metformin + salicylic acid

Metformin + salicylic acid refers to a therapeutic regimen being evaluated by Assiut University for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. This approach, studied in a split-face clinical trial (NCT05536193), compares the efficacy of a topical metformin emulgel against salicylic acid peeling. Metformin, traditionally an oral antihyperglycemic, is formulated as a topical emulgel to suppress mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) activity, which is thought to reduce IGF-1-mediated lipogenesis and inflammatory cytokine production in the skin. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that acts as a keratolytic agent, softening the stratum corneum and providing anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the arachidonic acid cascade. This dual-mechanism strategy targets both the inflammatory and comedonal aspects of acne pathophysiology.

Other names

Topical Metformin Emulgel and salicylic acid2-hydroxybenzoic acid