SMT D002: Acne (seborrhoea)

Seborrhoea (excess sebum production) is one of the main causes of acne and seborrhoeic dermatitis. 

SMT D002 successfully completed two Phase I trials in healthy volunteers. In the first a single oral administration of the drug was shown to cause a 70% reduction in sebum production.  A second trial with repeat dosing in 18 healthy volunteers showed SMT D002 suppressed levels of sebum production by up to 90%.  Future plans for this programme are to find a suitable commercial partner to help develop this programme.

Acne represents a major opportunity for SMT D002 with the acne market valued at $2 billion per year.  Acne is currently treated with a variety of topical agents before patients with stubborn forms acne are moved on to oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives and finally isotretinoin.

In May 2009, Summit entered into a co-development agreement with Orient Pharma for SMT D002 (read press release).