Oral Administration of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides in the Treatment of Moderate Forms of Atopic Dermatitis: A New Approach

Proksch E, Schunck M, Zdzieblik D, Oesser S · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology

The first collagen-peptide trial with a hard drug-sparing endpoint rather than a cosmetic one: topical corticosteroid rescue use was 0.94 g against 5.60 g on placebo (p=0.045, d=0.85), with earlier itch relief on the 5-D Pruritus Scale at week 4 and better hydration of lesional skin.

Population

Adults with moderate atopic dermatitis

Intervention

5 g specific bioactive collagen peptides (CURADERM) daily for 12 weeks

Comparator

Placebo

Limitations

Thirty were randomised, 15 per arm, and 27 were analysed per protocol, so the large effect sizes rest on 13 against 14. Skin barrier rather than joint. Part-funded by GELITA AG, which supplied the peptides; Oesser is at the Collagen Research Institute and a co-inventor on collagen-peptide patents; the product is a fourth distinct branded preparation, not VERISOL.