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Dermatology & Acne

What are Dermatology Clinical Trials and Studies?

Dermatology clinical trials are research studies that evaluate the effectiveness and safety of new and innovative dermatology treatment options through controlled testing with consenting patients. This clinical research is the result of close collaboration between investigators, pharmaceutical companies and patients. Sanofi is committed to supporting investigator sponsored studies and externally sponsored collaboration. 

Why are Dermatology Clinical Trials Important?

There are many dermatologic conditions—also known as skin conditions—some of which are temporary, or acute, while others are long-lasting, or chronic.1 These conditions are very common and affect as many as one-in-four Americans.1,2 While many of these conditions are not life-threatening, they can greatly impact people’s quality of life, affecting their physical, psychological, and social well-being.1,3  

Here at Sanofi, we are focused on improving the lives of patients with these conditions by offering more treatment options tested through rigorous clinical trials. 

Sanofi’s Commitment to Dermatology Clinical Trials

We are committed to making transformative breakthroughs in dermatology, a top priority area in our immunoscience research. Sanofi has conducted extensive research and clinical trials into various dermatological conditions, such as:  

  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema) 
  • Acne vulgaris (acne) 
  • Prurigo nodularis 
  • Lichen simplex chronicus 
  • Chronic pruritus 
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa 

These research efforts in collaboration with partners, led to the approval of Sanofi’s multi-use drug for the treatment of skin conditions caused by chronic inflammation, including atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis.4  

Sanofi also has ongoing research into an acne vaccine.5 

 

How are Patients Recruited for Dermatology Clinical Trials?

Individuals can volunteer to participate in a dermatologic clinical trial and may withdraw at any time during the screening or trial process if they choose.  

Each clinical trial has specific eligibility criteria that participants must meet, determined through a rigorous screening process. This process includes an evaluation by medical staff, who review the individual's medical history, conduct physical examinations, and perform other relevant tests. 

If deemed eligible, the participant will be provided with a patient information sheet and an informed consent form outlining all details of the clinical trial. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the study before deciding to participate. 

Learn more about the:

Sanofi’s Latest Acne Research

Acne vulgaris, commonly known as acne, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects individuals of all ages but is most common among adolescents, impacting around 80% of teens worldwide. Acne can impact quality of life, contributing to low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and depression.6–8 

Current recommendations to manage acne aim to manage lesions, minimize flare-ups, and prevent permanent scars.7 However, there is currently no effective treatment that can prevent or cure the disease.5  

Acne Vaccine Clinical Trial

Sanofi aims to fill the gap in acne patient care through the development of an acne vaccine. There is an ongoing clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of the first-ever acne vaccine in adults aged 18-45 with moderate to severe acne.5 

Advancements in Acne Research

Sanofi has also partnered with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the National Skin Centre Singapore (NSC) to build a deeper understanding of acne and the key factors that impact how severe it is.9 

Diversity in Acne Research

Sanofi is committed to diversity and inclusion by designing clinical studies to include people from different backgrounds and communities. Acne affects people of all ethnicities, so diversity in acne clinical research is important to ensure medications are suitable for all skin types, which can vary across ethnic backgrounds.8,10

Explore Sanofi’s Dermatology and Acne Clinical Trials

Learn more about Sanofi’s upcoming and ongoing dermatologic clinical trials and studies:

Study of Long-Term Real-World Systemic Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis

This Study is a Non-interventional Disease Registry of Adolescent and Adult Patients With Atopic Dermatitis Who Initiate or Switch Any Systemic Treatment

Study of an Approved Biologic Treatment for Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Children

A Study to Observe How Pediatric Patients With Severe Atopic Dermatitis Despite Less Extensive Skin Lesions Respond to Dupilumab Treatment

Study of an Investigational mRNA Vaccine for Moderate to Severe Acne in Adults

Study to Evaluate Safety, Efficacy and Immunogenicity of Acne mRNA Vaccine in Adults With Moderate to Severe Acne

Study of a Treatment’s Effects on Mental Health in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

The Impact of Dupilumab Treatment on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Study of an Investigational mRNA Vaccine for Mild Facial Acne

Study to Evaluate Safety, Efficacy and Immunogenicity of Acne mRNA Vaccine in Participants With Mild Acne

Study of an Investigational Study Drug for Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Brivekimig for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abbreviations

A*STAR, Agency for Science, Technology and Research; NSC, National Skin Centre Singapore. 

References

  1. Richard MA, Paul C, Nijsten T, et al. Prevalence of most common skin diseases in Europe: a population‐based study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2022;36(7). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.18050  
  2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Burden of skin disease. Available from: https://www.aad.org/member/clinical-quality/clinical-care/bsd [Accessed: May 2025] 
  3. Christensen RE, Jafferany M. Psychiatric and psychologic aspects of chronic skin diseases. Clinics in Dermatology. 2023;41(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2023.03.006  
  4. Dupixent. PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. Available from: https://www.regeneron.com/downloads/dupixent_fpi.pdf [Accessed: June 2025] 
  5. ClinicalTrials.gov. Study to Evaluate Safety, Efficacy and Immunogenicity of Acne mRNA Vaccine in Adults With Moderate to Severe Acne. Available from:  https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06316297 [Accessed: June 2025] 
  6. Szepietowska M, Bień B, Krajewski P, Stefaniak A, Matusiak Ł. Prevalence, Intensity and Psychosocial Burden of Acne Itch: Two Different Cohorts Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023;12(12):3997-3997. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12123997  
  7. Li Y, Hu X, Dong G, Wang X, Liu T. Acne treatment: research progress and new perspectives. Frontiers in Medicine. 2024;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1425675  
  8. Duaa Dabash, Haya Salahat, Awawdeh S, et al. Prevalence of acne and its impact on quality of life and practices regarding self-treatment among medical students. Scientific Reports. 2024;14(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55094-6  
  9. Sanofi. Press Release Singapore Sanofi, A*STAR and the National Skin Centre Partner to Advance Research in the Treatment of Acne. Available from: https://www.sanofi.com/assets/countries/singapore/docs/Press-Release-Sanofi-ASTAR-and-NSC-partner-to-advance-research-in-acne-treatment.pdf [Accessed: May 2025] 
  10. Pirunthan Pathmarajah, Peterknecht E, Cheung K, Sarak Elyoussfi, Muralidharan V, Bewley A. Acne Vulgaris in Skin of Color: A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Current Treatments. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2022;15(11):43. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9651155/  
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