Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum

Karoline Jungclaus; Rosa Mascarenhas; Oscar Tellechea; Jeremias L K Reich; Kristian Reich

doi:10.1155/2023/8871299

Open-Label Observational Study of a Topical Formulation of Calcium Spirulan Contained in a Defined Extract of the Microalga Spirulina platensis in the Treatment of Children with Molluscum Contagiosum

Dermatol Res Pract. 2023 Aug 2:2023:8871299. doi: 10.1155/2023/8871299. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Karoline Jungclaus¹, Rosa Mascarenhas², Oscar Tellechea², Jeremias L K Reich³, Kristian Reich¹

Affiliations

¹ Center for Translational Research in Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
² Hospital Distrital da Figueira da Foz, Dermatologia, Portugal.
³ Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.

Abstract

Background: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral skin infection primarily affecting children which is difficult to treat using available therapeutic approaches. The sulfated polysaccharide named calcium spirulan (Ca-SP) has demonstrated antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus in keratinocytes in vitro, and a cream containing 1.5% Ca-SP and 1% of a defined microalgae extract (Spiralin^®) effectively prevented herpes labialis in a trial with susceptible individuals. This observational study aimed to show antiviral effects of a similar formulation (Spirularin^® VS) against MC in children.

Methods: Children with active MC lesions were treated with Spirularin^® VS cream twice daily on affected skin over several months and asked to return for follow-up visits after 1 to 3 months. Clinical status of MC infection was documented at baseline and follow-up visits.

Results: Of the 31 children enrolled in the study, 26 completed treatment and returned for control visits. Spirularin^® VS cream was applied twice daily over a period of 1 to 9 months (mean treatment duration 3.9 months). 19/26 (73.1%) children achieved complete clearance of MC lesions with no clinical evidence of bacterial skin infection during treatment. No irritative skin reactions or unpleasant symptoms were observed or reported.

Conclusion: This open-label observational study suggests that a cream formulation containing 1.5% Ca-SP and 1% Spiralin® may be an effective and safe treatment option for children with active MC lesions. The high rate of complete clearance of MC lesions and lack of adverse reactions warrant further investigation in larger, controlled trials.