Acne affects far more than just teenagers, with around 85% of people aged 12 to 24 experiencing the condition at some point. Long regarded as a cosmetic issue rather than a health problem, acne has been notoriously difficult to treat. Many current therapies are costly, come with side effects, or fail to provide lasting relief.

That could soon change. Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi is working on a breakthrough acne vaccine that, if successful, could offer long-term protection. According to Popular Mechanics, the treatment is designed to target the bacteria that thrive in clogged pores and trigger painful inflammation.

How the vaccine works

Researchers tested two versions of the vaccine in animal trials: one built from bacterial protein fragments and another using messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells to produce those proteins. When injected into mice, both versions stimulated antibodies that successfully reduced bacterial growth in lab experiments.

The mRNA version proved most effective and has now advanced to human clinical trials. Jean-François Toussaint, Sanofi’s head of vaccine research and development, described the project as “a gift that keeps on giving.” Beyond reducing acne symptoms, he argued, the treatment could benefit society by lowering antibiotic use and helping combat antimicrobial resistance.

The challenge ahead

Despite the scientific promise, researchers acknowledge that public skepticism may be the biggest hurdle. A Gallup survey showed that only 40% of people now consider it very important for parents to vaccinate their children—down sharply from 58% in 2019.

Still, dermatologists remain optimistic. Anjali Mahto of the British Skin Foundation said acceptance will depend on how the vaccine is presented. “These vaccines are not being proposed as part of a national immunization program; they would be optional,” she explained in Nature. “If a vaccine is safe, effective, and offers long-term remission without the need for ongoing medication, many people would welcome it.”

With human trials underway, the world is watching to see whether Sanofi’s acne vaccine could finally mark a turning point in the fight against one of the most widespread skin conditions.