Oral R115866 in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Facial Acne Vulgaris: An Exploratory Study

C J Verfaille, M Coel, I H Boersma, J Mertens, M Borgers, D Roseeuw

Br J Dermatol. 2007 Jul;157(1):122-6.

PMID: 17459036

Abstract:

Background:




R115866 (Rambazole; Barrier Therapeutics NV, Geel, Belgium), a new-generation retinoic acid metabolism-blocking agent, is a nonretinoid compound enhancing intracellularly the endogenous levels of all-trans-retinoic acid by blocking its catabolism. By virtue of this property, and the proven positive effects of retinoids in the treatment of acne, R115866 could potentially be a useful drug for acne.













Objectives:




To explore the efficacy, safety and tolerability of systemic R115866 in male patients with moderate to severe facial acne vulgaris (at least 15 papules and/or pustules and at least two nodulocystic lesions).













Methods:




In this exploratory trial, 17 patients were treated with oral R115866 1 mg once daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week treatment-free period.













Results:




At the end of treatment (week 12, n = 16) a mean reduction in inflammatory lesion count of 77.4% (P < 0.001), in noninflammatory lesion count of 58.3% (P < 0.001) and in total lesion count of 76.0% (P < 0.001) was observed as compared with baseline. All lesion counts were significantly reduced from week 4 onwards. Mild side-effects were reported occasionally.













Conclusions:




The current data indicate that treatment with oral R115866 1 mg once daily for 12 weeks in patients with moderate to severe facial acne vulgaris is efficacious and well tolerated and merits further investigation.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP870093235	R115866		870093-23-5	Price