Comparing spironolactone and doxycycline for treating acne in women
Official title: A randomized, double-blind, multi-center comparative effectiveness study of spironolactone versus doxycycline hyclate for the treatment of acne in women
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10699996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well two medications, spironolactone and doxycycline, work for treating moderate to severe acne in women, and by joining, you could help find out which one might be better for your skin!
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $883,902 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AR079752-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10699996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 21 and older who are experiencing moderate to severe acne.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild acne or those who are not women may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of two medications, spironolactone and doxycycline, in treating moderate to severe acne in women. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two treatments in a double-blind manner, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers will know which treatment is being administered. The study aims to determine which medication is more effective and to assess their impact on the skin microbiome. By participating, women with acne may contribute to important findings that could influence future treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide clearer guidance on the most effective treatment for acne in women, potentially leading to better management of the condition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted the need for comparative effectiveness studies in acne treatment, indicating that this approach is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Margolis, David — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Margolis, David
Related research
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A large NIH-funded effort at UCLA/UCSD is studying how skin bacteria, fat metabolism, and the immune system interact to cause acne, with plans to translate findings into better treatments.
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Spironolactone vs doxycycline for acne in women
A multi-center trial compares spironolactone and doxycycline to treat acne in adult women to find which works better with fewer side effects.
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A small research grant is developing a highly specific enzyme therapy to kill the acne-causing bacteria without disturbing good skin or gut bacteria.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.