The Efficacy and Safety of 3% Povidone-Iodine in Acne Therapy
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2014-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Importance This will be a proof of concept study - whereby we hypothesize that Repigel may
represent a paradigm shift in global acne treatment.
Historically, there has been a dearth of clinical evidence in this use of povidone-iodine for
inflammatory acne. This is likely due to staining related to iodine use, which is not
acceptable to consumers.
The trial drug, Povidone Iodine, however, becomes colourless and odourless in a matter of
seconds after application on the skin.
This represents an ideal product for which we may perform testing to look at its efficacy in
the management of acne.
A mainstay in the pathogenesis of acne involves the overgrowth and proliferation of skin
micro-organisms, primarily proprionibacterium Acnes. Long term antibiotic therapy is usually
prescribed for a period of 3 to 6 months or more.
Previous studies have revealed this form of antibiotic therapy is ineffective, patients are
usually poorly compliant, and also results in the formation of antibiotic resistant
micro-organisms,which in turn reduces treatment efficacy.
Potential Benefits
As such, Povidone Iodine with its antiseptic property represents a promising avenue for the
elimination of Proprionibacterium Acnes without the associated problems of long term
antibiotic use, and the development of antibiotic-resistance. It is cosmetically acceptable,
affordable, and easy to use.