ASC40: A first-in-class drug with novel mechanism of action for Acne

Eighth most prevalent disease in the world and affects more than 640 million people globally 

• The onset of acne often coincides with pubertal hormonal changes, and the condition affects approximately 85% of adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 25 years.

• However, acne can also persist into or develop during adulthood. 

A report recently published by Allied Market Research indicated that the global acne medication market size was US$11.86 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach US$13.35 billion by 2027

• Current first-line treatments for acne include topical creams such as topical retinoids and androgen receptor inhibitor, oral isotretinoin, and antibiotics.

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a key enzyme which regulates de novo lipogenesis

• Human sebum production requires de novo lipogenesis, which is increased in acne and suppressed by the FASN inhibitor ASC40

Clinical proof concept data 

• Clinical study indicated that sebum production was inhibited by ASC40 in a dose-dependent fashion

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