Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid Nanocrystal-Loaded In Situ Hydrogel in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common, multifactorial, inflammatory skin disease affecting the pilosebaceous unit. Topical therapy is the first choice in the treatment of mild to moderate acne, and azelaic acid (AZA) is one of the most commonly used drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a low-dose azelaic acid nanocrystal (AZA-NC) hydrogel in the treatment of mild to moderate facial acne. The study was designed as a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to treatment with AZA-NC hydrogel, 10%, or AZA cream, 20%, administered in quantities of approximately 1 g twice daily for 8 weeks. Efficacy of therapy was measured by the number of lesions and safety by the frequency and severity of adverse events. At week 8, the success rate of treatment with AZA-NC hydrogel, 10%, was 36.51% (p p p p p p < 0.001) with AZA cream, respectively. The adverse event rate was low and mostly mild.

Keywords

• azelaic acid
• nanocrystals
• hydrogels
• acne
• dermal application