AcnePhase 1/2NCT06316297
Study to Evaluate Safety, Efficacy and Immunogenicity of Acne mRNA Vaccine in Adults With Moderate to Severe Acne
A Phase 1/2 study testing Acne mRNA vaccine in people with Acne, run by Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi Company at 94 sites in 4 countries.
Trial summary
The purpose of the trial is to evaluate the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of up to 3 intramuscular injections of the Acne mRNA vaccine candidate at up to four dose levels in adult participants aged 18 to 45 years with moderate to severe acne. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Acne
- What is being tested?
- Acne mRNA vaccine
- Type of treatment
- Vaccines, Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 800 participants
- Where
- 94 sitesin 4 countries
- Study dates
- 5 Apr 2024to 30 Nov 2028
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants who are overtly healthy as determined by medical evaluation including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests as judged by the investigator
- Clinical diagnosis of moderate or severe facial acne vulgaris with Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of Moderate or Severe (grade 3 or grade 4 on the 5-grade IGA scale) and ≥ 25 non-inflammatory lesions (ie, open and closed comedones) and ≥ 20 inflammatory lesions (ie, papules and pustules) and ≤ 2 nodulocystic lesions (ie, nodules and cysts)
Who cannot join
- Participants are excluded from the study if any of the following criteria apply:
- Known or suspected congenital or acquired immunodeficiency; or receipt of immunosuppressive therapy, such as anti-cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy, within 6 months prior to the first study intervention administration; or long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy (prednisone or equivalent for more than 2 consecutive weeks within the past 3 months)
- Known systemic hypersensitivity to any of the study intervention components; history of a life-threatening reaction to the study interventions used in the study or to a product containing any of the same substances; any allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) after administration of mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine
- Active nodulocystic acne, acne conglobate, acne fulminans, secondary acne (eg, chloracne, drug-induced acne) or other forms of acne (eg, acne mechanica)
- Use of any acne-affecting treatment without an appropriate washout period
- Receipt of any vaccine (other than the study vaccine) in the 4 weeks preceding any study intervention administration or planned receipt of any vaccine (other than the study vaccine) in the 4 weeks following any study intervention administration
Show all 10Show fewer
- Previous vaccination against C. acnes with an investigational vaccine
- Receipt of immune globulins, blood or blood-derived products in the past 3 months
- Self-reported or documented seropositivity for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus.
- The above information is not intended to contain all considerations relevant to a participant's potential participation in a clinical trial.
Trial locations and contacts
94 sites in 4 countries. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Trial Transparency email recommended (Toll free for US & Canada) contact
94 sites in 4 countries
United States79 sites, 79 recruiting
- Recruiting
Michigan Institute of Research- Site Number : 8400092
Allen Park, Michigan, 48101
- Recruiting
Accellacare - McFarland Clinic- Site Number : 8400045
Ames, Iowa, 50010
- Recruiting
Louisiana Dermatology Associates- Site Number : 8400043
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70809
- Recruiting
Inquest Clinical Research - Baytown - West Baker Road- Site Number : 8400115
Baytown, Texas, 77521
- Recruiting
Cope Family Medicine - Ogden Clinic- Site Number : 8400112
Bountiful, Utah, 84010
- Recruiting
Equity Medical - Bowling Green- Site Number : 8400093
Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42104
- Recruiting
Encore Medical Research of Boynton Beach- Site Number : 8400116
Boynton Beach, Florida, 33436
- Recruiting
MetroBoston Clinical Partners - Brighton- Site Number : 8400008
Brighton, Massachusetts, 02135
- Recruiting
Best Skin Research - Camp Hill- Site Number : 8400017
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, 17011
- Recruiting
DFW Clinical Trials- Site Number : 8400057
Carrollton, Texas, 75010
- Recruiting
Private Practice - Dr. Francisco Badar- Site Number : 8400067
Cerritos, California, 90703
