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
Publications
Title | Venue | Type | Date |
First FASN inhibitor ASC40 to treat acne vulgaris patients: final results from a Phase 2 trial | The 2024 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting | e-Poster | 3/2024 |
The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2023 | Poster | 10/2023 |