Rosacea causes facial redness, flushing, bumps and sometimes eye irritation. Creams, antibiotics, low-dose isotretinoin and lasers control it, but none cure it. Research is targeting the immune and nerve signals that drive flushing.
- 18studies open or running
- 351papers published this year
- 12NIH-funded projects
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Now
Nov 2026
Low-dose isotretinoin for stubborn bumpsHappened 70% fewer bumps
Cut bumps and pimples by about 70%, though about a third relapsed after stopping.
70%: fewer bumps and pimples at 16 weeks.
Ivermectin leads the creamsHappened
Ivermectin and encapsulated benzoyl peroxide beat metronidazole in a 2026 comparison.
Eye rosacea is under-diagnosedHappened 44.3% have eye signs
44.3% had eye involvement, but only 10.3% were diagnosed.
44.3%: of people with rosacea had eye involvement.
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6 months
by May 2027
Eye gel trial for eye rosaceaPossible
Tarsus is testing lotilaner, already approved for eyelid mites, in eye rosacea.
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12 months
by Nov 2027
Ear stimulation for rednessLong shot 72 people tested
A 72-person trial found mild ear nerve stimulation reduced redness; follow-up studies are likely.
72: people in the trial.
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3 years
by late 2029
First targeted pill for rosaceaPossible
Remibrutinib, approved for chronic hives, blocks mast cells that may drive flushing.
Antidepressant creams for burningLong shot
A trial tests imipramine or amitriptyline creams to calm overactive skin nerves.
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5 years
by late 2031
Drugs that block the mast cell triggerLong shot
NIH-funded labs are studying MRGPRX2, a mast cell receptor linked to flushing.
The research paths
Immune and mast cell drugs
Details and 1 trialsHide
Pills and creams that calm mast cells, which release flushing chemicals.
WatchRemibrutinib phase 2 results.
Nerve-targeted treatment
72 people testedDetails and 1 trialsHide
Flushing and burning involve overactive nerves; ear stimulation and nerve-calming creams are being tested.
WatchLarger stimulation trials.
Eye rosacea
44.3% have eye signsDetails and 1 trialsHide
Treatments aimed at mites and inflammation on the eyelids.
WatchLotilaner results.
Borrowed from other conditions
From Chronic hives
Remibrutinib
Phase 2
A BTK-blocking pill that quiets mast cells.
From Eyelid mite infection
Lotilaner
Phase 2
An anti-mite eye drop now tested in eye rosacea.
From Acne
Isotretinoin
In use
Used at low doses for stubborn rosacea bumps.
Open to join now
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Moderate to severe rosacea
Remibrutinib pill
Locations and eligibility →
See every recruiting Rosacea trial →
When the trials finish
Completion dates the trials registered. Results usually follow 3 to 12 months later.
- Heating up
- Maturing
- Early
- Cooling
- Fully enrolled, waiting on results
- Still enrolling
Knowledge on the way
Not treatments yet: detection, causes and how care is delivered. Mostly NIH-funded.
- AreaQuestionFunded throughNews likely
- Causes How mast cell receptor MRGPRX2 drives flushingUniversity of Pennsylvania · NIH Funded through 2027 News likely 2027–2028
- Genetics Genetic variants that switch on rosaceaStanford University · NIH Funded through 2027 News likely 2027–2028
What just happened
Ivermectin and benzoyl peroxide creams rank highest
Network meta-analysis in JAMA Dermatology.
Ear nerve stimulation reduces redness
72-person sham-controlled trial.
Standard treatment today
- Redness and flushingBrimonidine or oxymetazoline gels; laser or light treatment for visible vessels.
- Bumps and pimplesIvermectin, azelaic acid or metronidazole creams; low-dose doxycycline; low-dose isotretinoin if stubborn.
- Eye rosaceaLid hygiene, artificial tears, doxycycline; eye doctor follow-up.
How to read this page, and sourcesHow to read this page, and sources
- There are no active phase 3 trials; most new options are in early testing.
- Forecasts are editorial judgments by Find a Trial, not predictions from sponsors or regulators.
See Rosacea trials recruiting now →