Biomarker & Intervention Discovery

Acne Vulgaris

This page lists 10 druggable gene targets, 46 approved or trial-tested drug candidates and 15 recent clinical trials for Acne Vulgaris, with each agent ranked by the strength of its evidence (clinical, mechanistic or correlative). Candidates include existing drugs that could be repurposed. Sources are linked so you can check every claim.

Spontaneous remissionSpontaneous resolution by adulthood in majority (persistent adult acne in 12-22% of women, 3% of men); moderate-severe…
Best-intervention remissionOral isotretinoin: 85-90% achieve sustained remission (acne-free at 5 years) after one course; relapse requiring…
Gap sizeLarge — isotretinoin is highly effective but dramatically underused due to iPLEDGE programme barriers and pregnancy…
Primary barrieraccess/framing
Full remission profile →

Remission & chronicity

Spontaneous remission
Spontaneous resolution by adulthood in majority (persistent adult acne in 12-22% of women, 3% of men); moderate-severe acne rarely self-resolves; scarring occurs in up to 95% without adequate treatment
Best-intervention remission
Oral isotretinoin: 85-90% achieve sustained remission (acne-free at 5 years) after one course; relapse requiring retreat in 15-20%; topical adapalene + benzoyl peroxide: 65-70% reduction in inflammatory lesions at 12 weeks
Gap size
Large — isotretinoin is highly effective but dramatically underused due to iPLEDGE programme barriers and pregnancy concerns; patients spend years on antibiotics instead
Primary barrier
access/framing
The iPLEDGE programme creates substantial barriers to isotretinoin access (monthly blood tests, pregnancy tests, pharmacy restrictions); this leads to years of antibiotic courses creating antibiotic resistance and allowing scarring to progress; acne is not considered a 'serious' disease despite causing significant psychological morbidity and permanent scarring

Biomarker Targets & Therapeutic Agents

Gene targets queried against DGIdb, Open Targets, ChEMBL, PubMed, and Europe PMC. Agents ranked: Clinical > Mechanistic > Correlative.

AR 994IGF1 4IL1B 216NLRP3 156RARA 173RARB 148RARG 140SRD5A1 164SREBF1 30TLR2 190
Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
AMI-1 ? unclear Mechanistic
DIBEKACIN ? unclear Mechanistic
CARBONYL CYANIDE M-CHLOROPHENYLHYDRAZONE ? unclear Mechanistic
TRIPARANOL ? unclear Mechanistic
DODINE ? unclear Mechanistic
TANNIC ACID ? unclear Mechanistic
DEFLAZACORT ? unclear Mechanistic
CHEMBL:CHEMBL1235854 ? unclear Mechanistic
ERGONOVINE ? unclear Mechanistic
AMPEROZIDE HYDROCHLORIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
ATROPINE METHYLBROMIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
ESTRADIOL VALERATE ? unclear Mechanistic
BERBERINE CHLORIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
NITRALIN ? unclear Mechanistic
DEVAZEPIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
MOCLOBEMIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
GLPG0492 ~ modulates Mechanistic
DEUTENZALUTAMIDE ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
PRUXELUTAMIDE ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
HEPTANE ? unclear Mechanistic
THONZONIUM BROMIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
FENHEXAMID ? unclear Mechanistic
LEMILDIPINE ? unclear Mechanistic
(R)-BICALUTAMIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
MORICIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
METIPRANOLOL ? unclear Mechanistic
FLUROCHLORIDONE ? unclear Mechanistic
PYRIDOSTIGMINE BROMIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
FLUTAMIDE ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 154.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL:CHEMBL224318 ? unclear Mechanistic
CHEMBL:CHEMBL423081 ? unclear Mechanistic
PREDNISOLONE ? unclear Mechanistic 2760.0 nM (Ki)
ORBIFLOXACIN ? unclear Mechanistic
PROGESTERONE ? unclear Mechanistic 8.5 nM (Ki)
FLUDIOXONIL ? unclear Mechanistic
CHEMBL:CHEMBL1784521 ? unclear Mechanistic
FLUMETHASONE ? unclear Mechanistic
SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
MELOXICAM ? unclear Mechanistic
CHEMBL:CHEMBL44011 ? unclear Mechanistic

Showing top 40 of 994 agents ranked by evidence tier.

Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
XENTUZUMAB ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
MECASERMIN ? unclear Mechanistic
DUSIGITUMAB ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
TROFINETIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
METFORMIN ? unclear Mechanistic
NICARDIPINE HYDROCHLORIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
CANAKINUMAB ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
TT-301 ? unclear Mechanistic
LITHIUM CATION ? unclear Mechanistic
THYROGLOBULIN ? unclear Mechanistic
LUTIKIZUMAB ? unclear Mechanistic
CEFACLOR ANHYDROUS ? unclear Mechanistic
CLODRONIC ACID ? unclear Mechanistic
CELASTROL ? unclear Mechanistic
ACITRETIN ? unclear Mechanistic
RESVERATROL ? unclear Mechanistic
INFLIXIMAB ? unclear Mechanistic
PENTAMIDINE ? unclear Mechanistic
DRUGSATFDA.NDA:008378 ? unclear Mechanistic
RILONACEPT ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
USTEKINUMAB ? unclear Mechanistic
BECLOMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE ? unclear Mechanistic
DIACETYLRHEIN ? unclear Mechanistic
RISEDRONIC ACID ? unclear Mechanistic
HYDROCORTISONE BUTYRATE ? unclear Mechanistic
ECHINACEA EXTRACT ? unclear Mechanistic
CHINESE HERBS ? unclear Mechanistic
ETIDRONIC ACID ? unclear Mechanistic
OFLOXACIN ? unclear Mechanistic
CYTARABINE ? unclear Mechanistic
CDP-484 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
ERYTHROMYCIN ? unclear Mechanistic
THERAPEUTIC MELATONIN ? unclear Mechanistic
PRAVASTATIN SODIUM ? unclear Mechanistic
GALLIUM NITRATE ? unclear Mechanistic
PENTOXIFYLLINE ? unclear Mechanistic
ANTIDEPRESSANT AGENT ? unclear Mechanistic
VERAPAMIL ? unclear Mechanistic
TETRADECANOYLPHORBOL ACETATE ? unclear Mechanistic
HYDROQUINONE ? unclear Mechanistic
RALOXIFENE HYDROCHLORIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
ANTICONVULSANT AGENT ? unclear Mechanistic
NIMUSTINE ? unclear Mechanistic
POLYVALENT VACCINE ? unclear Mechanistic

Showing top 40 of 216 agents ranked by evidence tier.

Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
MCC950 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
TRICLOCARBAN ? unclear Mechanistic 1490.0 nM (IC50)
CY-09 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
EMLENOFLAST ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
ETANERCEPT ? unclear Mechanistic
CHEMBL:CHEMBL601543 ? unclear Mechanistic
DAPANSUTRILE ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
ORIDONIN DERIVATIVE 32 [PMID: 38751194] ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
NDT-19795 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
NT-0796 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
COMPOUND 15Z [PMID: 38029358] ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
ANAKINRA ? unclear Mechanistic
CHEMBL:CHEMBL602526 ? unclear Mechanistic
SELNOFLAST ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
4'-METHOXYFLAVONE ? unclear Mechanistic 31000.0 nM (IC50)
CLIOXANIDE ? unclear Mechanistic 1610.0 nM (IC50)
ENCLOMIPHENE CITRATE ? unclear Mechanistic
NLRP3 INHIBITOR 3 [PMID: 33255820] ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
RRX-001 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
COMPOUND 17 [WO2024240153] ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
INFLIXIMAB ? unclear Mechanistic
ORIDONIN ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
NT-0249 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
ALAPROCLATE HYDROCHLORIDE ? unclear Mechanistic 8020.0 nM (IC50)
YCT-529 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
GDC-2394 ~ modulates Mechanistic
CP-424,174 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
CHEMBL1336269 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 8010.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1596681 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 9020.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1447078 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 53900.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1457403 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 4790.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1539913 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 35400.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1366588 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 2070.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1709001 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 14900.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1329507 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 11000.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1507547 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 76600.0 nM (IC50)
CLOMIPHENE ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 29300.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1339092 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 11700.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1574982 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 3530.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1558285 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 14300.0 nM (IC50)

Showing top 40 of 156 agents ranked by evidence tier.

Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
AROTINOID ACID ↑ activates Mechanistic
COLCHICINE ? unclear Mechanistic
TAZAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic
DIFFERENTIATION INDUCER ? unclear Mechanistic
NRX195183 ↑ activates Mechanistic
ACITRETIN ↑ activates Mechanistic
FENRETINIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
TRETINOIN ↑ activates Mechanistic 0.89 nM (IC50)
GERONTOXANTHONE B ? unclear Mechanistic
RETINYLRETINOATE ? unclear Mechanistic
ABIETIC ACID ? unclear Mechanistic
TRIFAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic
CD666 ↑ activates Mechanistic
VITAMIN A ? unclear Mechanistic
AGN193836 ↑ activates Mechanistic
BMS753 ↑ activates Mechanistic
TAMIBAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic 78.0 nM (IC50)
RECOMBINANT INTERFERON ALFA ? unclear Mechanistic
ISOTRETINOIN ↑ activates Mechanistic
RO 41-5253 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
LGD-1550 ? unclear Mechanistic
AGN193109 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
HEXAMETHYLENE BISACETAMIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
PIMARIC ACID ? unclear Mechanistic
PALOVAROTENE ? unclear Mechanistic
METHYLNITROSOUREA ? unclear Mechanistic
DEXAMETHASONE ? unclear Mechanistic
LYCOPENE ? unclear Mechanistic
INSULIN, REGULAR, HUMAN ? unclear Mechanistic
ANTIESTROGEN ? unclear Mechanistic
IRX-5183 ? unclear Mechanistic
NALOXONE HYDROCHLORIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
BMS614 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE ? unclear Mechanistic
TRIBUTYRIN ? unclear Mechanistic
YCT-529 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
RECOMBINANT INTERLEUKIN-6 ? unclear Mechanistic
DOXORUBICIN HYDROCHLORIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
THERAPEUTIC MELATONIN ? unclear Mechanistic

Showing top 40 of 173 agents ranked by evidence tier.

Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
KCL-286 ↑ activates Mechanistic
ALITRETINOIN ↑ activates Mechanistic 22.0 nM (EC50)
TAMIBAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic 30.0 nM (Ki)
AC261066 ↑ activates Mechanistic
AGN193109 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
ACITRETIN ↑ activates Mechanistic
TRIFAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic
TRETINOIN ↑ activates Mechanistic 0.94 nM (IC50)
FENRETINIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
ADAPALENE ↑ activates Mechanistic 34.0 nM (Ki)
TAZAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic
BMS493 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
RO 40-6055 ↑ activates Mechanistic
IRX4310 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
CD666 ↑ activates Mechanistic
LGD-1550 ? unclear Mechanistic
AROTINOID ACID ↑ activates Mechanistic
ISOTRETINOIN ↑ activates Mechanistic
PALOVAROTENE ? unclear Mechanistic
MOFAROTENE ~ modulates Mechanistic
ETRETINATE ↑ activates Mechanistic
BMS641 ↑ activates Mechanistic
AC55649 ↑ activates Mechanistic
RETINOIC ACID AGENT ? unclear Mechanistic
YCT-529 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
CHEMBL111217 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 5681.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL130231 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 5325.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL337393 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1956.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL131826 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 4623.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL335242 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 6008.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL130232 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 3597.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL133915 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 2112.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL422088 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 3927.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL42314 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 9513.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL424269 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 2270.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL132568 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1984.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL288436 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 9901.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL130374 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 2112.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL424639 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 2612.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL40007 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1100.0 nM (EC50)

Showing top 40 of 148 agents ranked by evidence tier.

Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
TRETINOIN ↑ activates Mechanistic 0.62 nM (IC50)
TAMIBAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic
ETRETINATE ↑ activates Mechanistic
TAZAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic
ALITRETINOIN ↑ activates Mechanistic 12.0 nM (EC50)
PALOVAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic
ACITRETIN ↑ activates Mechanistic
MOFAROTENE ~ modulates Mechanistic
AROTINOID ACID ↑ activates Mechanistic
RO 40-6055 ↑ activates Mechanistic
CD666 ↑ activates Mechanistic
AGN193109 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
AHPN ↑ activates Mechanistic
ISOTRETINOIN ↑ activates Mechanistic
TRIFAROTENE ↑ activates Mechanistic
CD2665 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
LGD-1550 ? unclear Mechanistic
ADAPALENE ↑ activates Mechanistic 130.0 nM (Ki)
IRX4310 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
BMS493 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
MM 11253 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
FENRETINIDE ? unclear Mechanistic
YCT-529 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
3-FLUORO-4-{[(2R)-2-HYDROXY-2-(5,5,8,8-TETRAMETHYL-5,6,7,8-TETRAHYDRO-2-NAPHTHALENYL)ACETYL]AMINO}BENZOIC ACID ↑ activates Mechanistic
RETINOIC ACID AGENT ? unclear Mechanistic
CHEMBL422088 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 8764.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL288436 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 9901.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL40007 ↑ activates Mechanistic 550.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL86893 ↑ activates Mechanistic 2700.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL89253 ↑ activates Mechanistic 100.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL415449 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1100.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL285179 ↑ activates Mechanistic 19.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL86663 ↑ activates Mechanistic 700.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL39344 ↑ activates Mechanistic 30.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL73321 ↑ activates Mechanistic 47.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL313742 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1300.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL275311 ↑ activates Mechanistic 24.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL87147 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1500.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL26129 ↑ activates Mechanistic 2000.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL284264 ↑ activates Mechanistic 35.0 nM (EC50)

