Scientists at an Oxfordshire biotech firm have made a breakthrough in the treatment of acne.
Experts at Summit, based at Milton Park, near Didcot, have developed a new drug which has been found to cut the production of sebum, a fatty substance produced by glands in the skin. Excessive production of sebum is a primary cause of acne.
Clinical trials of the drug, known as SMT D002, revealed that sebum production was reduced by 90 per cent among 18 healthy volunteers.
It is estimated there are 54 million acne sufferers in the developed world with about eight million of those resistant to common treatments.
Bosses now plan to develop the drug in cream form and are looking for a partner to ensure it reaches the market.
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