Life science company SkinBioTherapeutics has chosen the probiotic blends it will use for the comparative studies for its consumer study in acne.
The two separate blends will be tested side-by-side in a consumer volunteer study to determine which has better efficacy. The company is aiming to target the inflammatory pathways that are associated with irritable skin conditions like acne.
The blends will be supplied to participants in powder-form for the study, however this may not be the final formulation form for a potential commercial product.
An independent third-party will conduct the study and run two separate cohorts in parallel to compare the efficacy of the respective formulas, which are being provided by Dutch food supplement provider Winclove Probiotics.
The use of probiotic treatments for acne is relatively novel but could hold some major advantages over current treatments
- Stuart Ashman, CEO of SkinBioTherapeutics
The study is expected to commence in Q4 2023 and be complete by year end with results issued thereafter. Further details of the study will be disclosed by the end of Q3 2023. The benefit of undertaking a consumer study is the relatively short time and cost compared to a clinical study.
SkinBioTherapeutics has previously developed and marketed AxisBiotix PS - a probiotic food supplement for the treatment of psoriasis – which has strong consumer retention levels and is reported to be highly effective by users. The new acne formulation will be produced in a similar powder format to be taken daily, like AxisBiotix PS.
Acne is a skin condition that develops when pores get clogged with dead skin, bacteria, and dried skin oil buildup, which leads to redness, tenderness, pimples, nodules, or cysts primarily on the face, back, or chest.
It can range from mild to severe and typically affects teenagers and young adults but anyone can be affected. Acne is thought to be caused by overactive oil glands, a slower cell shedding process, and higher levels of certain bacteria causing inflammation.
Up to 85% of people will suffer from acne at some point in their life. Although not life-threatening, acne can cause irritation and life-long scarring, and can negatively impact a person’s mental health and self-esteem.
34% of adults in the UK have experienced acne at some time in their lives and 11.5% of adults presently have acne. Overall, this means that acne is the most common skin condition and one of the top 10 most prevalent diseases worldwide.
Stuart Ashman, CEO of SkinBioTherapeutics, said: “The use of probiotic treatments for acne is relatively novel but could hold some major advantages over current treatments.”
Ashman continued: “Identifying the two blends we intend to use is another step forward in the preparation for our study in acne later this year.”
