New acne treatments and identification of severe risk are on the horizon, flag researchers

14 Feb 2022 --- Clinicians may soon be able to identify patients at a higher risk of developing severe acne through new acne genetic findings that discovered 29 areas of the genome that impact the condition.

This is according to research from St John’s Institute of Dermatology at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, Australia.

The study also discovered a correlation between acne genetic risk and disease severity. Individuals with the highest genetic risk have a higher chance of developing a severe illness.

“The next phase of our research will explore these genetic variations in more detail,” Michael Simpson, head of genomic medicine group at King’s College London, tells PersonalCareInsights.

“The next steps in our research will identify the biological processes that are affected by these genetic variants. By understanding the processes that are influenced by these gene variants, we hope to find potential targets that could be used in new acne treatments.”

While more research is needed, this discovery presents the possibility to identify people at risk of severe disease, laying the groundwork for earlier intervention.

Analyzing genetic data
The study looked at nine genome-wide association study datasets from people worldwide. These investigations involved sequencing the whole genomes of 20,165 acne sufferers and 595,231 acne-free persons.

Regarding the impact these results could have in the skincare space, Simpson adds: “It is currently early days, but there are potentially two ways in which these discoveries could have an impact.”The study discovered a correlation between acne, genetic risk and disease severity.

The research confirmed 14 of the 17 genetic variations previously linked to the disease. The total number of recognized variants today stands at 46.

“These discoveries are the starting point to understand the biology of how acne develops. That could help us to create new therapies based on that understanding,” says Simpson.

Understanding the root cause of acne
Several genes have been discovered commonly in acne sufferers and connected to other skin and hair problems. The researchers hope that this will aid in their understanding of the causes of acne, which could be a combination of variables.

“Genetic variation is a term used to describe the differences in the DNA sequence in each of our genomes. The 29 genetic variants are specific positions in the genome at which people have different versions of the genetic code. We have identified 29 of these genetic variants in which people with acne are more likely to have a particular version of the code,” explains Simpson.

“We don’t know exactly how all of these genetic variants impact the biology of the skin. However, we do know that some of the variants change the function of the hair follicle, while some impact the immune system.”

Acne’s prevalence and industry’s reaction
Acne is a very prevalent skin problem. According to estimates, 80% of youth are affected. Spots and cysts, as well as pigment changes and scarring, are prevalent.According to estimates, 80% of youth are affected by acne.

The most common area of concern is the face, but the chest and back are regularly affected. Acne has detrimental psychological implications for people of all ages, but teenagers are possibly the most vulnerable.

Industry players have been interested in treating acne and skin blemishes for a while now.

Previously, Beiersdorf entered the post-acne sector with the launch of its Dermopure line for acne-prone skin under its Eucerin brand. Meanwhile, Dermala extended its acne product line and Florajen Probiotics launched Florajen Eczema, an ingestible probiotic that improves atopic dermatitis.

By Nicole Kerr