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Doxycycline (Oracea)
Doxycycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, and at sub-antimicrobial doses in Oracea formulation, it reduces matrix metalloproteinase activity to decrease inflammation.
Doxycycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, and at sub-antimicrobial doses in Oracea formulation, it reduces matrix metalloproteinase activity to decrease inflammation. Used for Rosacea (inflammatory lesions).
At a glance
| Generic name | Doxycycline (Oracea) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | LEO Pharma |
| Drug class | Tetracycline antibiotic (anti-inflammatory formulation) |
| Target | Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs); 30S ribosomal subunit |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Oracea is a low-dose doxycycline formulation (40 mg daily) designed to provide anti-inflammatory benefits without antimicrobial effects. At sub-antimicrobial concentrations, doxycycline inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and reduces inflammatory cytokine production, making it useful for inflammatory skin conditions. This mechanism is distinct from the high-dose antimicrobial use of doxycycline.
Approved indications
- Rosacea (inflammatory lesions)
Common side effects
- Photosensitivity
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Esophageal irritation
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Doxycycline Use in Post-Operative Seromas (PHASE2)
- A Study of Doxycycline to Treat Chlamydial Infection (PHASE4)
- A Pilot of Pediatric/Adult Study of Gene Expression Profiling and Clinical Characterization of Phototoxicity (PHASE1)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Anti-inflammation Treatment (Hirudoid Introduction Followed by Yellow Light Therapy) Combined With Tofacitinib and Doxycycline in Chinese Adult Patients With Mild to Moderate Erythematous Telangiectatic Rosacea (NA)
- Doxycycline and Progestin Therapy for Chronic Endometritis(CE) in Patients With Recurrent Reproductive Failure(RRF) (NA)
- FuKe Qianjin Capsule Plus Antibiotics for Chronic Endometritis (PHASE4)
- Testing a Novel Combination Treatment (Arm D) Versus Standard of Care for Intensive Phase Treatment for Mycobacterium Abscessus Pulmonary Disease in People With or Without Cystic Fibrosis in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacterium Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Adaptive Platform Trial (PHASE2)
- Doxycycline for the Prevention of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Doxycycline (Oracea) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Doxycycline (Oracea) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- LEO Pharma portfolio CI