UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network

30/09/2026

Acne-ID study needs more sites and participants
This study is addressing an important question for health professionals and people with acne by investigating the benefits and harms of a reduced daily dose of isotretinoin for acne. It is comparing a low daily dose with the standard dose usually prescribed. Will the low dose be just as effective at clearing acne? The trial will also report on tolerability of side effects, mood changes, quality of life, treatment satisfaction and costs. Please see the study website for more details or email [email protected] . Do get involved if you can:

Welcome to the Acne-ID trial. Acne-ID stands for Acne Isotretinoin Dosing, and is a research study looking at different ways of dosing a tablet drug for severe acne called isotretinoin. You can find out more information by watching our short video or using the navigation tabs on this page.

30/09/2026

The Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Evaluation Study (THESEUS) will provide vital information to answer questions that were identified as priority areas for research by patients with the condition and the doctors and nurses who treat them.

30/09/2026

UK DCTN Fellowships 2026 - Application deadline very soon!
Do you want to learn more about applied dermatology research? The 2026 deadline for our annual dermatology Fellowships is fast approaching - 5 October 2026. These Fellowships include various training courses and direct involvement in research projects around your day job (with the support of your supervisor) over a two year period. This includes the BEES course. Places are open to nurses, GPs, dermatology trainees and portfolio pathway staff. The expected time commitment per year and how to apply details are on our website:

We offer a number of research fellowship awards each year to the medical community. They are open to UK DCTN members based in the UK who are interested in developing their clinical research and appraisal skills.  

30/09/2026

HEALS2 Study recruitment success
This study, looking to see if compression therapy reduces the time it takes for wounds to heal after surgical removal of keratinocyte skin cancer on the lower leg, has successfully recruited 373 participants. This is an impressive achievement by all involved and testament to the hard work and commitment of the HEALS2 delivery teams, including 30 centres, since the study opened back in March 2024. Now follows a six month participant follow up period, then the data analysis - to be completed by June 2027. More details of this study are available on the Leeds Uni research portal:

Skin cancers are common and the number of people who are developing them is increasing. They are usually split into two groups: melanomas are less common but more serious and keratinocyte skin cancers are more common but less serious. Keratinocyte skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body. Most ne...

30/09/2026

Acne-ID study needs more sites and participants
This study is addressing an important question for health professionals, people with acne and the MHRA by investigating the benefits and harms of a reduced daily dose of isotretinoin for acne. It is comparing a low daily dose with the standard dose usually prescribed. Will the low dose be just as effective at clearing acne? The trial will also report on tolerability of side effects, mood changes, quality of life, treatment satisfaction and costs. Please see the study website for more details or email [email protected] . This video also provides further information from the experts, do get involved if you can:

03/09/2026

UK DCTN Fellowships 2026 - Don't forget the deadline!
Do you want to learn more about applied dermatology research? Our Fellowship opportunities are available each year. The 2026 application deadline is fast approaching - 5 October 2026. The Fellowship includes various training courses and direct involvement in research projects around your day job (with the support of your supervisor). This includes the BEES course.
Places are very limited so please see details about the activities involved, expected time commitment and who can apply on our website:

We offer a number of research fellowship awards each year to the medical community. They are open to UK DCTN members based in the UK who are interested in developing their clinical research and appraisal skills.  

03/09/2026

THESEUS II - The newly funded THESEUS II study will look at whether laser hair treatment offers additional benefits to adalimumab for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). This study builds on results from THESEUS I, showing that of the five treatment options provided, laser/light hair treatment came top in terms of patients being eligible and willing to receive treatment.

They aim to recruit 500 people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (who are eligible to receive adalimumab). Half will receive laser/light hair treatment as well, while the other half will have inactive, sham treatment with the energy setting of the laser turned down.

The type of laser/light therapy will depend on the person’s skin tone, so that the study can be as inclusive as possible, and on availability of lasers at each centre. The laser treatment will be provided monthly for 3 months and the overall response to treatment will be assessed 6 months after study entry, and then at 12 and 18 months. For more details contact us: [email protected]

The Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Evaluation Study (THESEUS) will provide vital information to answer questions that were identified as priority areas for research by patients with the condition and the doctors and nurses who treat them.

03/09/2026

It's Eczema Awareness week 12-19 Sept
We are supporting two eczema studies! Please let your colleagues know of these studies to mark Eczema Awareness Week - both recruiting now...

Scratch Less Eczema Study recruiting children aged 8-12 years
The RAPID Eczema Trials programme team need your help in identifying children age 8-12 years with eczema. If interested they will take part in a study investigating the 'itch-scratch' cycle. This study is online, so there is no need to see a healthcare professional to take part. Further details are on the study website https://rapideczematrials.org/scratch-less-study/ and posters for displaying in clinics are available from the study team on [email protected]
https://rapideczematrials.org/scratch-less-study/

Adult Eczema Study BEACON needs additional recruiting sites

BEACON is a platform study which aims to assess the effectiveness, tolerability, and cost-effectiveness of four key treatments for eczema (ciclosporin, methotrexate, dupilumab and abrocitinib). The study team are seeking an additional 3-4 recruiting centres to get on board. If you think your hospital could get involved, please get in touch - Email: [email protected]

If you are over 18 years with eczema, you can register online: https://stjohnsresearch.org/beacon-trial-contact/

Advancing understanding of new therapies for moderate to severe eczema.

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

Eczema UK - Research Priority Setting
Last chance to contribute to the future of eczema research! Please complete this survey if you are a person with eczema, a parent of a child with eczema, or a healthcare professional. Improving treatments for eczema and identifying the causes of eczema, can only be achieved by more research. Take a look at this survey from Eczema UK and contribute your ideas and experiences:

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