Mebendazole
| 證據等級: L5 | 預測適應症: 1 個 |
目錄
Mebendazole: From Parasitic Infections to Acne
One-Sentence Summary
Mebendazole is a benzimidazole-class antiparasitic agent classically used to treat intestinal helminthic infections such as roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm, and pinworm. The TxGNN model predicts it may be effective for Acne (disease), with 0 clinical trials and 1 publication currently supporting this direction — and the sole publication does not directly support the hypothesis.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Antiparasitic (helminthic infections); no Philippines registration on file |
| Predicted New Indication | Acne (disease) |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 99.20% |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| Philippines Market Status | ✗ Not Marketed |
| Number of Registrations | 0 |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Currently, detailed mechanism of action data is not available in this evidence pack. Based on established pharmacology, Mebendazole works by inhibiting β-tubulin polymerization in parasitic cells, disrupting microtubule assembly and thereby blocking cell division and glucose uptake in helminths. This mechanism is highly targeted to eukaryotic parasites and is not known to affect mammalian cells at therapeutic doses.
Acne pathophysiology involves three distinct processes: colonisation by Cutibacterium acnes, excessive sebaceous gland secretion driven by androgens, and follicular inflammation mediated by innate immune pathways. None of these directly intersect with Mebendazole’s tubulin-targeting mechanism. While some benzimidazole compounds have been noted to carry weak anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, no mechanistic hypothesis or preclinical data currently supports an anti-acne effect for Mebendazole specifically.
The high TxGNN score (99.20%) most likely reflects indirect network connectivity within the knowledge graph rather than a biologically grounded repurposing signal. Until a plausible mechanistic link is established — such as demonstrated antimicrobial activity against C. acnes or sebum-modulating effects — this prediction should be treated as a computational artefact requiring experimental validation.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Currently no related clinical trials registered.
Literature Evidence
| PMID | Year | Type | Journal | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7072899 | 1982 | Case Report | Am J Trop Med Hyg | First Southern Hemisphere case of human proliferative sparganosis presenting with acne-like nodular/papular skin lesions — describes acne-like appearance as a symptom of parasitic infection, not a study of Mebendazole for acne treatment |
Important caveat: This publication describes acne-like lesions as a clinical manifestation of sparganosis (a helminthic disease), not evidence that Mebendazole treats acne. The relevance to the repurposing hypothesis is effectively zero.
Philippines Market Information
Mebendazole is currently not registered with the FDA Philippines. No product authorizations, dosage forms, or approved indications are on file.
Safety Considerations
Please refer to the package insert for safety information.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: There are zero registered clinical trials and no directly relevant literature supporting Mebendazole for acne; moreover, no biologically plausible mechanism linking tubulin inhibition to acne pathogenesis has been established.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- Preclinical evidence (in vitro minimum) demonstrating Mebendazole activity against Cutibacterium acnes or a sebum-regulatory / anti-inflammatory effect relevant to acne
- Mechanistic hypothesis grounding the TxGNN prediction in known biology (e.g., tubulin expression in sebocytes, benzimidazole anti-inflammatory pathway)
- Complete safety profile: Philippines-registered prescribing information, contraindications, and key warnings
- Drug–drug interaction data, particularly for topical combination regimens commonly used in acne management
- If preclinical signals emerge, a Phase 1/2 proof-of-concept trial in mild-to-moderate acne would be the minimum required before any repurposing claim can be made
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.