Split-face comparison of subcision with PDRN versus subcision with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid for rolling acne scars
Official title: Subcision With Injection of Poly Deoxyribonucleotide Versus Subcision With Injection of Non-cross Linked Hyaluronic Acid in Rolling Acne Scars Treatment : A Split Face Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
Run by Cairo University · NCT07547956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This compares whether adding injections of PDRN or non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid to subcision works better to improve rolling acne scars in adults with bilateral moderate-to-severe scars.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 20, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 20, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07547956 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 and older with bilateral moderate-to-severe rolling acne scars, stable acne for at least six months, and no scar procedures in the past year are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active inflammatory acne, recent systemic retinoid use, pregnancy or breastfeeding, tendency to keloid, active infections (including HBV/HCV/HIV or herpes), lidocaine sensitivity, unapproved anticoagulant/antiplatelet use, or fish/salmon allergy are likely to be excluded and may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with bilateral moderate-to-severe rolling (atrophic) acne scars receive subcision on both sides of the face; one side is injected with polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and the other with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA). Clinical photographs and validated scar scales are used to measure changes in scar appearance and to record safety outcomes during follow-up visits. Eligible participants have stable acne, no scar treatments in the prior 12 months, and are aged 18 or older. The trial directly compares efficacy and adverse events between the two injectable agents when combined with subcision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify which injectable gives better scar improvement when combined with subcision, helping patients choose a more effective treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Subcision combined with hyaluronic acid or other fillers is an established approach for rolling scars, while PDRN injections are less studied but have shown promising regenerative effects in small reports.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Moderate to severe mainly rolling acne scars per validated scale (Goodman \& Baron Grade 3-4) 2. Scars must be bilaterally distributed, allowing for split-face comparison 3. Stable acne (no active nodulocystic lesions, pustules, or recent outbreaks for ≥6 months) 4. No scar treatments (e.g., fillers, laser, microneedling) within the past 12 months 5. All skin types. 6. Both genders above 18 years old Exclusion Criteria: 1. Systemic retinoid treatment within the last 6 months 2. Active inflammatory acne 3. Lidocaine sensitivity 4. Pregnancy and lactation 5. Severe systemic illness or malignancy 6. Use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (unless cleared) Use of oral isotretinoin within the past 6 month 7. Herpes libialis, bacterial infection, other infections such as HBV, HCV or HIV 8. Tendency to keloid formation 9. Allergy to fish and salmon
Where it's running
-
Cairo University, Dermatology Department
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Gyrotonic exercise for elders with breast cancer and Behcet disease
We’re testing whether a gyrotonic exercise program helps older people who have both Behcet disease and breast cancer.
-
Palatal Shield Technique to Reduce Pain and Improve Healing After Free Gingival Graft
This randomized trial tests whether a collagen sponge with a protective palatal shield made of flowable resin helps reduce pain and improve healing after free gingival graft harvest.
-
Virtual Reality and Mental Practice to Improve Balance and Walking in Relapsing MS
This study tests whether virtual reality training or mental practice can improve balance and walking in people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.
-
Video Microscope vs Loupe-Assist in Varicocelectomy
This study tests whether using a video telescopic operating microscope (VITOM) provides better outcomes and surgeon satisfaction than loupe-assisted varicocelectomy in adult men with grade II/III varicoceles.
-
Isometric Handgrip Training Before and After Heart Surgery to Boost Recovery
This study tests whether gentle handgrip exercise before and after open-heart surgery helps people recover their physical ability and autonomic function.
-
crisaborole 2% versus tacrolimus 0.1% with light therapy for facial vitiligo
This study tests whether applying crisaborole 2% ointment can improve stable facial vitiligo in children and adults and whether it is as safe and effective as tacrolimus 0.1% when combined with light therapy.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.