Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. In this white paper, we explore the history and future of acne treatment, with a focus on emerging therapies that may help patients with moderate to severe acne gain and maintain control of their acne.
Acne is a highly visible condition that can have a major impact on a patient’s quality of life. The most common skin condition in the U.S., acne affects up to 50 million Americans each year and often causes significant physical and psychological morbidity, including permanent scarring, poor self-image, depression, and anxiety. The annual costs associated with the treatment of acne exceed $3 billion, representing significant opportunity for sponsors of potential acne therapies. In this white paper, we explore the history and future of acne treatment, with a focus on emerging therapies that may help patients with moderate to severe acne gain and maintain control of their acne.
Pathogenesis of acne
Acne is a complex skin disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that commonly occurs in adolescence and young adulthood. Clinically, acne is characterized by open and closed comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules affecting the face, neck, chest, back, and upper extremities. In moderate-to-severe cases, acne can cause significant scarring.
The major pathogenic factors involved in the development of acne are: