Just posted are some details of a new trial rising out of the work of Dr. Richard Gallo’s group at the University of California, San Diego. Gallo is well known for his work on the relationship between antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidin, and rosacea.
The trial will compare topical 25% aminocaproic acid (ACA) mixed with Vanicream vs Vanicream on its own. The trial will measure how well Topical Aminocaproic Acid inhibits the activation of antimicrobial peptides in the skin.
Aminocaproic Acid (ACA) is an analogue of the amino acid Lysine and is marketed as the main active ingredient in Amicar. Amicar is used to treat acute bleeding during surgery.
As a related note, we know from other research from Dr. Gallo’s group that the active ingredient in Finacea, azelaic acid can decrease the expression of 2 substances thought to be important in rosacea – kallikrein 5 (KLK5) and cathelicidin.
It is encouraging to see research that leads to the experimentation of novel treatments for rosacea. It is only through formal well conducted trials that we can know for sure whether new treatments are truly effective.
NCT01398280 Effects of Aminocaproic Acid (ACA) on Rosacea-specific Inflammation
The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of topical aminocaproic acid on the immune system by assessing the levels of antimicrobial peptides in the skin of patients with rosacea. It is hypothesized that aminocaproic acid applied topically will alter the body’s immune system in patients with rosacea by inhibiting activation of antimicrobial peptides.
A Single Site Evaluation of the Effect of Topical Application of Aminocaproic Acid (ACA) to Inhibit Kallikrein 5 Serine Protease Activity and Production of LL-37 Cathelicidin Peptide, Biochemical Markers of Rosacea-specific Inflammation.
Primary Outcome Measures: To determine the effect of aminocaproic acid on the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in adult skin from patients with rosacea.
Secondary Outcome Measures: To determine the effect of topical aminocaproic acid on serine protrease activity of kallikrein 5 in adult skin from patients with rosacea.
Subjects will treat their facial skin twice daily for up to 12 weeks with 5-6 visits and 2 telephone visits. Investigator and subject will be blinded. Tape strip samples will be collected from facial skin at each visit to assess KLK activity and LL-37 expression.
Study Start Date: July 2011
Estimated Primary Completion Date: July 2012
Related Articles
- Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream User Reviews
- Focus on cathelicidin and its role in rosacea
- Glyco Mira developing anti-cathelicidin treatment ?
- Cathelicidins make the news
- NRS Blog: cathelicidins show allergic basis for rosacea
- Forum: Dr Gallo’s views on azelaic acid / Finacea
- Finacea and the Cause of Rosacea