- Recruiting
MetroMed Clinical Trials- Site Number : 8400054
Chicago, Illinois, 60614
- Recruiting
Driven Research- Site Number : 8400135
Coral Gables, Florida, 33134
- Recruiting
HealthMed Clinical Center- Site Number : 8400071
Coral Gables, Florida, 33134
- Recruiting
Universal Medical Research - Coral Gables- Site Number : 8400081
Coral Gables, Florida, 33134
- Recruiting
Genomics Medical Research- Site Number : 8400120
Cutler Bay, Florida, 33157
- Recruiting
Modern Research Associates- Site Number : 8400094
Dallas, Texas, 75231
- Recruiting
Vida Clinical Studies - Dearborn Heights- Site Number : 8400074
Dearborn Heights, Michigan, 48127
- Recruiting
Accel Research Sites - NeuroStudies- Site Number : 8400134
Decatur, Georgia, 30030
- Recruiting
Encino Research Center- Site Number : 8400033
Encino, California, 91436
- Recruiting
Direct Helpers Research Center- Site Number : 8400118
Hialeah, Florida, 33012
- Recruiting
Zenith Clinical Research- Site Number : 8400127
Hollywood, Florida, 33021
- Recruiting
Encore Medical Research - Hollywood- Site Number : 8400122
Hollywood, Florida, 33024
- Recruiting
Universal Medical and Research Center- Site Number : 8400079
Homestead, Florida, 33030
- Recruiting
Center for Clinical Studies - Houston - Binz Street- Site Number : 8400002
Houston, Texas, 77004
- Recruiting
Dawes Fretzin Clinical Research- Site Number : 8400022
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46256
- Recruiting
Encore Research Group-Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research- Site Number : 8400006
Jacksonville, Florida, 32216
- Recruiting
Lone Star Clinical Research - Katy- Site Number : 8400049
Katy, Texas, 77450
- Recruiting
Paradigm Clinical Research Centers- Site Number : 8400064
La Mesa, California, 91942
- Recruiting
K2 Medical Research - The Villages - Northeast 138th Lane- Site Number : 8400063
Lady Lake, Florida, 32159
- Recruiting
Sunwise Clinical Research- Site Number : 8400108
Lafayette, California, 94549
- Recruiting
Chemidox Clinical Trials- Site Number : 8400075
Lancaster, California, 93534
- Recruiting
Las Vegas Clinical Trials- Site Number : 8400056
Las Vegas, Nevada, 89030
- Recruiting
Alpine Research Association- Site Number : 8400050
Layton, Utah, 84041
- Recruiting
Kaiser Permanente - Los Angeles Medical Center- Site Number : 8400058
Los Angeles, California, 90027
- Recruiting
LA Universal Research Center- Site Number : 8400059
Los Angeles, California, 90057
- Recruiting
Alliance Clinical - West Hills- Site Number : 8400131
Los Angeles, California, 91307
- Recruiting
The Education & Research Foundation- Site Number : 8400036
Lynchburg, Virginia, 24501
- Recruiting
Kuchnir Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery- Site Number : 8400096
Marlborough, Massachusetts, 01752
- Recruiting
Clinical Trials Management - Metairie- Site Number : 8400072
Metairie, Louisiana, 70006
- Recruiting
Dr. Manuel J Hernandez Clinical Research and Associates, Inc.- Site Number : 8400106
Miami, Florida, 33126
- Recruiting
SouthCoast Research Center- Site Number : 8400114
Miami, Florida, 33136
- Recruiting
Advanced Medical Research Institute - Miami- Site Number : 8400100
Miami, Florida, 33174
- Recruiting
Health and Life Research Institute- Site Number : 8400070
Miami, Florida, 33176
- Recruiting
WellQuest Clinical- Site Number : 8400082
Miami, Florida, 33176
- Recruiting
Clinical Research Institute - Minneapolis- Site Number : 8400080
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55402
- Recruiting
Boeson Research - Missoula- Site Number : 8400069
Missoula, Montana, 59804
- Recruiting
Delricht Research - Mt Pleasant Dermatology- Site Number : 8400047
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464
- Recruiting
DelRicht Research - New Orleans 308- Site Number : 8400013
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70115
- Recruiting
Carbon Health - North Hollywood - NoHo West- Site Number : 8400076
North Hollywood, California, 91606
- Recruiting
Northridge Clinical Trials - Northridge- Site Number : 8400053
Northridge, California, 91325
- Recruiting
AMR Chicago- Site Number : 8400019
Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523
- Recruiting
Renstar Medical Research - Ocala - Northeast 1st Avenue- Site Number : 8400021
Ocala, Florida, 34470
- Recruiting
Profound Research - Dermatologist Medical Group of North County- Site Number : 8400099
Oceanside, California, 92056
- Recruiting
Lynn Institute of Oklahoma City- Site Number : 8400004
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73112
- Recruiting