Showing top 40 of 140 agents ranked by evidence tier.

Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
FINASTERIDE ? unclear Mechanistic 911.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL:CHEMBL29166 ? unclear Mechanistic
ABIRATERONE ACETATE ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
DUTASTERIDE ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
LEVONORGESTREL ? unclear Mechanistic
BEXLOSTERIDE ? unclear Mechanistic 8.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL99448 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 5130.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL417109 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 9.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL25081 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1200.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL99615 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 127.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL97266 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 920.0 nM (Ki)
CHEMBL96006 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 298.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL138580 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1600.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL439910 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 79.43 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL278957 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 34.67 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL277091 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 562.34 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL16494 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 60.26 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL279417 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 32.36 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL15917 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 32.36 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL16152 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 151.36 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL16456 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 173.78 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL439908 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 89.13 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL278049 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1000.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL16248 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1000.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL279131 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 7.943 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL16027 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 114.82 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL16330 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 114.82 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL279420 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 32.36 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL278981 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 34.67 nM (IC50)
EPRISTERIDE ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1100.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL77650 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 990.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL24464 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 709.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL311624 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1300.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL76373 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 8400.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL2311155 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 2700.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL311013 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 50300.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL76959 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 490.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL312466 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 620.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL283564 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 981.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL77169 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 820.0 nM (IC50)

Showing top 40 of 164 agents ranked by evidence tier.

Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
INSULIN, REGULAR, HUMAN ? unclear Mechanistic
RECOMBINANT NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR ? unclear Mechanistic
CALCIFEDIOL ANHYDROUS ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1176.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL4876668 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1160.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL4851466 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 722.7 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL4851396 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1600.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1824673 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 700.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1824658 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 5000.0 nM (IC50)
T091317 ↑ activates Mechanistic 20.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5597106 ↑ activates Mechanistic 31000.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5596392 ↑ activates Mechanistic 20000.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5597291 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1500.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5590383 ↑ activates Mechanistic 4300.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5596520 ↑ activates Mechanistic 38000.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5597394 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1300.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5598279 ↑ activates Mechanistic 2800.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5597319 ↑ activates Mechanistic 3000.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5596811 ↑ activates Mechanistic 2900.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5597943 ↑ activates Mechanistic 6900.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5596386 ↑ activates Mechanistic 570.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5596592 ↑ activates Mechanistic 12000.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5596248 ↑ activates Mechanistic 190.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5596939 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1800.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5598331 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1300.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5596815 ↑ activates Mechanistic 310.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5597153 ↑ activates Mechanistic 240.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5597982 ↑ activates Mechanistic 130.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5598250 ↑ activates Mechanistic 770.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5590706 ↑ activates Mechanistic 190.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL5596907 ↑ activates Mechanistic 8600.0 nM (EC50)
Therapeutic Agent Effect Direction Evidence Tier Potency Source
TLR AGONIST CADI-05 ? unclear Mechanistic
ADALIMUMAB ? unclear Mechanistic
PAREGORIC ? unclear Mechanistic
TOMARALIMAB ? unclear Mechanistic
DIAPEP277 ? unclear Mechanistic
INFLIXIMAB ? unclear Mechanistic
VB-201 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic
DIPROVOCIM-1 ↑ activates Mechanistic
RESVERATROL HEXANOIC ACID ? unclear Mechanistic
DEFOSLIMOD ? unclear Mechanistic
CHEMBL:CHEMBL1836411 ? unclear Mechanistic
COMPOUND 13 [PMID: 23098072] ↑ activates Mechanistic
PEPTIDOGLYCAN ↑ activates Mechanistic
CHEMBL382272 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 3070.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL383597 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 900.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL372577 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 950.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL380585 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 5200.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL190383 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1250.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL200206 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 2150.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL200140 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 22000.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL200667 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 6900.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL200398 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 6460.0 nM (IC50)
MYRISTIC ACID ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 5000.0 nM (IC50)
PALMITIC ACID ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 5000.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL490908 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 230.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL446794 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 900.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL448621 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 240.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL473383 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 460.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL414311 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 5000.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1092429 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 48.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1092428 ↓ inhibits Mechanistic 1200.0 nM (IC50)
CHEMBL1923536 ↑ activates Mechanistic 0.45 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL1923537 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1.0 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL1923538 ↑ activates Mechanistic 0.87 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL1923540 ↑ activates Mechanistic 6.48 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL1923541 ↑ activates Mechanistic 0.56 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL1923542 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1.47 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL1923544 ↑ activates Mechanistic 2.11 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL1923545 ↑ activates Mechanistic 1.55 nM (EC50)
CHEMBL1923546 ↑ activates Mechanistic 3.23 nM (EC50)

