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NCT Number: NCT07366229

Topical Application of Engineered Lactobacillus Reuteri With a Zinc Sulfate-Tannic Acid MPN Coating for Acne

A growing body of evidence suggests that the development and progression of acne are closely linked to an imbalance in the skin's microbial community. Compared to healthy skin, the composition and function of the microbiota in acne lesions are significantly altered. This microbial imbalance is believed to drive the formation and recurrence of acne through mechanisms such as triggering abnormal inflammatory responses and compromising the skin barrier.

An in-depth exploration of the interaction between acne and the skin microbiome not only offers new perspectives for understanding the root causes of the disease but also lays the groundwork for developing novel treatment strategies aimed at modulating the microbiota. Therefore, identifying innovative approaches that integrate acne treatment with the regulation of microbial balance holds significant clinical and social value.

Although existing acne treatments have made progress, research focusing on interventions that regulate the local skin microecology through probiotics remains relatively limited. This study aims to explore a new strategy based on skin microecological modulation. Investigators are using a common probiotic-Lactobacillus reuteri-and applying an engineering modification with a special coating formed by zinc sulfate and tannic acid (MPN coating). This modification is intended to enhance the bacterium's survival and colonization on the skin, thereby more effectively regulating the local microbiota and reducing inflammation.

This study is a rigorous scientific clinical trial designed as randomized, double-blind, and controlled. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups, receiving either the engineered Lactobacillus reuteri cream, the plain Lactobacillus reuteri cream, a simple moisturizing cream (placebo), or an already-marketed effective cream (tretinoin cream). The treatment will last for 2 weeks, followed by an 8-week observation period. Efficacy and safety will be evaluated through professional assessments.

Our goal is to scientifically evaluate the safety and efficacy of this new therapy, hoping to provide a potential new treatment option for individuals with acne and explore new pathways for improving skin health.

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Key information

Conditions

Acne Acne Vulgaris Acneiform Eruptions Sebaceous Gland Diseases Skin Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

18 year–33 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 2

Primary location

Shenzhen People's Hospital

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Shenzhen People's Hospital

CONTACT

[email protected]

+86 75522943881

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Subjects must be diagnosed with acne (based on history, clinical manifestation, and dermatoscopy) and classified as Grade I to III per the International Improved Grading System.
  • Subjects must be willing and able to provide written informed consent.
  • Subjects must be 18 to 33 years of age and in generally good health.
  • Subjects must have more than 9 inflammatory lesions.

Exclusion criteria

  • Have used antibiotics within 1 month before the study start.
  • Have used systemic retinoid therapy within 3 months before the study start.
  • Have undergone any other acne treatment within 1 month before the study start.
  • Have any other condition that the investigator considers would make participation unsuitable (e.g., deemed unreliable, non-compliant, or unable to comprehend the study assessments).

Treatment and study plan

MPN-coated engineered Lactobacillus reuteri cream

Biological

Each night before bedtime, after washing the face, an appropriate amount of MPN-coated engineered Lactobacillus reuteri cream should be applied topically to acne lesions using a sterile cotton swab. The area should not be washed immediately after application. Normal face washing can be resumed the following morning. This regimen should be continued for 2 weeks.

Plain Lactobacillus reuteri cream

Biological

Each night before bedtime, after washing the face, an appropriate amount of plain Lactobacillus reuteri cream should be applied topically to acne lesions using a sterile cotton swab. The area should not be washed immediately after application. Normal face washing can be resumed the following morning. This regimen should be continued for 2 weeks.

Petrolatum-glycerin cream

Drug

Each night before bedtime, after washing the face, an appropriate amount of petrolatum-glycerin cream should be applied topically to acne lesions using a sterile cotton swab. The area should not be washed immediately after application. Normal face washing can be resumed the following morning. This regimen should be continued for 2 weeks.

Tretinoin cream 0.1%

Drug

Each night before bedtime, after washing the face, an appropriate amount of 0.1% tretinoin cream should be applied topically to acne lesions using a sterile cotton swab. The area should not be washed immediately after application. Normal face washing can be resumed the following morning. This regimen should be continued for 2 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Percentage change in acne count at Week 8 relative to the baseline.

    Time frame: Facial photographs of the patients will be taken at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment, and the number of acne lesions will be counted by dermatologists.

    Facial photographs of patients are taken before treatment and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment. Dermatologists count the number of acne lesions from these photographs. The percentage change in acne count at Week 8 relative to the baseline is calculated as: (Acne count at Week 8 - Acne count at baseline) / Acne count at baseline × 100%.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Percentage change in the number of inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 relative to the baseline

    Time frame: Facial photographs of the patients will be taken at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment, and the number of inflammatory acne lesions will be counted by dermatologists.

    Facial photographs of patients are taken before treatment and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment. Dermatologists count the number of inflammatory acne lesions from these photographs. The percentage change in the number of inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 relative to the baseline is calculated as: (Number of inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 - Number of inflammatory acne lesions at baseline) / Number of inflammatory acne lesions at baseline × 100%.

  2. Percentage change in the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 relative to the baseline

    Time frame: Facial photographs of the patients will be taken at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment, and the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions will be counted by dermatologists.

    Facial photographs of patients are taken before treatment and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment. Dermatologists count the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions from these photographs. The percentage change in the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 relative to the baseline is calculated as: (Number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 - Number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at baseline) / Number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at baseline × 100%.

  3. Changes in the relative abundance of Propionibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Staphylococcus in acne-prone skin from baseline to Week 8

    Time frame: Skin microbiome samples are collected from acne lesions at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment.

    Skin microbiome samples are collected from acne lesions before treatment and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment. These samples are subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing to detect the presence and relative abundance of various bacterial taxa in the affected areas following the intervention.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Jianglin Zhang

CONTACT

[email protected]

+86 13873143466

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Shenzhen People's Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluating Engineered Lactobacillus Reuteri With a Zinc Sulfate-Tannic Acid MPN Coating for Acne: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jan 26, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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