Kane Biotech Inc. has secured approval from the Internal Review Board (IRB) of the University of Miami Health System (UHealth) to launch a clinical study evaluating its prototype DispersinB® Acne Cleanser for treating mild to moderate Acne Vulgaris.
The upcoming trial, titled "Split-face efficacy and tolerability of DispersinB® Acne Cleanser in the treatment of mild to moderate Acne Vulgaris," will be conducted at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Expected to commence by mid-2025, the study will enroll up to 24 subjects and will be hosted at the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, a globally recognized center for skin disorders and conditions.
"We are thrilled to receive approval from UHealth's IRB to move forward with our trial for DispersinB® in the treatment of acne," said Marc Edwards, President & CEO of Kane Biotech. "DispersinB® represents a groundbreaking approach to tackling acne, and we believe it has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for millions of people struggling with this condition. This approval marks an important milestone as we continue advancing our mission to bring innovative, science-driven dermatological solutions to market."
The Biofilm Approach to Acne Treatment
Kane Biotech specializes in technologies that prevent and remove microbial biofilms, which are structured communities of bacteria embedded in a self-produced protective matrix. The company's approach to acne treatment targets these biofilms, which play a significant role in the pathogenesis of acne.
Acne Vulgaris affects approximately 50 million Americans annually, making it the most common skin condition in the United States. Conventional treatments include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and in severe cases, oral medications such as isotretinoin. However, issues with efficacy, side effects, and antibiotic resistance have created a need for novel treatment approaches.
DispersinB® works by breaking down the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that form the structural scaffold of bacterial biofilms. By disrupting this protective environment, the technology may enhance the elimination of acne-causing bacteria and potentially improve treatment outcomes.
Study Design and Significance
The split-face design of the trial will allow researchers to directly compare the efficacy and tolerability of the DispersinB® Acne Cleanser against a control on the same subject, minimizing variables that could affect results. This methodology is particularly valuable for dermatological studies as it controls for individual differences in skin type, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental exposures.
The trial represents a significant step forward in Kane Biotech's dermatological portfolio. The company has developed a range of biofilm-targeting technologies and holds 66 patents and patents pending, along with trade secrets and trademarks. Their product lineup includes DispersinB®, coactiv+™, coactiv+®, DermaKB™, DermaKB Biofilm™, and revyve™.
About the Research Partners
The University of Miami Health System brings considerable expertise to this collaboration. UHealth is the region's only academic-based healthcare system, powered by the Miller School of Medicine's research and medical education programs. With nearly 40 outpatient facilities, a flagship hospital in Miami's Health District, and more than 2,700 providers across South Florida, UHealth offers comprehensive clinical resources for conducting dermatological research.
The Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at UHealth is particularly well-positioned to conduct this trial, given its global reputation in skin disorder treatment and research.
Kane Biotech Inc. is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "KNE" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "KNBIF." The company focuses on developing technologies that address biofilm-related conditions, with applications spanning dermatology, oral health, animal health, and industrial settings.
If successful, the DispersinB® Acne Cleanser could represent a significant advancement in acne treatment, particularly for patients who have not responded well to conventional therapies or who experience side effects from current treatment options.