Cura Clinical Research - Oxnard- Site Number : 8400062
Oxnard, California, 93030
- Recruiting
Amicis Research Center, LLC- Site Number : 8400110
Palmdale, California, 93551
- Recruiting
Leading Edge Dermatology- Site Number : 8400077
Plantation, Florida, 33317
- Recruiting
Empire Clinical Research - Pomona- Site Number : 8400055
Pomona, California, 91767
- Recruiting
Nuline Clinical Trial Center- Site Number : 8400060
Pompano Beach, Florida, 33060
- Recruiting
DelRicht Research - Lockhart Matter Dermatology & Aesthetic Center- Site Number : 8400046
Prosper, Texas, 75078
- Recruiting
Private Practice - Dr. Lawrence J. Green- Site Number : 8400024
Rockville, Maryland, 20850
- Recruiting
Peninsula Research Associates- Site Number : 8400102
Rolling Hills Estates, California, 90274
- Recruiting
MediSearch Clinical Trials- Site Number : 8400035
Saint Joseph, Missouri, 64506
- Recruiting
CenExel JRB - Salth Lake City- Site Number : 8400128
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84107
- Recruiting
Artemis Institute for Clinical Research - San Diego - Washington Street- Site Number : 8400103
San Diego, California, 92103
- Recruiting
California Research Foundation- Site Number : 8400095
San Diego, California, 92123
- Recruiting
NorthBay Clinical Research- Site Number : 8400066
Santa Rosa, California, 95405
- Recruiting
Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery- Site Number : 8400111
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260
- Recruiting
Seattle Clinical Research Center- Site Number : 8400038
Seattle, Washington, 98104
- Recruiting
NorthShore University Health System - Endeavor Health Medical Group - Skokie - Woods Drive- Site Number : 8400031
Skokie, Illinois, 60077
- Recruiting
DelRicht Research - Thompson's Station- Site Number : 8400041
Smyrna, Tennessee, 37167
- Recruiting
Springville Dermatology - Springville- Site Number : 8400113
Springville, Utah, 84663
- Recruiting
D&H Tamarac Research Center- Site Number : 8400121
Tamarac, Florida, 33321
- Recruiting
TrueBlue Clinical Research- Site Number : 8400016
Tampa, Florida, 33609
- Recruiting
Optimum Clinical Trial Group- Site Number : 8400125
Tampa, Florida, 33612
- Recruiting
CenExel FCR Tampa- Site Number : 8400130
Tampa, Florida, 33613
- Recruiting
The Iowa Clinic West Des Moines Campus- Site Number : 8400084
West Des Moines, Iowa, 50266
- Recruiting
Trial Management Associates - Wilmington - Floral Parkway- Site Number : 8400104
Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403
Australia8 sites, 8 recruiting
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 0360007
Carlton, Victoria, 3053
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 0360008
Kotara, New South Wales, 2289
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 0360002
Melbourne, Victoria, 3004
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 0360009
Melbourne, Victoria, 3124
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 0360001
Phillip, Australian Capital Territory, 2606
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 0360003
Sydney, New South Wales, 2010
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 0360006
Waitara, New South Wales, 2077
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 0360005
Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102
Canada6 sites, 6 recruiting
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 1240001
Barrie, Ontario, L4M 7G1
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 1240006
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3S9
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 1240009
Montreal, Quebec, H1Y 3L1
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 1240007
Québec, Quebec, G1W 4R4
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 1240008
Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1G 1X9
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 1240004
Toronto, Ontario, M4E 1R7
Puerto Rico1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Investigational Site Number : 6300002
San Juan, 00909
About this study
Official title: A Phase I/II, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Multi-arm, Dose-finding Study to Evaluate the Safety, Efficacy and Immunogenicity of an Acne mRNA Vaccine Candidate in Adults With Moderate to Severe Acne 18 to 45 Years of Age
The purpose of the trial is to evaluate the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of up to 3 intramuscular injections of the Acne mRNA vaccine candidate at up to four dose levels in adult participants aged 18 to 45 years with moderate to severe acne.
