Formulation and Profile of FMX101 4% Minocycline Topical Foam for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.

FMX101 4% minocycline is a hydrophobic, topical foam formulation of minocycline recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of non-nodular inflammatory lesions in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. It was developed to harness the anti-inflammatory and antibiotic activity of minocycline while minimizing potentially serious systemic adverse events associated with oral delivery. The composition and profile of this novel treatment have yet to be described. This article discusses the components of the foam-based product and the rationale for their selection. It reviews microbiologic data for FMX101 4% and presents previously unpublished data regarding sebum penetration, minocycline permeation, and disposition into skin structures. The effects of FMX101 4% were compared with those of several commercially available acne preparations to determine how the FMX101 4% formulation affects the physical properties of model human sebum in vitro. The hydrophobic formulation of FMX101 4% was found to lower the melting temperature of model human sebum below that of normal skin temperature, decreasing its viscosity. FMX101 4% achieved high concentrations of minocycline in the sebaceous appendage, while minimizing permeation beyond the dermal layer. Finally, this article summarizes efficacy and safety data for FMX101 4% from three Phase III studies (FX2014-04, FX2014-05, and FX2017-22). FMX101 4% appeared to be safe, effective, and well tolerated for the treatment of non-nodular inflammatory lesions in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. In conclusion, the topical formulation of minocycline in FMX101 4% represents a unique treatment for acne vulgaris and a viable alternative to oral administration.

Topical doxycycline foam 4% for prophylactic management of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor skin toxicity: an exploratory phase 2, randomized, double-blind clinical study.

PURPOSE: Acneiform rash, a common toxicity of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs), can cause patient discomfort, warranting changes in treatment. This study investigated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a novel doxycycline foam, FDX104 4%, for managing EGFRI-related skin toxicity. METHODS: This was an exploratory phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects had metastatic colorectal cancer and were being treated with either cetuximab or panitumumab plus chemotherapy. Treatment (twice-daily topical FDX104 4% on one side of the face and vehicle foam on the other for 5 weeks) was initiated 7 ± 3 days prior to EGFRI therapy. Rash severity, safety, and tolerability were evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks after EGFRI start. RESULTS: The mean maximal rash grade was lower with FDX104 4% vs vehicle, and fewer subjects developed moderate-to-severe (grades 2-3) rash. On the Global Severity Score scale, a statistically significant difference favored FDX104 4% over vehicle (P = .047). Adverse events (AEs) (n = 68) occurred in 20 subjects; most were mild or moderate. The most common AEs were oral mucositis, nausea, and vomiting, common to chemotherapy and EGFRI treatment. Study-drug-related AEs were experienced by five subjects and consisted of mild, local skin reactions. No study-drug-related systemic side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Twice-daily, topical administration of FDX104 4% as an adjunct to either cetuximab or panitumumab was safe and well tolerated, and appeared to prevent the onset of rash, especially severe rash. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: Trial Registration NCT02239731.

A Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Study Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of a Topical Minocycline Foam, FMX103, for the Treatment of Facial Papulopustular Rosacea.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to demonstrate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a minocycline foam, FMX103, in the treatment of moderate-to-severe facial papulopustular rosacea. METHODS: This was a phase II, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study. Healthy subjects aged ≥ 18 years with moderate-to-severe rosacea that had been diagnosed ≥ 6 months previously and with ≥ 12 inflammatory facial lesions were randomized (1:1:1) to receive once-daily 1.5% FMX103, 3% FMX103, or vehicle for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the absolute change in inflammatory lesion count at week 12. Other assessments included grade 2 or higher Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) improvement, IGA "clear" or "almost clear" (IGA 0/1), clinical erythema, and safety/tolerability. Safety and efficacy were evaluated at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12, with a safety follow-up at week 16. RESULTS: A total of 232 subjects were randomized; 213 completed the study. At week 12, inflammatory lesion count reduction was significantly greater for the 1.5 and 3% FMX103 doses than for vehicle (21.1 and 19.1 vs. 7.8, respectively; both p < 0.001). Both doses were significantly better than vehicle for achieving grade 2 or higher IGA improvement and assessment of "clear" or "almost clear." Both doses appeared generally safe and well tolerated. In total, 11 (4.7%) subjects reported treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs); all but one (eye discharge) were dermal related, and all resolved by study end. No treatment-related systemic TEAEs were reported. Four subjects discontinued the study because of TEAEs (3% FMX103, n = 3; vehicle, n = 1). CONCLUSION: Topical minocycline foam, FMX103, appeared to be an effective, safe, and well tolerated treatment for moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea. These results support further investigation in larger clinical trials. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02601963.

Topical Minocycline Foam for the Treatment of Impetigo in Children: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 2 Study.

BACKGROUND: Currently available treatment options for impetigo are limited by either systemic side effects (for oral therapy) or lack of ease of use (for topical ointment). A novel foam formulation of minocycline for topical use may improve convenience and treatment utilization for pediatric patients with impetigo. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topically applied minocycline foam (FMX-102 1% and 4%) in the treatment of impetigo and to determine the optimal therapeutic active ingredient concentration. METHODS: In this randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, comparative clinical trial, 32 subjects aged ≥2 years with a clinical diagnosis of pure impetigo, impetigo contagiosa, or uncomplicated blistering impetigo were randomized to treatment with FMX-102 1% or 4%, twice daily for 7 days. Subjects were followed for up to 7 days post-treatment. RESULTS: Clinical cure, defined as ≥80% cured lesions (fully recovered lesions, visually determined by investigators), was achieved by 57.1% and 50.0% of FMX-102 1% and 4% subjects, respectively, at the end of treatment (visit 3). Clinical success, defined as the absence of lesions, or the drying or improvement of treated lesions (decrease in size of affected area, lesion number, or both), was demonstrated in 81.3% and 78.6% of FMX-102 1% and 4% subjects, respectively, following 3 days of treatment (visit 2), in 92.3% and 100% of the respective subjects at the end of treatment, and in 100% in both groups at follow-up (visit 4). Bacteriologic success rates at the end of treatment, defined as complete pathogen eradication, were 85% and 74% in the FMX-102 1% and 4% groups, respectively. The bacteriologic success rate for MRSA infections was 100% (11/11), with no recurrences. Both FMX-102 1% and 4% were considered well tolerated and safe. CONCLUSION: Topical minocycline foam may be a safe and effective new treatment option for impetigo in children, including those with MRSA.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(10):1238-1243.