Measles, Mumps and Acne?

By: Katie Anderson (Schaefer), Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: December 2, 2011, from the December 2011 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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According to Huang, the antibodies to CAMP work by neutralizing P. acnes rather than killing cells. “The vaccine is neutralizing CAMP-factor, a toxin that induces skin inflammation, [and since] the antibody will not bind to the bacteria particle, the vaccine will not [disrupt the survival of P. acnes] on the skin; rather, it will neutralize toxin-induced inflammation,” he said.

The team is working to develop two versions of the vaccine-a preventive one, injected before the teenage years, and a therapeutic treatment for those already afflicted by acne. Huang added that while the preventive vaccine would be administered through the traditional injection route since it must generate a higher antibody titer, the therapeutic treatment could possibly be applied topically.

Future Development

While the team has amassed a good amount of research on the vaccine, it must still transition the work from mice to humans. The first phase clinical trial will be conducted in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur. In addition, researchers will look more in depth at the delivery routes for the vaccine.

Huang noted that the team is motivated to bring the vaccine to the market to aid acne sufferers. “I get a lot of personal e-mails from acne patients telling me how much they suffer and how much they spend. We can feel the importance of this vaccine,” he said.

Huang added that the vaccine also will help dermatologists. “Many dermatologists prescribe isotretinoin for severe acne, which has a lot of side effects , and the doctor must then monitor the patient. There is a lot of paperwork, and the drug will not totally cure the acne,” said Huang. Huang is not sure when the preventive vaccine could potentially be ready for administration-that’s where the marketing arm of Sanofi Pasteur comes into play. He does, however, hypothesize that children having a family history of severe acne would be the first priority.