HT-003D

HT-003D is an investigational topical combination therapy being developed by Hoth Therapeutics for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Licensed from George Washington University, the formulation is a fixed-dose combination of the biguanide metformin and the retinoid tretinoin. The therapeutic rationale for HT-003D is to provide a synergistic effect by addressing multiple pathways in acne pathogenesis: tretinoin acts as a comedolytic agent by promoting follicular epithelial cell turnover, while metformin is intended to reduce sebum production and cutaneous inflammation. Metformin's mechanism in this context is hypothesized to involve the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the subsequent inhibition of the mTOR pathway, which are key drivers of sebocyte proliferation and lipogenesis. By combining these two agents, HT-003D aims to achieve superior clinical efficacy compared to retinoid monotherapy while potentially improving the safety and tolerability profile. As of late 2023, the program is in the IND-enabling stage of development.

Other names

metformin + tretinoin