Comparing metformin and doxycycline for treating moderate to severe acne

Comparative Study of Metformin Versus Doxycycline in Treatment of Moderate to Severe Adult Acne Vulgaris Patients: Multicentre, Randomized, Double-blind Trial.

Phase 2 Interventional Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh · NCT06252194

This study is testing whether metformin or doxycycline works better to treat moderate to severe acne in patients.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dhaka)
Trial IDNCT06252194 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of metformin versus doxycycline in treating patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Participants will be divided into two groups, with one group receiving doxycycline along with topical treatments and the other group receiving metformin with topical treatments. The researchers will evaluate and compare the clinical improvement in acne symptoms between the two groups to determine which treatment is more effective.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults who have been newly diagnosed with moderate to severe acne vulgaris by a dermatologist.

Not a fit: Patients who have used topical retinoids in the last two months, are pregnant or lactating, have a history of corticosteroid use, or suffer from malignancy or cosmetic-induced acne may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from moderate to severe acne vulgaris.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on the use of doxycycline for acne, the comparison with metformin is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Newly diagnosed moderate and severe AV patients diagnosed by a dermatologist

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Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients receiving topical retinoids within last two months
* Pregnancy and lactation
* History of corticosteroids intake
* Suffering from malignancy or any cosmetic induced acne

Where this trial is running

Dhaka

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acne Vulgaris
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.