Newly Developed Anti-Dandruff Regimen, VB-3222, Delivers Enhanced Sensorial and Effective Therapeutic Benefits Against Moderate Adherent Dandruff.

Background: Uninhibited proliferation of spp., enhanced sebaceous gland activity and individual sensitivity are three prime etiological factors behind dandruff. For many dandruff sufferers, existing anti-dandruff products start yielding unsatisfactory results after a few cycles of use. This observation made us explore the physical and biological environment of the host and exploit the specific type of lipid dependence of spp. for their survival. A shampoo formulation (product code VB-3222) was developed to address the shortcomings of existing therapy.

Purpose: Evaluating efficacy of VB-3222 in comparison to marketed products through  in vitro assays and subsequently demonstrating its advantages in a clinical study.

Methods: VB-3222 was developed with a derivative of medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) and zinc pyrithione and compared against marketed comparators by in vitro time kill assay. Subsequently, VB-3222 shampoo was tested in a 21-day clinical trial on 25 moderate dandruff subjects to evaluate local safety and efficacy.

Results: VB-3222 in all in vitro cases demonstrated significantly better fungicidal activity than its marketed comparators. In the clinical trial, VB-3222 was well tolerated in all subjects and imparted consistent reduction of the ASFS (adherent scalp flaking score) and the pruritus score. At days 7 and 21, 55% and 90% reduction in the ASFS in comparison to treatment initiation and 50% and 95.5% reduction in the pruritus score were observed.

Conclusion: The increased efficacy of VB-3222 over comparator products in vitro, and the dramatic reduction (>90%) in ASFS and pruritis in subjects within 21 days of use with excellent tolerability and sensorial profile, positions VB-3222 as the new generation treatment for adherent dandruff.

Clinical Trial Registration No: CTRI/2018/05/013567.