Titled "Bacteriocine of the Human Microbiota to Cure Acne and Relieve the Use of Antibiotics", the research is driven by Javier Jiménez i Josep Clotet, Department of Basic Sciences; and Ramon Grimalt, dermatologist and lecturer at the Department of Medicine. The main objective of the project is to develop a natural treatment for acne that will significantly reduce the use of antibiotics to deal with this pathology.

Specifically, “we have identified a bacterium present on the skin of people who have not suffered acne that shows inhibitory effects on the bacteria responsible for this pathology,” the researchers explain. “This discovery could mean an innovative and non-adverse alternative to antibiotics, widely used in the treatment of acne. This would considerably reduce their use, allowing them to be used exclusively for the treatment of serious diseases and, therefore, advantageous to the current serious problem of antibiotic resistance,” they added.

For now, the team of researchers has managed to isolate the bacterial strain and confirm its safety for human cells. “The next step in our project is to incorporate this beneficial bacteria into a cosmetic cream that facilitates its facial application, offering a safe and effective treatment,” the researchers detail.

With this initiative, UIC Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to biomedical research and the development of solutions that contribute to improving people’s health in a sustainable and innovative way.

The UIC Barcelona Open Innovation | UICInnovació 2023 call is intended to finance projects for the valorisation of research results and has the participation of Banco Santander.

Image: © jcomp_Freepik