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Topical Timolol Eye Drops vs Intense Pulsed Light for Post-Acne Erythema

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Study Aim

This early phase 1 study aims to compare the effectiveness of topical Timolol eye drops and intense pulsed light therapy in reducing the severity and number of post-acne erythema lesions on the face.

What is being tested

Timolol 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution

+ Intense Pulsed Light

DrugDevice
Who is being recruted

Acne Vulgaris+6

+ Erythema

+ Sebaceous Gland Diseases

Over 12 Years
+10 Eligibility Criteria
See all eligibility criteria
How is the trial designed

Other Study

Early Phase 1
Interventional
Study Start: March 2026
See protocol details

Summary

Principal SponsorPham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine
Study ContactPham Duc Vu
Last updated: March 17, 2026
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Study start date: March 9, 2026

Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.

Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is a common condition that can occur after acne vulgaris, causing red marks on the skin due to widened blood vessels. While current treatments like intense pulsed light (IPL) can help, they can be expensive and need special equipment. This study focuses on a different approach, using a medication called Timolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker. Timolol has been shown to narrow blood vessels and has been used in dermatology for conditions related to blood vessels. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a 0.5% Timolol eye drop solution in improving redness left by acne and to compare it with intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. This research could provide evidence for a more cost-effective and accessible treatment option for managing redness after acne. During this study, participants will use either the Timolol eye drops or undergo IPL therapy. The changes in the severity of redness will be assessed using standard clinical evaluation and objective measurement tools over a specified treatment period. The severity of redness will be measured using the Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) scale, which ranges from 0 (clear) to 4 (severe redness). Additionally, the number of red marks on the face will be counted by a dermatologist during clinical examinations.

Official TitleEfficacy of 0.5% Topical Timolol Eye Drops in the Treatment of Post-Inflammatory Erythema Following Acne Vulgaris: A Comparative Study With Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Principal SponsorPham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine
Study ContactPham Duc Vu
Last updated: March 17, 2026
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Protocol

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.
Design Details

60 patients to be enrolled

Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.

Other Study

Some studies explore topics that don't fall into a specific category. These might include innovative research, new technologies, or emerging healthcare areas.



Eligibility

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.
Conditions
Criteria

Any sex

Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.

Over 12 Years

Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.

Healthy volunteers not allowed

If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.

Conditions

Pathology

Acne VulgarisErythemaSebaceous Gland DiseasesSigns and SymptomsSkin DiseasesSkin ManifestationsPathological Conditions, Signs and SymptomsSkin and Connective Tissue DiseasesAcneiform Eruptions

Criteria

3 inclusion criteria required to participate
Age >= 12 years with a history of acne vulgaris

Clinically diagnosed with post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) secondary to acne vulgaris

Willing and able to provide informed consent (or assent with parental/guardian consent if under 18 years of age)

7 exclusion criteria prevent from participating
Refusal to participate or inability to comply with study procedures (examinations, treatment, follow-up visits), or loss to follow-up

Presence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) at the study site that may interfere with accurate assessment of erythema

Presence of other dermatologic conditions affecting the treatment area (e.g., atopic dermatitis, rosacea, lupus erythematosus)

Known hypersensitivity or adverse reaction to timolol or other beta-adrenergic receptor blockers

Show More Criteria

Study Plan

Find out more about all the medication administered in this study, their detailed description and what they involve.
Treatment Groups
Study Objectives

2 intervention groups are designated in this study

This study does not include a placebo group 

Treatment Groups

Group I

Experimental

Group II

Active Comparator

Study Objectives

Primary Objectives

Secondary Objectives

Study Centers

These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.

This study has 1 location

Suspended

Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology

Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamOpen Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology in Google Maps
Recruiting soonOne Study Center