Clearly, the notion of hormonal modulation to manage acne is not new. However, options have been limited to women and have not been considered first-line interventions for the disease.1 Clascoterone may change all that. It appears to have no effects beyond the site of application; as a topical androgen inhibitor with seemingly no systemic effects, clascoterone may become a treatment option for a majority of acne patients, inhibiting the cycle of physiologic events and associated inflammation that leads to acne lesion formation. Clinical experience will determine an ideal role for the drug, whether as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other treatments shown to target the complex pathogenesis of inflammatory acne vulgaris.
DISCLOSURE
Leon H. Kircik MD has received compensation from JDD for his editorial support and serves as advisory board member and a consultant for Cassiopea.
REFERENCES
1. Park JH, Bienenfeld A, Orlow SJ, Nagler AR. The Use of Hormonal Antiandrogen Therapy in Female Patients with Acne: A 10-Year Retrospective Study. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Jun;19(3):449-455.
2. Data on file, Cassiopea.
2. Data on file, Cassiopea.