CollaGenex reports positive results for rosacea drug

Lead clinical investigator in these clinical trials, James Del Rosso, said: “The option of an effective systemic treatment for rosacea that is devoid of antibiotic activity helps dermatologists reduce their use of antibiotics. Antibiotic use correlates with a rise in bacterial resistance, a problem of global concern.”

Oracea was proven to be safe in both studies, with the frequency of adverse events similar to those of patients taking placebo. Of significant note was the finding that in both studies vaginal candidiasis and photosensitivity were not observed in the patients treated with anti-inflammatory dose doxycycline.

Rosacea is a common inflammatory condition of the skin of the face that causes redness that looks like a flush or blush. It is initially characterized by outbreaks and periods of improvement. It is often treated with oral antibiotics which usually work well, but it is not clear why they work, as a bacteria that causes rosacea has not been found.