Showing top 40 of 190 agents ranked by evidence tier.


Clinical Trials

Drug, biologic and supplement trials (treatment or prevention) from ClinicalTrials.gov whose main condition is Acne Vulgaris: recruiting, active or completed, most recently updated first. Data retrieved 2026-10-28.

NCT06905210 Phase: 3 Started: 2026-08-24

This Phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive, multicenter study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new concentration of the fixed-dose combination EF190 in women with moderate acne vulgaris over six 28-day treatment cycles. Eligible participants will be randomized (2:1) ...

NCT07863193 Phase: 3 Started: 2026-10

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of denifanstat compared with matching placebo in participants with moderate to severe acne vulgaris who are ≥12 years of age. After the 12-week treatment phase, a subset of approximately 530 participants will have the option to consent...

NCT07883538 Phase: N/A Started: 2026-10-08

This study will compare the effectiveness and safety of topical clascoterone 1% cream and adapalene 0.1% cream in patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Acne is a common skin condition that causes blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and inflammation. A total of 130 eligible participants aged 12-...

NCT03664752 Phase: 3 Started: 2018-12-10

study designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of IDP-120 Gel and IDP-120 Vehicle Gel

NCT06447480 Phase: 3 Started: 2025-04-29

In Dermatology, assessment of people of color remains underrepresented in RCTs (\<10%) and guidelines. Acne affects around 9% of the population worldwide and negatively affects quality of life and self-esteem with anxiety, suicidal ideation and physical scarring. Main lesions associate comedons, inf...

NCT07384208 Phase: 3 Started: 2024-11-19

The clinical trial aims to test a new drug for acne vulgaris. The trial is performed to answer this question "Is it possible to reduce the number of skin lesions on your face/trunk, after daily applications for 12 consecutive weeks of a new drug?". The trial aims to accurately measure the effects of...

NCT07384195 Phase: 3 Started: 2024-11-19

The clinical trial aims to test a new drug for acne vulgaris. The trial is performed to answer this question "Is it possible to reduce the number of skin lesions on your face/trunk, after daily applications for 12 consecutive weeks of a new drug?". The trial aims to accurately measure the effects of...

NCT07389109 Phase: 3 Started: 2024-12-05

The clinical trial aims to test the long term safety of a new drug for acne vulgaris. The trial is performed to answer this question "Is it safe to apply the IMP daily for up to 52 weeks?". The trial aims to accurately measure the safety and the effects of the new treatment (N-Acetyl-GED-0507-34-LEV...

NCT03334682 Phase: 3 Started: 2018-01-31

Acne vulgaris of adult woman has increased over the past 10 years; it affects currently 20% to 30% of adult women. The physiopathology of adult woman acne is distinguished from the teenager one by essentially 2 factors: * hormonal factor with a peripheral hyperandrogenism coupled with an hypersensib...

NCT07805655 Phase: N/A Started: 2026-09-15

This clinical study will compare a radiofrequency (RF) treatment with a standard topical treatment for adults with mild-to-moderate inflammatory facial acne vulgaris. Approximately 60 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Participants in the RF group will receive thr...

NCT07186413 Phase: 3 Started: 2025-09-23

The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of trifarotene 50 microgram per gram (mcg/g) cream versus vehicle cream when applied once daily (QD) for 12 weeks in Chinese participants with moderate facial and truncal acne vulgaris.

