Unraveling the Role of Repurposed Drugs in the Treatment of Acne: Success So Far and the Road Ahead

February 2025 in “ Drug Development Research ”

Popat Kumbhar, Vikas Kamble, Kaustubh Ajit Kolekar, Sukriti Vishwas, Pranav Kumbhar, Kalpana S. Patil, Gaurav Gupta, Pankaj M. Kharabe, Manisha Singh, Shailendra Gurav, Dinesh Kumar Chellappan, Sachin Kumar Singh, Kamal Dua, John Disouza, Vandana Patravale

antibiotics corticosteroids phytoceuticals signaling pathways drug repurposing

Studysummary This review found that repurposing existing drugs with strong safety profiles may be an effective and cost-efficient strategy to treat acne, although challenges such as regulatory issues and clinical validation remain significant.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review article discusses the potential of repurposing existing drugs to treat acne, a condition affecting 9.4% of the global population. Traditional acne treatments, such as antibiotics and corticosteroids, have limitations including the risk of skin cancer, microbial resistance, and severe side effects. Repurposed drugs and phytoceuticals have shown promise in targeting acne by affecting various signaling pathways, with some undergoing clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy. Despite the advantages of drug repurposing, challenges remain, such as regulatory issues and clinical validation. Overall, drug repurposing is seen as a viable, cost-effective strategy for acne treatment.

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