- Final patient visit marks key milestone for Biofrontera, with top-line results expected Q1 2026
- Company plans FDA discussion in Q3 2026 to advance Phase 3 program and potential label expansion
- More than 50 million people affected by acne in US each year, with market valued at $5.7 billion in 2024
WOBURN, Mass., Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biofrontera Inc. (Nasdaq: BFRI) ("Biofrontera" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of photodynamic therapy (PDT), today announced that the final patient in its Phase 2b clinical trial evaluating Ameluz® (aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride) for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris (AV) completed participation on August 22, 2025.
Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition characterized by inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions that frequently lead to permanent scarring. Beyond the physical burden, AV often has a significant psychological impact, including reduced self-esteem and depression.
Current U.S. guidelines recommend a range of treatment options for AV, including topical agents, systemic antibiotics, hormonal therapies, isotretinoin and physical treatments. However, many of these options carry limitations such as serious side effects, teratogenic risks, the need for continuous daily dosing, or-particularly with antibiotics-growing concerns about resistance. As a result, there remains a critical unmet need for alternative treatment options.
Biofrontera's Phase 2b trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study comparing Ameluz® with vehicle gel for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris using red-light Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Following application of one tube of Ameluz® or vehicle gel to the entire face, participants were incubated for either 1 or 3 hours before illumination with the BF-RhodoLED® lamp. Up to 3 PDT sessions were performed at monthly intervals and participants were followed up for an additional 2 months after receiving the last PDT.
"We are thrilled to achieve this important milestone in our clinical program", said Dr Hermann Luebbert, CEO and Chairman of Biofrontera Inc. "It brings us a significant step closer to potentially offering a new, effective and much needed treatment option for patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris. This trial represents meaningful progress in expanding the indications for Ameluz® and reinforces our commitment to advancing PDT."
Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, FAAD, the coordinating investigator of the study and Medical Director of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology and Platinum Dermatology Partners, expressed optimism about its potential impact "Ameluz® PDT has demonstrated meaningful benefits in other dermatologic conditions, and we believe it will become an important option for patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Many of these patients continue to rely on regimens that carry significant treatment burdens including cost, adverse effects and the necessity for prolonged treatments. Expanding the use of Ameluz® to treat acne would be a valuable advancement for both physicians and patients. We look forward to the study results with great anticipation."
Biofrontera expects to receive top-line data in Q1 2026. Pending positive results, the Company intends to present the findings to the U.S. Food Drug Administration (FDA) in early Q3 2026 as the basis for a future Phase III program, with the goal of achieving approval for Ameluz® PDT for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
About Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting an estimated 50 million people each year¹. Although often associated with adolescence, it persists into adulthood, impacting approximately 40% of adults². The condition ranges from mild blackheads and whiteheads to severe inflammatory forms such as nodules and cysts, which can cause permanent scarring and have profound effects on mental health and self-esteem³. Current U.S. guidelines recommend topical therapies, oral antibiotics, and isotretinoin for moderate to severe acne4. However, these treatments are frequently limited by significant systemic side effects, driving demand for safer and more effective alternatives. The U.S. acne treatment market, valued at $5.7 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a 5.3% CAGR, reflects this unmet need5. More than 55% of spending is currently directed to oral antibiotics and isotretinoin6, underscoring the reliance on systemic therapies and the opportunity for novel treatment approaches.
About Biofrontera Inc.
Biofrontera Inc. is a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development and treatment of dermatological conditions with a focus on PDT. The Company commercializes the drug-device combination Ameluz® with the RhodoLED® lamp series for PDT of AK, pre-cancerous skin lesions which may progress to invasive skin cancers. The Company performs clinical trials to extend the use of the products to treat non-melanoma skin cancers and moderate to severe acne. For more information, visit www.biofrontera-us.com and follow Biofrontera on LinkedIn and X.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Biofrontera's commercial opportunities and the commercial success of its licensed products. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Nevertheless, actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements we make. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include, but are not limited to: the uncertainties inherent in the initiation and conduct of clinical trials; availability and timing of data from clinical trials; whether results of earlier clinical trials or trials of Ameluz® in combination with BF-RhodoLED and/or RhodoLED XL in different disease indications or product applications will be indicative of the results of ongoing or future trials; uncertainties associated with regulatory review of clinical trials and applications for marketing approvals; the impact of any extraordinary external events; any changes in the Company's relationship with its licensors; the ability of the Company's licensors to fulfill their obligations to the Company in a timely manner; the Company's ability to achieve and sustain profitability; whether the current global disruptions in supply chains will impact the Company's ability to obtain and distribute its licensed products; changes in the practices of healthcare providers, including any changes to the coverage, reimbursement and pricing for procedures using the Company's licensed products; whether the market opportunity for Ameluz® in combination with BF- RhodoLED and/or RhodoLED XL is consistent with the Company's expectations; the Company's ability to retain and hire key personnel; the sufficiency of cash resources and need for additional financing; and other factors that may be disclosed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which can be obtained on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management's current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. The Company does not plan to update any such forward-looking statements and expressly disclaims any duty to update the information contained in this press release except as required by law.
Contacts:
Investor Relations
Andrew Barwicki
1-516-662-9461
ir@bfri.com
References:
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne: Overview. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne
- Collier CN et al. "The prevalence of acne in adults 20 years and older." J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;58(1):56-59.
- Tan JK, Bhate K. "A global perspective on the epidemiology of acne." Br J Dermatol. 2015;172 Suppl 1:3-12.
- Zaenglein AL et al. "Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris." J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.e33.
- Fortune Business Insights. Acne Treatment Market Size, Share & Trends Report, 2024-2032. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/acne-treatment-market-102596
- IQVIA Institute Report, U.S. Dermatology Market Analysis, 2023
