Scientists are testing and working on a new vaccine that could one day offer a breakthrough in treating acne, a common skin condition affecting nearly 95% of individuals between the ages of 11 and 30. If successful, it would be the first vaccine developed specifically to fight acne.
Acne occurs when pores and hair follicles become clogged, leading to pimples, most often seen on the face, back, chest, and upper arms. The condition is influenced by hormone fluctuations, medications, genetics, and a skin bacterium called Cutibacterium acnes. While most treatments focus on managing symptoms, they rarely address the root cause.
Pharmaceutical company Sanofi is currently leading a Phase I/II clinical trial of a vaccine for adults with moderate to severe facial acne. The trial began in April 2024 and will run through 2027, and aims to enroll 400 participants aged 18 to 45. Participants are selected based on the number of visible pimples on their face.
During the trial, some individuals will receive one of three vaccine doses through up to three injections. Others will receive a placebo—an inactive shot with no therapeutic effect. This comparison will help researchers measure the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
Sanofi is testing a groundbreaking vaccine for acne, affecting 95% of individuals aged 11-30. This Phase I/II trial, recruiting 400 adults, aims to provide a new cure, potentially reshaping acne treatment and addressing long-term side effects of current therapies. pic.twitter.com/iFSxHswOm7
— Nyra Kraal (@NyraKraal) April 25, 2025
Sanofi has not publicly explained how the vaccine works. However, trial records indicate it uses mRNA technology, which delivers genetic instructions into the body’s cells to stimulate an immune response. In this case, the vaccine likely targets proteins produced by C. acnes bacteria to strengthen the body’s defense against strains linked to acne flare-ups.
Current acne treatments vary widely and include antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal medications like birth control pills. These treatments target oil production, bacterial growth, and inflammation. While often effective, they typically require long-term use and come with side effects, including skin dryness, mood changes, and, in the case of antibiotics, risking bacterial resistance.
Researchers see a strong need for new approaches because these treatments do not cure acne and can be difficult to tolerate. Sanofi says a vaccine could reshape the way acne is treated, potentially offering a longer-lasting solution with fewer risks.
Sanofi plans to share trial results once data collection is complete, likely after 2027. However, even with positive early findings, it could be years before the vaccine is approved for public use. Developing a vaccine typically takes around a decade and includes several rounds of testing, starting in laboratories and progressing to large-scale human trials.
Sanofi is also preparing a separate clinical trial to begin in 2027, focusing on people with milder forms of acne. In the meantime, researchers continue to watch closely, hopeful that the experimental shot could change the future of acne care.
