Sanofi, A*STAR, NSC partner to advance acne treatment research

Sanofi, A*STAR and the National Skin Centre partner to advance research in the treatment of acne

22 Nov 2024 3 min read

Sanofi, A*STAR, NSC partner to advance acne treatment research

This press release was jointly issued by Sanofi, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National Skin Centre (NSC).

Sanofi, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and the National Skin Centre Singapore (NSC) established a Memorandum of Understanding to advance research in acne treatment. Facilitated by the Biomedical Sciences Industry Partnership Office, a national platform hosted by A*STAR, this partnership draws on the expertise of Sanofi alongside clinical and research institutions from Singapore. Together, they combine advanced scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art biomedical and clinical infrastructure to drive advancements in acne treatment. This collaboration will encompass a phase 1 clinical study in patients with mild acne, anticipated to start in Q2 2025, and a translational study to build a deeper understanding of the key biological markers that impact the severity of the condition.

“Acne impacts millions globally and Singapore is renowned for its exceptional research infrastructure and expertise in skin science. Our collaboration with leading institutions here offers the ideal environment to extend the research on our acne vaccine candidate program, including in earlier disease stages. As a leader in immunoscience, we are pioneering groundbreaking approaches in acne treatment aimed at restoring a balanced microbiome through the power of the immune system. ”

Jean-François Toussaint

Global Head of Research and Development, Vaccines,

Sanofi

Acne is a widespread, chronic inflammatory skin condition that impacts quality of life, self-esteem and mental health of both teens and adults¹. While nearly 80% of teens experienced acne,² treatments have seen little advancement in the past 30 years.³ Adult acne is also becoming more common, affecting an estimated 40% of the population.^4,5

“NHG is excited about our collaboration with Sanofi through our National Skin Centre to explore a new approach and treatment against acne. The clinical study will help to generate valuable data to establish new efficacy endpoints for mild acne treatment, which are currently unavailable, and reinforce Singapore’s expertise in clinical trials, particularly in an Asian context. The translational study will explore the role of skin bacteria and biological responses in acne progression, paving the way for targeted biologics in future acne treatments. ”

Associate Professor Chua Sze Hon

Executive Director

National Skin Centre, National Healthcare Group (NHG)

“A*STAR is delighted to collaborate with Sanofi and the National Healthcare Group through its National Skin Centre (NSC) to push the boundaries of research in acne treatment. This partnership illustrates the power of collaboration, bringing together A*STAR's expertise in microbiome science, advanced analytics, and machine learning with the clinical strengths of Sanofi and NSC. Together, we aim to advance research in Singapore and contribute meaningfully to innovative and breakthrough solutions for acne sufferers worldwide. ”

Professor Tan Sze Wee

Assistant Chief Executive

Biomedical Research Council (BMRC), A*STAR

This collaboration has the potential to reshape the acne treatment landscape, offering innovative solutions that could transform the quality of life of people living with acne.

¹ Morshed, A.S.M., Noor, T., Uddin Ahmed, M.A. et al. Understanding the impact of acne vulgaris and associated psychological distress on self-esteem and quality of life via regression modeling with CADI, DLQI, and WHOQoL. Sci Rep 13, 21084 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48182-6

² Szepietowska M, Bień B, Krajewski PK, Stefaniak AA, Matusiak Ł. Prevalence, Intensity and Psychosocial Burden of Acne Itch: Two Different Cohorts Study. J Clin Med. 2023 Jun 12;12(12):3997. doi: 10.3390/jcm12123997. PMID: 37373690; PMCID: PMC10299123.

³ Layton AM, Thiboutot D, Tan J. Reviewing the global burden of acne: how could we improve care to reduce the burden? Br J Dermatol. 2021 Feb;184(2):219-225. doi: 10.1111/bjd.19477. Epub 2020 Sep 24. PMID: 32770673.

⁴ Dreno B. Recent data on epidemiology of acne. Ann. Dermatol. Venereol. 2010;137((Suppl. 2)):S49–S51. doi: 10.1016/S0151-9638(10)70045-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

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