Baldness drug could be new acne fighter

NCT ID NCT07421804

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study will test whether a gel containing dutasteride, a drug usually used for hair loss, can treat facial acne. Fifty adults with acne will apply the dutasteride gel to one side of their face and either a placebo or a standard triple-combination acne gel to the other side. Researchers will compare how well each treatment clears acne and check for side effects over 12 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
topical dutasteride 0.05% gel
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new topical option for treating facial acne, possibly with fewer side effects than current combination therapies.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study (50 people) comparing against an established treatment. Dutasteride is not yet proven for acne and may cause local irritation or other side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acne Acne Vulgaris

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

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