This trial will consist of a Core Study followed by an optional Long-Term Extension (LTE).
Read more
The Core Study will consist of:
- Two cohorts evaluating the 2-administration regimen (Cohorts A): Sentinel Cohort A and Main Cohort A.
- Two cohorts evaluating the 3-administration regimen (Cohorts B): Sentinel Cohort B and Main Cohort B.
Participants from Sentinel Cohorts A and B and from Main Cohort A will be invited to an additional 30-month follow up after completing their last planned Core Study visit to assess the long-term effects of the vaccine. Participants from Main Cohort B will be invited to another LTE study managed through a separate protocol.
Read the detailed description
Acne vulgaris (acne) is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin disease, especially in adolescents and young adults. Acne is estimated to affect 231 million people worldwide, therefore being one of the most prevalent diseases globally. Acne is also one of the top causes of years lived with disability and nonfatal disease burden. Despite being one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, the mainstays of acne treatment have remained largely unchanged over the past 30 years. To date there is still no safe and effective treatment that can prevent and cure this disease.
The aim of this first-in-human (FIH), Phase I/II trial is to evaluate the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of the Acne mRNA vaccine candidate at four different dose levels in adults aged 18 to 45 years with moderate to severe acne. The results of this FIH and proof of concept study will allow selection of the vaccine dose level to be used in Phase III pivotal efficacy trial(s) and to generate preliminary data to further select the vaccine regimen.
- Conditions
- Acne
- Being tested
- Acne mRNA vaccine, Placebo
- Medical subject headings
- Acne Vulgaris
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Acne mRNA vaccineBiological
Pharmaceutical form: Liquid suspension for injection Route of administration: intramuscular
PlaceboOther
Pharmaceutical form: Liquid solution for injection Route of administration: intramuscular
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sentinel Cohort A - Experimental | Experimental | Two administrations of the Acne mRNA vaccine will be injected in three increasing doses Receives: Biological: Acne mRNA vaccine |
| Sentinel Cohort A - Placebo | Placebo comparator | Two administrations of placebo will be injected Receives: Other: Placebo |
| Sentinel Cohort B - Experimental | Experimental | Three administrations of the Acne mRNA vaccine will be injected in two increasing doses Receives: Biological: Acne mRNA vaccine |
| Sentinel Cohort B - Placebo | Placebo comparator | Three administrations of placebo will be injected Receives: Other: Placebo |
| Main Cohort A - Experimental | Experimental | Two administrations of the Acne mRNA vaccine will be injected in three increasing doses Receives: Biological: Acne mRNA vaccine |
| Main Cohort A - Placebo | Placebo comparator | Two administrations of placebo will be injected Receives: Other: Placebo |
| Main Cohort B - Experimental | Experimental | Three administrations of the Acne mRNA vaccine will be injected in two increasing doses Receives: Biological: Acne mRNA vaccine |
| Main Cohort B - Placebo | Placebo comparator | Three administrations of placebo will be injected Receives: Other: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with unsolicited systemic AEs
Presence of unsolicited systemic adverse events (AEs) reported
Measured: 30 minutes after each administration
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with solicited injection site and systemic reactions
Presence of solicited injection site and systemic reactions (ie, pre-listed in the participant diary [PDi] and in the case report form [CRF])
Measured: Up to 7 days after each administration
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with unsolicited AEs
Measured: Up to 28 days after each administration
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with MAAEs
Presence of medically attended adverse events (MAAEs)
Measured: Up to 6 months after each administration
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with SAEs
Presence of all serious adverse events (SAEs)
Measured: Up to 6 months after each administration
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with AESIs
Presence of AEs of special interest (AESIs)
Measured: Up to 6 months after each administration
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with out-of-range biological test results (including shift from baseline values)
Measured: Through 7 days after administration (Day 8)
Core Study - Main Cohort A: Percentage change from baseline (Day 1) in the number of inflammatory acne lesions on face
Measured: At 2 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohort A: Percentage change from baseline (Day 1) in the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions on face
Measured: At 2 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohort B: Percentage change from baseline (Day 1) in the total number of acne lesions on face at
