Epidemiology Study - Overview

Acne Study Objective

To determine the prevalence and incidence of acne among individuals in a defined population. This objective outlines the primary aim of the study, which is to establish the frequency of acne within a specific age group and geographic area, while also seeking to understand potential factors contributing to its development. Adjustments can be made in study scope, based on available data, and specific research questions of interest.

Acne Study USP:

• This epidemiological study on acne stands out due to its comprehensive approach in establishing precise prevalence rates, identifying novel risk factors, and exploring geographical variations in a diverse population.

• By integrating advanced imaging techniques with robust statistical analyses, the study aims to provide actionable insights to identify treatment opportunities, target population, and an overview on public health initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of acne related skin problems.

• Through meticulous data collection and rigorous methodology, the study not only contributes to the scientific understanding of acne but also serves as a foundation for future research events and healthcare policymaking in addressing this increasingly prevalent skin-related condition.

Acne related Study Overview:

The study defines acne as an advanced form of skin related inflammatory disorder. The significance of studying acne epidemiology is due to its increasing prevalence in different age populations.

Acne Study Design:

Population: The target population (e.g., individuals of age 15 to 25 and above) and the sampling method (e.g., random sampling from healthcare registries or population databases)

Data Collection: Detail methods for identifying acne cases (e.g., clinical examination, imaging studies) and demographic data (age, sex, ethnicity).

Acne Epidemiological Parameters

• Prevalence: Prevalence rates considered per 1,000 or 10,000 population.

• Incidence: Determine annual incidence rates per 1,000 person-years.

• Risk Factors: Analyze associations between acne and potential risk factors (e.g., age, smoking, genetics).

• Geographical Variations: Compare prevalence or incidence rates across different regions or countries.

Acne Study Summary:

Acne study summarizes the prevalence, incidence, possible risk factors, and geographic variations of the acne worldwide.

Acne Disease Overview:

Acne is a common skin condition which can be considered as an inflammatory disorder of the skin, coming under pilosebaceous unit of diseases, and scientifically known as acne vulgaris, is caused due to clogging of hair follicle in the skin, usually this appears on face but may also appear on back, chest or shoulders.

• Based on severity, acne is classified into mild, moderate, and severe based on severity

• Based on size and depth of penetration, they are classified into Blackheads (open comedones), Whiteheads (closed comedones), Pimples (inflamed closed comedones), Raised, solid bumps (papules), Surface bumps containing pus (pustules), Deeper, firm bumps containing pus (nodules), Larger pockets containing pus (cysts), Sometimes even larger, deeper pockets containing pus (abscesses).

Acne can be treated by various medications including antibiotics, retinoids, contraceptives and other hormonal therapies. There are several key players manufacturing acne medications such as Pfizer Inc., Abbvie, Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Galderma, Mayne Pharma, Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., and GSK PLC among others.

This review discusses key aspects of the prevalence and incidence of acne, It also examines factors known to modify risk, including demographic and environmental influences. Understanding the global epidemiology of acne is essential for effective prevention and management strategies for affected patients.

Acne Demographic and Environmental Risk Factors:

Age and sex: Based on MRFR analysis, prevalence of acne globally was found to be around 20.5%. It is seen highest in adolescent or young adults of 15 to 25 age group, reaching approximately 30% followed by adult in age 25 to 39 years, at 19.3%. Acne can be caused to any age group people, but it is mostly seen causing to teenagers (mostly male) and can continue to appear in adulthood (mostly seen in females). 1.3 times greater prevalence was observed in women compared with men.

Ethnicity: Acne is very commonly diagnosed in Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients and PIH(Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) was reported in about 2/3 of Black women. Asian Patients were found to be more susceptible to skin irritation of topical treatments, cleansers, and other skin care methods with a high predisposition to PIH. Moreover, NCBI published research studies stated that 90.8% patients in Japan were reported with some acne had scars and another study states that 58.2% of 342 patients had PIH.

Risk Factors causing Acne: Hormonal changes, genetics, stress, excessive perspiration, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, iodides, bromides, lithium, and chemicals like dioxins are some of the factors that lead to acne in teenagers. Endocrine disorders like Cushing's syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome also cause acne outbreaks.

Environmental Factors causing Acne: They play important role in etiologies of acne, environmental factors related to acne include dioxins-induced chloracne, coal tar acne, cigarette smoking, and ultraviolet (UV).

Acne Drugs Market Scope

Driver: The growing prevalence of acne worldwide is a key driver of the global acne treatment market's expansion. Acne, affecting individuals of all ages but especially teenagers and young adults, is becoming increasingly common due to factors such as hormonal changes, stress, poor diet, pollution, and genetics.

According to the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), one person in every five people is affected by acne worldwide. Moreover, it is the most common skin disease in the United States and affects 70% of the population. Furthermore, based on a 2024, published study by Pierre Fabre Laboratories, prevalence and incidence of acne was found to be observed as highest in Latin America (23.9%), East Asia (20.2%), Africa (18.5%) and the Middle East (16.1%), and lowest in Europe (9.7%) and Australia (10.8%).

Restraints: Stringent regulatory policies are one of the key factors restraining the growth of the global anti-acne treatment market. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) impose rigorous standards for the approval and commercialization of acne treatment products, including clinical trials, safety assessments, and ingredient testing.

For instance, in July 2021, the FDA threatened to fine Accuitis for failing to report the results of a Phase 2 clinical trial for an acne rosacea treatment to the U.S. government registry. This marks only the second time the agency has taken such action. Despite contacting Accuitis in October, the required data, which is critical for transparency and regulatory compliance, has not been submitted. Acne rosacea, a condition causing pus-filled bumps on the face, primarily affects middle-aged women with fair skin. These extensive procedures can significantly delay the time to market for new therapies, limiting the availability of innovative solutions to consumers. Additionally, regulatory restrictions on certain ingredients—such as antibiotics or retinoids—due to concerns over side effects, misuse, or resistance development further complicate the market landscape.

As a result, manufacturers may face challenges in developing and bringing forward effective treatments, which in turn slows market growth and limits treatment options for individuals suffering from acne.