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Conference Coverage

Research Highlights From the Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference: Acne

April 2016

Posters presented at the conference looked at the latest research and and management approaches for skin conditions.

Topical Treatment Shows Promise In Acne Vulgaris

BPX-01, a stable hydrophilic topical gel formulation with fully solubilized minocycline, may offer a new treatment option for individuals with acne vulgaris, according to Lac and colleagues.

Topical application might provide effective concentrations of minocycline in target tissue and reduce systemic exposure, thus decreasing the severity of side effects. The formulation has skin permeation abilities to reach areas in the skin where Propionbacterium acnes typically reside. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that minocycline is delivered to the epidermis and pilosebaceous units at efficacious amounts.

Results from a preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicology study in rats demonstrated that both systemic exposure and peak plasma concentration of minocycline are minimized by topical administration. The lack of irritation and absence of treatment-related toxicology suggests that topical BPX-01 may be a safe and successful treatment for acne vulgaris, said the researchers.

Data from a previous single-dose rat pharmacokinetics study confirmed that BPX-01 is safe and nontoxic. A dose dependent uptake of minocycline was observed, with minimal bioavailability at 0.125 mg and 0.25 mg doses. Clearance of minocycline was very rapid, with a relatively short half-life. No erythema or edema was observed at any time point.

BioPharmX Corporation, developer of BPX-01, announced in March that the company will commence a phase 2a clinical study under its FDA Investigational New Drug Application. This clinical study will assess effectiveness in reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria in study participants at 4 weeks and evaluate the drug’s safety and tolerability.  This is the first clinical study in the clinical development program for BPX-01.

Posters presented at the conference looked at the latest research and and management approaches for skin conditions.

Topical Treatment Shows Promise In Acne Vulgaris

BPX-01, a stable hydrophilic topical gel formulation with fully solubilized minocycline, may offer a new treatment option for individuals with acne vulgaris, according to Lac and colleagues.

Topical application might provide effective concentrations of minocycline in target tissue and reduce systemic exposure, thus decreasing the severity of side effects. The formulation has skin permeation abilities to reach areas in the skin where Propionbacterium acnes typically reside. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that minocycline is delivered to the epidermis and pilosebaceous units at efficacious amounts.

Results from a preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicology study in rats demonstrated that both systemic exposure and peak plasma concentration of minocycline are minimized by topical administration. The lack of irritation and absence of treatment-related toxicology suggests that topical BPX-01 may be a safe and successful treatment for acne vulgaris, said the researchers.

Data from a previous single-dose rat pharmacokinetics study confirmed that BPX-01 is safe and nontoxic. A dose dependent uptake of minocycline was observed, with minimal bioavailability at 0.125 mg and 0.25 mg doses. Clearance of minocycline was very rapid, with a relatively short half-life. No erythema or edema was observed at any time point.

BioPharmX Corporation, developer of BPX-01, announced in March that the company will commence a phase 2a clinical study under its FDA Investigational New Drug Application. This clinical study will assess effectiveness in reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria in study participants at 4 weeks and evaluate the drug’s safety and tolerability.  This is the first clinical study in the clinical development program for BPX-01.

Posters presented at the conference looked at the latest research and and management approaches for skin conditions.

Topical Treatment Shows Promise In Acne Vulgaris

BPX-01, a stable hydrophilic topical gel formulation with fully solubilized minocycline, may offer a new treatment option for individuals with acne vulgaris, according to Lac and colleagues.

Topical application might provide effective concentrations of minocycline in target tissue and reduce systemic exposure, thus decreasing the severity of side effects. The formulation has skin permeation abilities to reach areas in the skin where Propionbacterium acnes typically reside. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that minocycline is delivered to the epidermis and pilosebaceous units at efficacious amounts.

Results from a preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicology study in rats demonstrated that both systemic exposure and peak plasma concentration of minocycline are minimized by topical administration. The lack of irritation and absence of treatment-related toxicology suggests that topical BPX-01 may be a safe and successful treatment for acne vulgaris, said the researchers.

Data from a previous single-dose rat pharmacokinetics study confirmed that BPX-01 is safe and nontoxic. A dose dependent uptake of minocycline was observed, with minimal bioavailability at 0.125 mg and 0.25 mg doses. Clearance of minocycline was very rapid, with a relatively short half-life. No erythema or edema was observed at any time point.

BioPharmX Corporation, developer of BPX-01, announced in March that the company will commence a phase 2a clinical study under its FDA Investigational New Drug Application. This clinical study will assess effectiveness in reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria in study participants at 4 weeks and evaluate the drug’s safety and tolerability.  This is the first clinical study in the clinical development program for BPX-01.