Measured: At 2 months post last administration
Long-Term Extension - Sentinel Cohorts A, B and Main Cohort: Number of participants with SAEs and AESIs
Presence of all serious adverse events (SAEs) and adverse events of special interest (AESIs)
Measured: Up to 38 or 40 months after first administration
Secondary outcomes (12)
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A, B and Main Cohorts A and B: Assessment of accine-antigen-specific serum antibody titers
Measured: From baseline (Day 1) to 6 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohort B: Absolute change from baseline (Day 1) in the total number of inflammatory acne lesions on face
Measured: At 1 month post first administration until 9 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Percentage change from baseline (Day 1) in the number of inflammatory acne lesions on face
Measured: At 1 month post first administration until 6 or 9 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Absolute change from baseline (Day 1) in the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions on face
Measured: At 1 month post first administration until 6 or 9 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Absolute change from baseline in IGA score
Measured: At 1 month post first administration until 6 or 9 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with unsolicited systemic AEs
Presence of unsolicited systemic adverse events (AEs) reported
Measured: 30 minutes after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with solicited injection site and systemic reactions
Presence of solicited injection site and systemic reactions (ie, pre-listed in the participant diary [PDi] and in the case report form [CRF])
Measured: Up to 7 days after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with unsolicited AEs
Measured: Up to 28 days after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with MAAEs
Presence of medically attended adverse events (MAAEs)
Measured: Up to 6 or 9 months after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with SAEs
Presence of all serious adverse events (SAEs)
Measured: Up to 6 or 9 months after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with AESIs
Presence of AEs of special interest (AESIs)
Measured: Up to 6 or 9 months after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with out-of-range biological test results (including shift from baseline values)
Measured: Up to 7 days after each administration
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Mar 2024
- Study start5 Apr 2024
- Primary completion30 Nov 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Nov 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for AcneStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi CompanyThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Sequential
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 800 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi Company
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06316297
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- VBE00001
- Other IDs
- U1111-1295-3154, 2025-521740-38, 2025
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 12 Mar 2024
- Last updated
- 21 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Qualified researchers may request access to patient level data and related study documents including the clinical study report, study protocol with any amendments, blank case report form, statistical analysis plan, and dataset specifications. Patient level data will be anonymized and study documents will be redacted to protect the privacy of trial participants. Further details on Sanofi's data sharing criteria, eligible studies, and process for requesting access can be found at: https://vivli.org
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Phase I/II, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Multi-arm, Dose-finding Study to Evaluate the Safety, Efficacy and Immunogenicity of an Acne mRNA Vaccine Candidate in Adults With Moderate to Severe Acne 18 to 45 Years of Age
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06316297
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- VBE00001
- Conditions
- Acne
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 800 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi CompanyIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- 5 Apr 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Nov 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Nov 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 18 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of the trial is to evaluate the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of up to 3 intramuscular injections of the Acne mRNA vaccine candidate at up to four dose levels in adult participants aged 18 to 45 years with moderate to severe acne.
This trial will consist of a Core Study followed by an optional Long-Term Extension (LTE).
The Core Study will consist of:
- Two cohorts evaluating the 2-administration regimen (Cohorts A): Sentinel Cohort A and Main Cohort A.
