A pilot study of the safety and efficacy of picolinic acid gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Background: Cost limitations, adverse effects or lack of efficacy limit the use of current topical therapies in mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of picolinic acid, a novel zinc finger therapy, in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Methods: Twenty subjects with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were treated at our centre during an open-label study with 10% picolinic acid gel (PCL-016) twice daily to the face over 12 weeks. Results: Fifteen patients completed the 12-week open-label study. A reduction of 58.2% (P < 0.001) in mean total lesion count, 55.5% (P < 0.001) in mean inflammatory lesion count and 59.7% (P < 0.005) in noninflammatory lesion count was seen in this population. No serious adverse events or clinically significant changes in laboratory values were noted. Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that 10% picolinic acid gel applied twice daily may be safe and effective in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.