilms. This has led to the development of new therapeutic targets. This article reviews emerging treatments of acne, including topical picolinic acid, topical antibiotic dapsone, systemic zinc salts, oral antibiotic lymecycline, new formulations of and synergistic combinations of benzoyl peroxide, photodynamic therapy with topical photosensitizers and potential acne vaccines.

Antibiotic Sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis Isolated from Acne Patients

“…Recent advances in the pathogenesis of acne have led to the development of new therapeutic agents (James et al, 2009). Long-term therapy with oral antibiotics is not only a threat to the development of the resistance to P. acnes and coagulase-negative staphylococci on the skin, S. aureus in the nares, and streptococci in the oral cavity (Rathi, 2011).…”

Acneiform Eruptions and Pregnancy

“…Oral zinc salt preparations have historically been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of mild and moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris when either used alone or in combination with another acne treatment [28]. Zinc sulfate (N) and zinc gluconate (N) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris at elemental doses of 30-150 mg daily [29].…”

Treatment of Acne in Pregnancy

“…16 To date, its use during pregnancy has not been associated with an increased risk of fetal malformations. 17 Risk of maternal anemia, as well as hyperbilirubinemia and hemolytic anemia in neonates, is associated with oral dapsone in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, but the risk is low with topical dapsone. 18 Topical dapsone was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of acne vulgaris.…”

“…30 Zinc has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antisebum properties, and has been found to be effective against mild to moderate inflammatory acne when used alone or in combination with other anti-acne agents. 17,31,32 The recommended dietary allowance for zinc during pregnancy is 11 mg/day. Potential side effects include nausea and vomiting, usually on a dosedependent and transient basis.…”