BioPharmX Phase IIa trial shows 90 percent reduction in acne

BioPharmX Corp. yesterday announced the successful results of the BPX-01 Phase IIa study, which found the topical formulation of minocycline safely reduced Propionibacterium acnes by more than 90 percent without entering the bloodstream.
 
The oral formulation of minocycline is recognized as the superior antimicrobial in acne treatment. Patients may suffer from side effects, however, because the oral medication enters the bloodstream.
 
"This analysis of our final results suggests that BPX-01 can be effective in the reduction of P. acnes – but at a much lower, safer dose than is common with oral minocycline, the standard of care," BioPharmX President and Co-founder Anja Krammer said. "We are excited to begin our Phase IIb study and optimistic it will confirm the effectiveness of this product."
 
Acne affects more than 40 million Americans each year. While primarily a skin condition seen in teenagers, it also affects adults.
 
The randomized participants in the Phase IIa study used BPX-01 or the control medication once daily to treat acne. After four weeks of treatment, 90.9 percent of the BPX-01 patients saw a reduction in their acne, while the patients using the control saw a 65.3 percent reduction.
 
"The dermatology community is excited about the promise of BPX-01," Co-chair of the BioPharmX Therapeutic Dermatology Medical Advisory Board Dr. Hilary Baldwin said. "We would love to have an effective topical treatment that fights P. acnes without exposing patients to the risk of systemic antibiotics."