Individuals with eczema experience imbalances in the microbiome and are deficient in certain skin lipids. Researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) demonstrated that commensal bacterium Roseomonas mucosa can help restore lipids.

R. mucosa-based topical interventions could simplify or complement current eczema management, when used in consultation with an individual’s healthcare provider, according to the researchers.

Scientists led by Ian Myles, M.D., M.P.H., chief of the LCIM Epithelial Research Unit, found specific strains of R. mucosa reduced eczema-related skin inflammation and enhanced the skin’s natural barrier function in both adults and children. To arrive at this finding, Dr. Myles and colleagues spearheaded a spectrum of translational research on R. mucosa. They isolated and cultured R. mucosa in the laboratory, conducted preclinical and clinical studies, and made the bacteria available for commercial, non-therapeutic development.

The R. mucosa-based probiotic released this week is formulated by Skinesa.

The availability of an R. mucosa-based probiotic is the result of seven years of scientific discovery and research in NIAID’s Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), say the parties involved in the discovery.

Clinical Studies

In Phase 1/2 open-label and Phase 2 blinded, placebo-controlled clinical studies, most people experienced greater than 75% improvement in eczema severity following application of R. mucosa. Improvement was seen on all treated skin sites, including the inner elbows, inner knees, hands, trunk and neck. The researchers also observed improvement in skin barrier function. Additionally, most participants needed fewer corticosteroids to manage their eczema, experienced less itching, and reported a better quality of life following R. mucosa therapy. These benefits persisted after treatment ended: therapeutic R. mucosa strains remained on the skin for up to eight months in study participants who were observed for that duration.

Further Study of R. mucosa

To expand the potential use of R. mucosa, NIAID will conduct an additional clinical trial to generate further evidence on its efficacy in reducing eczema symptoms. Those data could form the basis of an application to the Food and Drug Administration to enable the product to be regulated as a nonprescription drug and made accessible to a broader population of people with eczema. Study results are expected in 2024.