A pilot study of the safety and efficacy of picolinic acid gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND

Cost limitations, adverse effects or lack of efficacy limit the use of current topical therapies in mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and efficacy of picolinic acid, a novel zinc finger therapy, in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

METHODS

Twenty subjects with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were treated at our centre during an open-label study with 10% picolinic acid gel (PCL-016) twice daily to the face over 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients completed the 12-week open-label study. A reduction of 58.2% (P < 0.001) in mean total lesion count, 55.5% (P < 0.001) in mean inflammatory lesion count and 59.7% (P < 0.005) in noninflammatory lesion count was seen in this population. No serious adverse events or clinically significant changes in laboratory values were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study suggest that 10% picolinic acid gel applied twice daily may be safe and effective in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.