Comparing weekly Isotretinoin to daily Tetracycline for moderate acne treatment

Randomized Controlled Trial of Weekly Oral Isotretinoin vs. Oral Tetracyclines for the Treatment of Moderate Acne Vulgaris

Early Phase 1 Interventional Medical University of South Carolina · NCT06225570

This study is testing if taking Isotretinoin once a week works better than taking Doxycycline every day for treating moderate acne in people aged 12 and older.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages12 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of South Carolina Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charleston, South Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06225570 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of weekly Isotretinoin dosing compared to daily Doxycycline for treating moderate acne vulgaris. The study will involve male and female participants aged 12 and older who have been diagnosed with moderate acne. Participants will receive either weekly Isotretinoin or daily Doxycycline over a four-month period, with assessments of acne improvement, side effects, and patient satisfaction. The trial builds on previous promising findings regarding weekly Isotretinoin dosing, seeking to validate its potential as a safer alternative to long-term antibiotic use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are males and females aged 12 years and older diagnosed with moderate acne vulgaris.

Not a fit: Patients currently on long-term antibiotics or with certain medical conditions, such as major depression or liver disease, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with moderate acne that minimizes the need for long-term antibiotics.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with low-dose Isotretinoin for mild to moderate acne, but this specific weekly dosing approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Male and Female patients, 12 years and older with a diagnosis of Moderate Acne Vulgaris

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are at baseline on long-term Tetracycline antibiotics, long-term Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, or on Spironolactone for any reason
* Patients who have taken Isotretinoin in the past 6 months
* Patients with hypersensitivity to Isotretinoin or to any of its components
* Females who are pregnant, likely to become pregnant, or will be breast-feeding during the study period
* Patients with a history of major depression, mania, or psychosis with an active episode during the past year including current psychotic symptoms and/or current suicidal ideation
* Adult patients with cognitive impairment
* Patients with baseline kidney or liver disease
* Patients with baseline hypertriglyceridemia
* Patients with history of or current pseudotumor cerebri
* Patients with any clinically significant unstable medical condition which could pose a risk to the safety of the patient
* Inability or unwillingness of subject or legal guardian/representative to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Charleston, South Carolina

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 Vulgarismoderate acne vulgarisisotretinoin
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.