Microneedle patch is a new concept of transdermal drug delivery system in which drugs are encapsulated in a biodegradable polymeric microstructure. It is designed to dissolve after skin penetration and release the encapsulated drugs into the body. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of microneedle patch which contains anti-bacterial/anti-inflammatory ingredients against Propionibacterium acnes for the treatment of acne. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 38 subjects aged 19-32 years old were randomly assigned to apply either a microneedle patch or placebo without microneedle structure once a day for 2 weeks. The microneedle patch group (n = 19) showed a significant reduction in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions at week 3, compared to placebo group (n = 19). Investigative Global Assessment (IGA) showed improvement of acne in both microneedle patch and placebo groups. No adverse events were observed during the trial. In conclusion, microneedle patch can be an effective modality for the treatment of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Efficacy and safety of anti-bacterial/anti-inflammatory microneedle patch for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized,  double-blind study