Weekly Isotretinoin vs Tetracycline for Moderate Acne

NCT06225570 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 50

Last updated 2026-05-18

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

In the effort to find better treatments for Moderate Acne, which often relies on long-term antibiotic use, researchers are exploring alternative options. While Isotretinoin, a Vitamin A derivative, is highly effective for severe acne, its side effects limit its use for milder cases. A recent study from our institution investigated a new approach: weekly Isotretinoin dosing. The results were promising, with acne improvement and no major side effects. This suggests that weekly Isotretinoin could be a successful alternative for moderate acne in both males and females. To validate these findings, investigators propose a randomized controlled trial comparing weekly Isotretinoin to daily Doxycycline over four months. This study could confirm the safety and effectiveness of weekly Isotretinoin, as well as shed light on patient satisfaction, and long-term results compared to standard antibiotics. This research may offer a breakthrough in treating moderate acne while addressing concerns about antibiotic overuse.

Conditions

  • Acne Vulgaris

Interventions

DRUG

Isotretinoin

This arm aims to study the effectiveness, side effects and patient satisfaction of taking isotretinoin on a weekly basis as opposed to current standard daily dosing.

DRUG

Tetracycline

This arm aims to serve as the comparison group. Tetracycline antibiotics are the current standard of care for the treatment of moderate acne.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Medical University of South Carolina

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Alex Richmond, MD, MSCR · Medical University of South Carolina

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
12 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-02-01
Primary Completion
2027-03-31
Completion
2027-05-31
FDA Drug
Yes

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06225570 on ClinicalTrials.gov