This is a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive, multicenter superiority study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new concentration of the fixed-dose combination EF190 in women with moderate acne vulgaris after six treatment cycles. Eligible participants will be randomized into a controlled, double-blind treatment period, receiving either the experimental drug or placebo, along with standard skin care, for six 28-day cycles.
Throughout the study, each participant must attend at least five (05) in-person clinic visits at the research center. At the screening visit (VS/V1), the participant will sign the Informed Consent Form (ICF) and the Assent Form (AF), undergo eligibility assessment, and have blood drawn. At the randomization visit (VR/V2), eligibility will be confirmed, baseline acne data (lesions and score) will be recorded, randomization (2:1 for treatment/placebo) will occur, and the study medication will be dispensed. The first dose (Day 1) will be administered on the 28th day post-menstruation. Subsequent visits (V3-V5/VF) will take place on day 15 (±3) of each cycle. The final visit (V5/VF) will assess the study's primary endpoint.
In addition to in-person visits, participants will have three (3) phone contacts, scheduled between clinic visits during cycles 2, 4, and 5. These calls aim to reinforce treatment adherence, collect information on adverse events and concomitant medications, assess discontinuation criteria, and remind participants about the use of study-permitted contraceptive methods.
Furthermore, a subgroup of participants will be selected for exploratory evaluations. These participants will complete acne control questionnaires, undergo ovarian activity assessments, have photographic documentation for acne evaluation, and receive specified laboratory and ultrasound tests as per the protocol and ICF/AF.