- Two cohorts evaluating the 3-administration regimen (Cohorts B): Sentinel Cohort B and Main Cohort B.
Participants from Sentinel Cohorts A and B and from Main Cohort A will be invited to an additional 30-month follow up after completing their last planned Core Study visit to assess the long-term effects of the vaccine. Participants from Main Cohort B will be invited to another LTE study managed through a separate protocol.
Detailed description
Acne vulgaris (acne) is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin disease, especially in adolescents and young adults. Acne is estimated to affect 231 million people worldwide, therefore being one of the most prevalent diseases globally. Acne is also one of the top causes of years lived with disability and nonfatal disease burden. Despite being one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, the mainstays of acne treatment have remained largely unchanged over the past 30 years. To date there is still no safe and effective treatment that can prevent and cure this disease.
The aim of this first-in-human (FIH), Phase I/II trial is to evaluate the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of the Acne mRNA vaccine candidate at four different dose levels in adults aged 18 to 45 years with moderate to severe acne. The results of this FIH and proof of concept study will allow selection of the vaccine dose level to be used in Phase III pivotal efficacy trial(s) and to generate preliminary data to further select the vaccine regimen.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Sequential
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 8
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sentinel Cohort A - Experimental | Experimental | Biological: Acne mRNA vaccineTwo administrations of the Acne mRNA vaccine will be injected in three increasing doses |
| Sentinel Cohort A - Placebo | Placebo comparator | Other: PlaceboTwo administrations of placebo will be injected |
| Sentinel Cohort B - Experimental | Experimental | Biological: Acne mRNA vaccineThree administrations of the Acne mRNA vaccine will be injected in two increasing doses |
| Sentinel Cohort B - Placebo | Placebo comparator | Other: PlaceboThree administrations of placebo will be injected |
| Main Cohort A - Experimental | Experimental | Biological: Acne mRNA vaccineTwo administrations of the Acne mRNA vaccine will be injected in three increasing doses |
| Main Cohort A - Placebo | Placebo comparator | Other: PlaceboTwo administrations of placebo will be injected |
| Main Cohort B - Experimental | Experimental | Biological: Acne mRNA vaccineThree administrations of the Acne mRNA vaccine will be injected in two increasing doses |
| Main Cohort B - Placebo | Placebo comparator | Other: PlaceboThree administrations of placebo will be injected |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Participants who are overtly healthy as determined by medical evaluation including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests as judged by the investigator
- Clinical diagnosis of moderate or severe facial acne vulgaris with Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of Moderate or Severe (grade 3 or grade 4 on the 5-grade IGA scale) and ≥ 25 non-inflammatory lesions (ie, open and closed comedones) and ≥ 20 inflammatory lesions (ie, papules and pustules) and ≤ 2 nodulocystic lesions (ie, nodules and cysts)
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Known or suspected congenital or acquired immunodeficiency; or receipt of immunosuppressive therapy, such as anti-cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy, within 6 months prior to the first study intervention administration; or long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy (prednisone or equivalent for more than 2 consecutive weeks within the past 3 months)
- Known systemic hypersensitivity to any of the study intervention components; history of a life-threatening reaction to the study interventions used in the study or to a product containing any of the same substances; any allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) after administration of mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine
- Active nodulocystic acne, acne conglobate, acne fulminans, secondary acne (eg, chloracne, drug-induced acne) or other forms of acne (eg, acne mechanica)
- Use of any acne-affecting treatment without an appropriate washout period
- Receipt of any vaccine (other than the study vaccine) in the 4 weeks preceding any study intervention administration or planned receipt of any vaccine (other than the study vaccine) in the 4 weeks following any study intervention administration
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Acne mRNA vaccinePharmaceutical form: Liquid suspension for injection Route of administration: intramuscular | Biological | Main Cohort A - Experimental, Main Cohort B - Experimental, Sentinel Cohort A - Experimental, Sentinel Cohort B - Experimental |
| PlaceboPharmaceutical form: Liquid solution for injection Route of administration: intramuscular | Other | Main Cohort A - Placebo, Main Cohort B - Placebo, Sentinel Cohort A - Placebo, Sentinel Cohort B - Placebo |
Primary outcome
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with unsolicited systemic AEs
Time frame: 30 minutes after each administration
Presence of unsolicited systemic adverse events (AEs) reported
