NIH-funded research Sbir 1 grant

New oral treatment for severe acne using selective CYP26 inhibitors.

Official title: Selective CYP26 inhibitors for the oral treatment of recalcitrant nodular acne.

Funded at Dermaxon, LLC · NIH-10822482 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new pill that aims to help people with severe acne by blocking certain enzymes that break down a skin-friendly vitamin, hoping to improve acne without the usual side effects of current treatments.

More Acne research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDermaxon, LLC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Missoula, United States)
Project startSeptember 20, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$295,423
NIH project number1R43AR083781-01
Project IDNIH-10822482 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from severe recalcitrant acne who have not responded well to existing treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with mild acne or those who have not been diagnosed with recalcitrant acne may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a new oral medication that selectively inhibits CYP26 enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down retinoic acid in the skin. By targeting these enzymes, the treatment seeks to provide an effective solution for patients suffering from severe recalcitrant acne while minimizing the adverse effects commonly associated with existing retinoid therapies. The approach focuses on creating a safer alternative that avoids the systemic side effects linked to traditional treatments. Patients can expect a potential improvement in their acne condition without the discomfort of typical retinoid side effects.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safer and more effective oral treatment option for patients with severe acne.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on retinoids, this specific approach using selective CYP26 inhibitors is novel and has not been extensively tested before.

Where this research is happening

  • Dermaxon, LLC
    Missoula, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Diaz, Philippe J — Dermaxon, LLC
  • Study coordinator: Diaz, Philippe J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Acne: how skin bacteria, fats, and immunity drive lesions

    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.

    NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11393068

  • 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.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11387827

  • Novel endolysins to target Cutibacterium acnes for acne treatment

    A small research grant is developing a highly specific enzyme therapy to kill the acne-causing bacteria without disturbing good skin or gut bacteria.

    NIH research Topaz Biosciences, INC. · Emeryville, United States · NIH-11381883

  • Th17 extracellular traps and skin bacteria in acne health

    A study in people with acne aims to understand how specific skin bacteria and immune cells interact to fight acne-causing germs and how this could lead to better treatments.

    NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11374876

  • New bacteria-targeting enzymes to fight acne

    Developing species-specific enzymes to remove the acne-causing bacterium Cutibacterium acnes for people with acne.

    NIH research Topaz Biosciences, INC. · Emeryville, United States · NIH-11183989

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.