NCT06504160 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Targeted Investigation of Microbiome 2 Treat Atopic Dermatitis (TIME-2)
What this study is about
This is a Phase 1b, randomly assigned, placebo/vehicle-controlled, double-blinded, multi-center trial. It is designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of S. hominis A9 (ShA9) topical application as a treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD). The trial will enroll adults and adolescents with atopic dermatitis who are culture positive for S. aureus colonization.
View original scientific description
This is a Phase 1b, randomized, placebo/vehicle-controlled, double-blinded, multi-center trial. It is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of S. hominis A9 (ShA9) topical application as a treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD). The trial will enroll adults and adolescents with atopic dermatitis who are culture positive for S. aureus colonization.
Interventions
DRUG
ShA9 Topical Gel
The ShA9 topical gel contains phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS), Glycerol, and hydroxyethylcellulose containing lyophilized ShA9 bacteria. The ShA9 bacteria is derived from a healthy donor-derived (allogeneic) commensal Staph species. The gel is manufactured and packaged by University of California San Diego (UCSD). It is applied twice daily to all areas identified as actively lesional during the Baseline Visit, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 14 Visit. If new lesions arise during this time, these areas will also be treated, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 14 Visit.
DRUG
Hydrocortisone Ointment
Participants of all ages will apply hydrocortisone ointment 2.5% alongside the study product in sensitive body areas (e.g., face, neck, intertriginous regions) for the first two weeks of the trial. It is applied twice daily to all areas identified as actively lesional during the Baseline Visit, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 2 Visit. If new lesions arise during this time, these areas will also be treated, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 2 Visit.
DRUG
Clobetasol Ointment
Participants 12 years of age and older will apply clobetasol ointment 0.05% alongside the study product in non-sensitive body areas (e.g., arms, legs, torso) for the first two weeks of the trial. It will be applied twice daily to lesional skin and selected sampling areas from Baseline to Week 2. It is applied twice daily to all areas identified as actively lesional during the Baseline Visit, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 2 Visit. If new lesions arise during this time, these areas will also be treated, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 2 Visit.
DRUG
Fluocinonide Ointment
Participants 12 years of age and older with a past intolerance to clobetasol or who become too sensitive to clobetasol in the initial two-week cotreatment period will apply fluocinonide ointment 0.05% as an alternative. In these cases, fluocinonide ointment 0.05% will be applied alongside the study product in non-sensitive body areas (e.g., arms, legs, torso) for the first two weeks of the trial. It is applied twice daily to all areas identified as actively lesional during the Baseline Visit, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 2 Visit. If new lesions arise during this time, these areas will also be treated, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 2 Visit.
DRUG
Placebo (Vehicle) Topical Gel
The placebo (vehicle) topical gel contains phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS), Glycerol, and hydroxyethylcellulose. The gel is manufactured and packaged by University of California San Diego (UCSD). It is applied twice daily to all areas identified as actively lesional during the Baseline Visit, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 14 Visit. If new lesions arise during this time, these areas will also be treated, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 14 Visit.
DRUG
Triamcinolone Ointment
Participants 6 to 11 years of age will apply triamcinolone ointment 0.025% alongside the study product in non-sensitive body areas (e.g., arms, legs, torso) for the first two weeks of the trial. It is applied twice daily to all areas identified as actively lesional during the Baseline Visit, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 2 Visit. If new lesions arise during this time, these areas will also be treated, regardless of ongoing lesional status, until the Week 2 Visit.
Primary outcome measures
Time to the first Atopic Dermatitis (AD) flare.
Time frame: Week 2 (exclusive) through Week 14 (inclusive)
Time (in days) to the first Atopic Dermatitis (AD) flare, indicated by having an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score that is greater than or equal to 2 and greater than the IGA score determined at Week 2. The IGA score is used to describe the overall appearance of AD lesions on a scale of 0 (clear) to 4 (severe).
Serious and non-serious treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) related or possibly related to study treatment.
Time frame: Baseline through Week 14
The number of serious and non-serious treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) related or possibly related to study treatment. If a participant experiences the same TEAE on multiple occasions, the event will be counted once for each occurrence when reporting the number of TEAEs.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Each individual must meet all of the following criteria at Screening to be eligible for enrollment as a study participant: 1. Must be able to understand and provide informed consent. 2. Male or female participant 12 years of age or older. 3. Meet ADRN Standard Diagnostic Criteria for active AD. Each individual must meet all of the following criteria at Baseline to be eligible for enrollment as a study participant: 4. Have at least 7 cm2 of lesional skin within the upper extremities, lower extremities, and/or trunk. Lesions on the face, neck, palms, soles, and intertriginous areas do not count toward the required area, as samples may not be taken from these areas. The required area may be one contiguous area or may be comprised of multiple areas with a compliant total area. 5. Have at least 3% body surface area of AD involvement as indicated by derived total area of involvement score during SCORAD assessment. 6. Have an IGA score of two or greater. 7. Have obta
Where
- San Diego, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Chicago, Illinois
- New York, New York
- Rochester, New York
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Madison, Wisconsin
Collaborators
Atopic Dermatitis Research Network (ADRN), Rho Federal Systems Division, Inc., PPD, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations