Researchers from the University of South Australia have unveiled a new acne treatment that uses tiny nanoparticles to deliver medicine directly to affected skin. The study and its findings were published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, highlighting a novel approach in dermatology research.
Acne affects about 9.4 percent of people worldwide. It is a condition involving hair follicles and sebaceous glands that can be stubborn and challenging to treat, especially in moderate to severe cases. The research team focused on creating a gel suitable for topical use, designed to act where inflammation is most pronounced and to minimize disruption to healthy skin.
The experimental drug is named Narasin. It incorporates antibacterial compounds packed inside nanosized carriers to enhance skin penetration. Although Narasin is traditionally used as an antibiotic for bacterial infections in livestock, this investigation marks its first application in addressing human acne. The scientists adjusted the formulation to ensure the nanocarriers release their antibacterial payload swiftly and effectively into the skin layers where bacteria trigger inflammation.
Tests used pig ear skin as a model to assess how well the nanoparticles could cross the skin barrier. Results showed a dramatic improvement in penetration: antibacterial compounds reached deeper skin layers at rates up to one hundred times higher than when they were delivered in water. This enhanced delivery translated into a noticeable reduction in the severity of acne, including forms that resist common antibiotics.
The researchers noted that while many acne treatments rely on oral medications, these can carry a high risk of systemic side effects. By concentrating the therapeutic action locally on the skin, Narasin has the potential to improve topical treatment outcomes and the overall quality of life for people dealing with acne, particularly those who struggle with persistence or antibiotic resistance.
In the broader context of acne management, this advancement represents a promising direction for combining precision delivery with existing antibacterial strategies. The goal is to provide effective, targeted relief while reducing exposure to systemic therapies and their side effects. As further studies progress, clinicians may gain another powerful option to tailor treatment to individual patient needs and acne subtypes, potentially changing the standard of care for skin inflammation linked to bacterial activity.
Past assessments of acne remedies have explored various topical and oral regimens, but the quest for safer, more efficient solutions continues. The Narasin project contributes to this ongoing effort by testing a delivery method that maximizes local action while minimizing unnecessary systemic exposure.