Study of Reformulated Levulan Kerastick Plus PDT for Actinic Keratosis on Face and Scalp

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phasePhase 3
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-85
SponsorSun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.

About this trial

This Phase 3, randomized, multi-center, evaluator-blind, vehicle-controlled study evaluates the efficacy and safety of reformulated Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid HCl 20%) combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for field-directed treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) on the face or bald scalp. Approximately 160 adult patients with 4-8 mild to moderate AK lesions will be randomized into four treatment arms based on two variables: type of treatment (active drug or vehicle) and incubation time. During the study, up to 2 PDT sessions may be administered depending on the clearance of lesions. The primary endpoint is complete clearance rate (CCR) at Week 12. Secondary endpoints include AK clearance rate (AKCR), partial clearance, change in total lesion count and area, recurrence rate, cosmetic response, and patient satisfaction. Safety assessments include adverse events, local skin reactions, vital signs, and lab tests.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Patient is a male or non-pregnant female aged 18-85 years.

Patient must have 4-8 mild to moderate actinic keratosis (AK) lesions (Olsen grade 1 or 2) in a single treatment area (either face or bald scalp, not both), each ≤1 cm in diameter and spaced at least 1 cm apart. [The treatment area should be approximately 25 cm², excluding sensitive facial regions (eyes, lips, nostrils, ears, mouth)]

Patients must be in good general health, avoid sunbathing or tanning devices, and maintain a consistent skincare routine throughout the study.

Patient is willing to stop using all topical products within the Treatment Area within 8 hours of a scheduled clinic visit with an efficacy evaluation.

Disqualifiers

Presence of Olsen grade 3 AK, untreated or suspicious skin cancers, or significant skin abnormalities (e.g., psoriasis, eczema) in the treatment area.

Active herpes simplex infection or history of ≥2 outbreaks in the treatment area within the past year.

History of cutaneous photosensitization, porphyria, photodermatosis, or hypersensitivity to porphyrins.

Positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test result, hepatitis B surface (HBS) antigen, or hepatitis C virus (HCV) test result

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Reformulated Levulan Kerastick containing aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (ALA HCl), 20%
  • Vehicle containing excipients only (VEH) without active ingredient
  • Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator device, BLU-U® model 4170E

Treatment groups

160 Participants
are divided into 4 treatment groups