Novan tests drug candidate for sebum reduction

Novan Therapeutics is conducting research on its SB204 drug candidate, which could lead to topical therapies to reduce sebum production.

Research sponsored by Novan and conducted in the laboratory of Diane Thiboutot, M.D., Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa., found that compounds that release nitric oxide can help to reduce sebum production in vitro using immortalized human sebocytes, according to a news release. SB204 demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in insulin-induced lipid production.

A separate study tested the topical application of SB204 on a hamster flank organ, which is used to determine the anti-androgenic activity of experimental therapeutics. Overproduction of androgens in the skin can create overproduction of sebum and worsen acne. Results demonstrated that SB204 inhibited growth by 50 percent compared to control vehicle, according to the news release.

In the second quarter of 2013, Novan plans to enroll patients in a phase 2 trial for the treatment of acne. The study will assess the efficacy and safety of SB204 and the product’s ability to reduce sebum production in patients’ skin.