What peptides have been developed for acne treatment in the last 5 years?

Peptides for Acne Treatment Developed in the Last Five Years

Currently, there are no FDA-approved peptide therapies specifically developed for acne treatment within the last five years, though melanocortin peptide α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) mimetic compounds have been in phase 2 clinical trials since 2019. 1

Emerging Peptide Therapies for Acne

The development of peptide-based treatments for acne represents an innovative approach to address the limitations of conventional therapies, particularly antibiotic resistance. Based on the most recent evidence:

• Melanocortin peptide α-MSH mimetics: These compounds have demonstrated sebotrophic effects in mice and were undergoing phase 2 clinical trials as of 2019. They target sebum production, which is a key factor in acne pathogenesis. 1

• Designed Antimicrobial Peptides (dAMPs): As of 2020, several novel dAMP sequences were being investigated for their bactericidal effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant C. acnes:

  • RP444, RP551, RP554, RP556, and RP557 showed potent in vitro antibacterial activity
  • RP556 (a disulfide dAMP) demonstrated the highest therapeutic index (130) and effectively eliminated infection in a murine model when applied topically at 0.5% concentration 2

Mechanism of Action

Peptide-based therapies for acne work through multiple mechanisms:

1. Direct antimicrobial activity: Killing P. acnes bacteria that contribute to acne inflammation
2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Binding to proinflammatory bacterial factors and inhibiting cytokine secretion
3. Sebum regulation: Particularly with melanocortin peptide mimetics that can modulate sebaceous gland activity

Current Status in Clinical Practice

It's important to note that despite promising research, peptide therapies for acne remain investigational. The standard first-line treatments for acne continue to be:

• Topical retinoids combined with benzoyl peroxide for mild acne
• Addition of topical antibiotics for moderate acne
• Systemic therapies for severe cases 3

Research Limitations and Future Directions

The development of peptide therapies faces several challenges:

• Stability issues: Natural peptides are susceptible to degradation by proteases, though this can be addressed through modifications (e.g., using D-amino acids instead of L-amino acids) 4
• Delivery challenges: Ensuring peptides penetrate to their target sites in the skin
• Cost of production: Peptide synthesis can be expensive compared to conventional acne medications

Clinical Implications

While peptide therapies show promise, particularly for antibiotic-resistant acne, they have not yet replaced conventional treatments in clinical practice. Clinicians should:

• Be aware of these emerging therapies for potential future use, especially in cases of antibiotic-resistant acne
• Consider that peptide-based treatments may eventually offer dual benefits of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects
• Recognize that current evidence is primarily preclinical, with limited human studies

The development of peptide therapies represents an important frontier in acne treatment, particularly as antibiotic resistance becomes more prevalent, but these treatments are not yet available for routine clinical use.