NCT07777952 Phase: N/A Started: 2025-10-12

This randomized, evaluator-blinded, split-face study evaluated whether adjunctive lesion-directed 308-nm excimer light improves inflammatory acne outcomes during oral azithromycin therapy. All participants received oral azithromycin 500 mg three times weekly for 8 weeks. One randomly allocated hemif...

NCT07774364 Phase: 2 Started: 2026-02-02

Double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine the safety and efficacy of topical AT-004 therapy in participants with acne vulgaris, including assessment of reduction in the number of acne lesions and IGA. A PK sub-study will be performed in a subset of participants. Participants ...

NCT07524946 Phase: 4 Started: 2026-04-01

This study is to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and treatment effect for topically applied CABTREO lotion in pediatric participants ages 9 to 11 years, 11 months with Acne Vulgaris.

NCT06415279 Phase: 4 Started: 2024-02-14

The etiology of acne is heavily dependent on the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands that results in the growth of the bacteria c. acnes. If no sebum is present, there is no nutritional source for the c. acnes, the bacteria die, and acne resolves. An FDA approved acne medication consisting o...


Agents Found By Disease-Level Search

Searched directly from “Acne Vulgaris” via ClinicalTrials.gov interventions and Open Targets' disease→drug data — independent of the 10-gene target panel above. This surfaces agents whose mechanism doesn't route through a curated gene (combination therapies, standard-of-care drugs, targets outside the panel).

46 agents shown (approved or with trial evidence) — 43 not found by the gene-target search above.

adalimumab

· 3 trials · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01635764 NCT01468207 NCT05322473

Adapalene/Benzoyl PeroxideNOT in gene-target list

· 2 trials · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT00421993 NCT01138735

Benzoyl PeroxideNOT in gene-target list

Approved · 2 trials · source: ClinicalTrials.gov, Open Targets
NCT00421993 NCT00663286

Isotretinoin 40 mgNOT in gene-target list

· 2 trials · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01863615 NCT01863615

salicylic acidNOT in gene-target list

Approved · 2 trials · source: ClinicalTrials.gov, Open Targets
NCT07240051 NCT03832647

Isotretinoin

Approved · 2 trials · source: ClinicalTrials.gov, Open Targets
NCT04594759 NCT00975143

DMT210 Topical Gel 5%NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03003104

GK530GNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01910064

ACCU-D1NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03064438

Restylane LidocaineNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03127384

N-Acetyl-GED-0507-34-Levo 5% gelNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT07384195

Zinc gluconateNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT05096312

Adapalene 0.003 MG/MG / Benzoyl Peroxide 0.025 MG/MG Topical Gel [Epiduo]NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT05096312

Sonelokimab (M1095)NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT05322473

DPSG 7.5%NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03132194

AczoneNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03132194

Epiduo GelNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT00757523

Duac GelNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT00757523

Sebacia MicroparticlesNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03303170

Isotretinoin capsulesNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT06451237

Tazarotene 0.1% gel plus clindamycin 1% gelNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT02721173

Adapalene 0.1% gel plus clindamycin 1% gelNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT02721173

Adapalene Gel 0.1%NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT04797793

Differin® Gel (Adapalene 0.1%, Galderma)NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT04797793

Vegetarian CollagenNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT04249128

KeratinNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT04249128

CeramidesNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT04249128

AstaxanthinNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT04249128

Winlevi (Clascoterone) cream 1%NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT06425900

Adapalene

Approved · 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov, Open Targets
NCT00421993

JNJ 10229570-AAA 1.2%NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01492647

JNJ 10229570-AAA 3.6%NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01492647

Ialuxid gelNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT05345093

ACYCNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01701024

FMX101NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03271021

isotretinoin (Roaccutane)NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT00416585

IDP-110NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT00663286

ClindamycinNOT in gene-target list

Approved · 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov, Open Targets
NCT00663286

2,5% lidocaine / 2,5% prilocaine creamNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT02372786

7% lidocaine / 7% tetracaine creamNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT02372786

ISOtretinoin 10 MGNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT07834138

HydroxychloroquineNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03275870

Optical ClearingNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT00580736

Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel 1.2%/2.5%NOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01796665

Acanya GelNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01796665

Placebo of Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel 1.2%/2.5% productNOT in gene-target list

· 1 trial · source: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01796665

Generated by the Open Source Medicine Foundation Biomarker Pipeline — 2026-10-08. Data sources: DGIdb, Open Targets, ChEMBL, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov. Not medical advice.