A new topical minocycline 1.5% foam appears effective against moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea, according to two randomised trials.

Results from the two studies have been submitted to the US FDA as part of a new-drug application.

Oral antibiotics, specifically doxycycline and minocycline, are also frequently used but may have gastrointestinal and other side effects.

Researchers from Foamix Pharmaceuticals conducted two identical randomised phase-3 12-week trials, with about 500 participants randomised to receive the active foam (known as FMX103) and some 250 to foam vehicle alone in each trial.