Topical taurine bromamine, a new candidate in the treatment of moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris: a pilot study

Eur J Dermatol. 2008 Jul-Aug;18(4):433-9. doi: 10.1684/ejd.2008.0460. Epub 2008 Jun 23.

Abstract

Taurine bromamine (TauBr), the product of taurine and hypobromous acid (HOBr), exerts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Recently we have shown that Propionibacterium acnes, a potential pathogenic agent of acne, is extremely sensitive to TauBr. As topical antibiotics are associated with the emergence of resistant bacteria, TauBr seems to be a good candidate for topical therapy for acne vulgaris. In our double blind investigation, the efficacy and safety of 3.5 mM TauBr cream was evaluated. 1% Clindamycin gel (Clindacin T), one of the most common topical agents in the treatment of acne vulgaris, was used as a control. Forty patients with mild to moderate inflammatory facial acne vulgaris were randomly treated with either TauBr or clindamycin for 6 weeks, twice-a-day. More than 80% of the patients markedly improved with both treatments, without any adverse effects observed. Both TauBr and clindamycin produced a significant reduction in inflammatory skin lesion counts (papules/ pustules). After 6 weeks, comparable reductions of acne lesions, 65% and 68%, were observed in the TauBr and clindamycin groups, respectively. In conclusion, these data support our concept that TauBr can be used as a topical agent in the treatment of acne vulgaris, especially in patients who have already developed antibiotic resistance.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology
  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Clindamycin / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Emollients
  • Face
  • Female
  • Gels
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Taurine / administration & dosage
  • Taurine / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Emollients
  • Gels
  • Taurine
  • Clindamycin
  • N-bromotaurine