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with solicited injection site and systemic reactions
Time frame: Up to 7 days after each administration
Presence of solicited injection site and systemic reactions (ie, pre-listed in the participant diary [PDi] and in the case report form [CRF])
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with unsolicited AEs
Time frame: Up to 28 days after each administration
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with MAAEs
Time frame: Up to 6 months after each administration
Presence of medically attended adverse events (MAAEs)
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with SAEs
Time frame: Up to 6 months after each administration
Presence of all serious adverse events (SAEs)
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with AESIs
Time frame: Up to 6 months after each administration
Presence of AEs of special interest (AESIs)
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with out-of-range biological test results (including shift from baseline values)
Time frame: Through 7 days after administration (Day 8)
Core Study - Main Cohort A: Percentage change from baseline (Day 1) in the number of inflammatory acne lesions on face
Time frame: At 2 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohort A: Percentage change from baseline (Day 1) in the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions on face
Time frame: At 2 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohort B: Percentage change from baseline (Day 1) in the total number of acne lesions on face at
Time frame: At 2 months post last administration
Long-Term Extension - Sentinel Cohorts A, B and Main Cohort: Number of participants with SAEs and AESIs
Time frame: Up to 38 or 40 months after first administration
Presence of all serious adverse events (SAEs) and adverse events of special interest (AESIs)
12 secondary outcomes
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A, B and Main Cohorts A and B: Assessment of accine-antigen-specific serum antibody titers
Time frame: From baseline (Day 1) to 6 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohort B: Absolute change from baseline (Day 1) in the total number of inflammatory acne lesions on face
Time frame: At 1 month post first administration until 9 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Percentage change from baseline (Day 1) in the number of inflammatory acne lesions on face
Time frame: At 1 month post first administration until 6 or 9 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Absolute change from baseline (Day 1) in the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions on face
Time frame: At 1 month post first administration until 6 or 9 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Absolute change from baseline in IGA score
Time frame: At 1 month post first administration until 6 or 9 months post last administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with unsolicited systemic AEs
Time frame: 30 minutes after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with solicited injection site and systemic reactions
Time frame: Up to 7 days after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with unsolicited AEs
Time frame: Up to 28 days after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with MAAEs
Time frame: Up to 6 or 9 months after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with SAEs
Time frame: Up to 6 or 9 months after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with AESIs
Time frame: Up to 6 or 9 months after each administration
Core Study - Main Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with out-of-range biological test results (including shift from baseline values)
Time frame: Up to 7 days after each administration
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Aug 2026.
- VBE00001 Plain Language Results SummaryLink provided by the sponsor.
- For EU sites click here and navigate to 'Locations and contact points'Link provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Qualified researchers may request access to patient level data and related study documents including the clinical study report, study protocol with any amendments, blank case report form, statistical analysis plan, and dataset specifications. Patient level data will be anonymized and study documents will be redacted to protect the privacy of trial participants. Further details on Sanofi's data sharing criteria, eligible studies, and process for requesting access can be found at: https://vivli.org
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Trial Transparency email recommended (Toll free for US & Canada) contact
94 sites in 4 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 1/2 study testing Acne mRNA vaccine in people with Acne, run by Sanofi Pasteur, a Sanofi Company at 94 sites in 4 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 94 sites in United States, Australia, Canada, Puerto Rico. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this combined phase mean?
Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Trial Transparency email recommended (Toll free for US & Canada) (800-633-1610 ext. option 6, contact-us@sanofi.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Core Study - Sentinel Cohorts A and B: Number of participants with unsolicited systemic AEs (time frame: 30 minutes after each administration). The study lists 11 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Aug 2026.