Any teenager’s worst nightmare may soon be a thing of the past. A new vaccine may finally prove a long-term cure for acne, preventing the reproduction of the bacteria that is in its origin.
Nearly 80% of adolescents Worldwide have acne outbreaks, which may persist until adulthood.
How acne often arises during the phase in which self -imagethese outbreaks can lead to social isolation, low self -esteem and even depression, says the dermatologist Anjali mahtospokesman for British Skin Foundation, based in London, quoted by the magazine.
This condition is influenced by hormonal and genetic factors, but is mainly caused by inflammation and lesions caused by bacteria that develop in clogged pores. Despite being common, it has been historically considered only An aesthetic problemnot a health issue.
Available treatments also do not make it easier to deal with this condition. Although some medications for acne to be reimbursed by NHS in Portugal, this support depends on several factors – and if it does not exist, its cost can be high.
Topical treatments for acne provide only one partial reduction and temporary symptoms. Even isotretinoin, an antibiotic with significant side effects, It’s just a short -term solution – Acne often returns a few months after the end of treatment.
There is therefore a significant need for treatments that can actually eliminate acne, instead of just disguising. On the front line of this bet are Two vaccine candidates who seek to stimulate the immune system in combating the cause of acne.
The two vaccines – one intended to treat acne and another to prevent their appearance – try tothe immune system to attack these bacteria causing the condition.
“It took some time until acne was viewed as a disease linked to regulation of the immune system, and not just as a skin problem,” explains Anjali Mahto. “The most important thing is this change of mindset”.
The Success of Messenger RNA
In the United States, people with acne spend normally up to 200 dollars (About 170 euros) per year in free sale products to treat skin imperfections.
Isotretinoin, in turn, It can cost up to $ 3,000 (2,500 euros) for a cycle of four to six months. The global acne drug market was estimated at $ 9.22 billion by 2023 and is expected to grow about 5% per year for the rest of this decade.
The pharmacist Sanofiin Paris, suggests that the acne vaccine that is developing could generate more than $ 2 billion per year in recipes.
The company is now Recruit up to 400 people with acne Moderate to severe in the United States to participate in a phase I of clinical trial of its therapeutic vaccine.
Participants will initially receive two injections and one dose of reinforcement a year later. The French pharmacist also intends to recruit 200 more people with light acne for a second clinical trial in Singapore.
These tests appear on previous sanofi tests with the acne preventive agent in rats.
The investigators tested two versions of the vaccine in the animals: one with Bacteria protein fragments associated with acne and another composed of messenger RNA segments that encode these proteins.
After injecting the rats, the team found if the animals had produced antibodies. The acne -causing bacteria were then exposed to these antibodies in the laboratory to confirm whether they could limit the growth of bacteria.
A mRNA vaccine was revealed to the most effectiveand it is the version that is now being tested in humans.
“If we get Reduce the use of antibioticsnot only do we create value for those who receive the vaccine, but also for society, by reducing microbial resistance, ”he concludes Jean-François ToussaintResponsible for research and development of vaccines in Sanofi.
