A Prospective Multicenter Study of Laser-Activated Gold Microparticles for Treating Patients Using Concomitant Topical Retinoids for Mild-to-Moderate Inflammatory Acne
ACNE RESEARCH
Jill Waibel, MD; Emmy Graber, MD; Ted Lain, MD, MBA; Aron Gewirtzman, MD; Christina Feser, MD; and William Werschler, MD
Published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Volume 22, Issue 11, pages 1088–1094 (2023)
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
This prospective multicenter study evaluated laser-activated gold microparticles used with a 1,064 nm laser for patients with mild-to-moderate inflammatory facial acne. Seventy-five participants between 12 and 45 years of age were enrolled. Participants used a topical retinoid before receiving three gold microparticle and laser treatments, followed by clinical evaluations for up to 12 months.
KEY FINDINGS
Seventy-five participants were enrolled, and the study’s completion group included 52 participants.
At 12 months, the average inflammatory acne lesion count was 68% lower than at the beginning of treatment.
Eighty-six percent of evaluated participants achieved at least a 40% reduction in inflammatory lesions.
Seventy-five percent achieved at least a 60% reduction in inflammatory lesions.
The percentage of participants assessed as having clear or almost-clear skin increased from 7% at the beginning of treatment to 59% at 12 months.
Physicians rated 86% of evaluated participants as having moderate or greater improvement.
Ninety percent of surveyed participants reported that they would undergo the treatment again.
Treatment discomfort averaged approximately 3.2 to 3.4 on a 10-point scale.
Reported adverse events were generally mild or moderate; one transient mild blister was considered possibly related to the laser procedure.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The findings suggest that laser-activated gold microparticles used with a 1,064 nm laser may provide another treatment option for appropriately selected patients with inflammatory acne, including patients already using topical acne products. However, this study did not include a randomized comparison or untreated control group, and enrolled participants had Fitzpatrick skin types I through III. The results should therefore be interpreted within the study’s design and patient population, and they do not guarantee an individual treatment outcome.
PUBLICATION DETAILS
Journal: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
Year: 2023
Volume: 22
Issue: 11
Pages: 1088–1094
DOI: 10.36849/JDD.7744
Study design: Prospective multicenter study
Funding and disclosure: The study was sponsored by Sebacia, Inc. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.
This research summary is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The publication includes both approved indications and investigational applications. Treatment selection, settings, risks, recovery, and expected outcomes vary by patient and should be determined by a qualified medical professional following an individual evaluation.