Randomized Study Using SM-030 Gel for Adults With Melasma
Launched by DERMBIONT, INC. · Jun 6, 2024
Trial Information
Current as of June 26, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying a new gel called SM-030, which is being tested to see if it can safely and effectively treat melasma, a skin condition that causes dark patches on the skin. The trial will involve about 138 adults aged 18 to 65 who have moderate to severe melasma. Participants will be divided into three groups: one will receive the stronger version of the gel, another will receive a weaker version, and the last group will receive a placebo (a gel with no active ingredients). The study lasts for 12 weeks, during which participants will apply the gel twice a day and will also have a follow-up period to monitor safety.
To be eligible, participants need to have a clinical diagnosis of melasma that has been stable for at least three months. They should not have changed their birth control method recently and must be willing to stop using other products for skin pigmentation during the study. Participants will also be required to use sunscreen provided by the study and allow digital photos to be taken to track their progress. This trial is currently recruiting participants in Mexico and El Salvador, and it's a great opportunity for individuals looking for new treatment options for melasma.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- • Inclusion Criteria
- Subjects must meet all of the following criteria to be included in the study:
- 1. Subjects must meet all of the following criteria to be included in the study:
- • 2. Male or Female age 18-65 with Fitzpatrick skin type II through V and a clinical diagnosis of Melasma
- 3. Subjects with moderate to severe Melasma using the following guidelines:
- • 1. Stable (unchanged per subject reporting) melasma for at least 3 months 2. Macular lesions, neither depressed nor atrophic 3. Melasma Severity Score of at least 2 (hyperpigmentation at least moderately darker than surrounding normal skin 3. Ability to understand, agree to, and sign the study informed consent form (ICF).
- • 4. For female or childbearing subjects, they must be on an agreeable form of birth control (oral contraceptive therapies, estrogen replacement therapies, other non-oral hormonal therapies, IUDs, be abstinent, or have a vasectomized partner) and who have not added and/or changed the method of birth control in the last 6 months, and have no intention of adjusting or changing the method of birth control 5. Agree to discontinue all agents used to treat hyperpigmentation, aging or exfoliate the skin during the course of the study. Makeup and moisturizers are permitted.
- • 6. Agree not to change their sun exposure at work, home, or leisure and apply study supplied sunscreen daily.
- • 7. Technical ability and willingness to apply Investigational product. 8. Willing to allow digital photos of treatment and comparison areas to be taken and stored.
- • 9. Willing to apply study-supplied mineral sunscreen, moisturizer, and cleanser to the face daily throughout the duration of the study
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Subjects who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded in the study:
- • 1. Positive urine pregnancy test, pregnant, lactating, or female of childbearing potential who does not agree to use an active method of birth control for the duration of the study.
- • 2. Conditions at baseline that would interfere with evaluation of UV-tanned skin, especially other pigmentary disorders including, but not limited to vitiligo affecting the treatment and comparison sites.
- • 3. Severe photodamage as assessed by the 10-point photo damage assessment scale (Griffiths et al., 1992); (McKenzie et al., 2011).
- • 4. Presence of known concomitant diseases associated with the development of hyperpigmentation (e.g., thyroid, liver, adrenal).
- • 5. Current tanning booth exposure or any kind of phototherapy within 3 months of Screening.
- • 6. Current or past use of monobenzyl ether to depigment skin.
- • 7. Use of the following topical preparations within a 28-day washout period: topical corticosteroids, topical bleaching products (hyroquinone, niacinamide, kojic acid, ascorbic acid, chemical peels, topical tranexamic acid (TXA)), UV light therapy and sunbathing, topical retinoids.
- 8. Use of the following systemic agents within the specified washout periods:
- • 1. Systemic corticosteroids (28 days) 2. Systemic cyclosporine, interferon (6 months) 3. Systemic acitretin, etretinate, isotretinoin (6 months) 4. Systemic methotrexate (6 months) 5. Systemic tranexamic acid (TXA) 6. Systemic photoallergic, phototoxic, and or photosensitizing drugs (6 months including psoralens, sulfonamide drugs, tetracycline antibiotics, thiazide diuretics, phenothiazines, coal tar and derivatives, and tricyclic antidepressants, chlorpromazine, benoxaprofen, piroxicam, nalidixic acid, procainamide, phenytoin, antimalarial medications, some cystostatic agents)
- • 9. Laser (ablative or non-ablative), microneedling, PRP, or light-based treatment of the treatment areas within 3 months of Screening.
- • 10. Any dermatological conditions within the designated application area that could interfere with clinical evaluations or any disease state or physical condition which might expose the subject to an unacceptable risk by study participation (neurodermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, atrophy, rosacea, seborrheic dermatits, etc.).
- • 11. Any underlying disease(s) or other dermatological conditions that require the use of exclusionary topical or systemic therapy (see Exclusion criteria 6, 7, and 8).
- • 12. Known high daily exposure to the sun (\>4 hours of sun exposure through work or daily activities) and/or frequent sunbathing/UV tanning.
- • 13. Unwilling to discontinue applying any prescription or over the counter (OTC) topical product creams and ointments, other than makeup and moisturizers, on treatment area(s) at Baseline through their last day of study.
- • 14. Treatment of any type of cancer within 6 months of Screening, with the exception of superficial skin cancers such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma outside of treatment area.
- • 15. Known allergy to any of the Investigational product(s) or any components in the Investigational product(s) or history of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to any of the study preparations as described in the Investigator's Brochure.
- • 16. Unable to meet the study attendance requirements.
- • 17. Any history of psychiatric disease or history of alcohol or drug abuse that would interfere with the ability to comply with the study protocol.
- • 18. Participation in any other trial of an investigational drug or device within 30 days prior to enrollment or participation in a research study concurrent with this study.
About Dermbiont, Inc.
Dermbiont, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for dermatological conditions. With a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs, Dermbiont harnesses cutting-edge research and technology to advance its pipeline of products aimed at improving patient outcomes in skin health. The company's robust development programs are underpinned by a strong team of experts in dermatology and pharmaceuticals, ensuring a thorough and scientifically rigorous approach to clinical trials. Dermbiont is dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape for skin disorders through its commitment to excellence and patient-centered solutions.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Santa Tecla, La Libertad, El Salvador
Santa Tecla, La Libertad, El Salvador, , El Salvador
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Daivd Zepeda, MD
Principal Investigator
Zepeda Dermatologia
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported