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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:
  • Participant and/or parent/legal guardian must be able to understand and provide informed consent and assent (if applicable).
  • Male or female participant 6 years of age or older.
  • 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:
  • Have at least 7 cm2 of lesional skin within the upper extremities, lower extremities, and/or trunk. Lesions on the face, neck, hands, feet, 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.
  • Have at least 3% body surface area of AD involvement as indicated by derived total area of involvement score during SCORAD assessment.
  • Have an IGA score of two or greater.
  • Each potential participant who can become pregnant must meet either of the following criteria prior to randomization to be eligible for enrollment as a study participant.
  • Willing to remain abstinent from intercourse that may result in a pregnancy.
  • Willing to use an FDA-approved method of contraception for the duration of study participation. Acceptable methods include the following:
  • Permanent sterilization of partner
  • Long-acting reversible contraceptives (e.g., intrauterine devices or systems, implantable rods, contraceptive injections) when used as directed for at least 7 days prior to Baseline.
  • Short-acting hormonal contraceptives (e.g., oral contraceptive pills, patch, vaginal ring) when used as directed for at least 30 days prior to Baseline
  • Barrier methods (e.g., condoms; diaphragm, sponge, or cervical cap with spermicide)
  • Have obtained negative pregnancy test results during both the Screening and Baseline Visits.

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals who meet any of the following criteria at Screening or Baseline are not eligible for enrollment as study participants:
  • Inability or unwillingness to give written informed consent or comply with study protocol.
  • Has self-reported as pregnant or lactating during the Screening or Baseline Visit, or is pregnant as indicated by a positive pregnancy test result obtained at the Screening or Baseline Visit.
  • Sensitivity to or difficulty tolerating Dove® fragrance-free bar soap, Cetaphil® lotion, alcohol-based cleaners, clobetasol and fluocinonide ointments, triamcinolone ointment, hydrocortisone ointment, glycerol, hydroxyethylcellulose or soy products.
  • Known recalcitrance to topical steroids, including class 1 steroids, within 6 months of the Screening Visit.
  • History of serious life-threatening reaction to tape or adhesives.
  • Known allergy to all antibiotics to which S. hominis A9 is sensitive. These include ampicillin-sulbactam, cefazolin, cefoxitin, clindamycin, daptomycin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, linezolid, minocycline, moxifloxacin, mupirocin, nitrofurantoin, oxacillin, rifampin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and vancomycin.
  • Has a major defect in the epidermal barrier such as open wounds or genodermatoses (e.g., Netherton's syndrome).
  • Is immunocompromised (e.g., Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome) or has an immune system disorder (e.g., autoimmune disease).
  • Has current malignant disease (except non-melanoma skin cancer in an area not affected by treatment).
  • Has a history of psychiatric disease or history of alcohol or drug abuse that, in the opinion of the study investigator, would interfere with the ability to comply with the study protocol.
  • Ongoing participation in another investigational trial or use of investigational drugs within 8 weeks, or five half-lives (if known), whichever is longer, of the Screening Visit.
  • Treatment with non-steroid systemic immunosuppressant within 6 months of the Screening Visit.
  • Treatment with any biologic, including dupilumab, within 16 weeks of the Screening Visit.
  • Treatment with oral or injectable therapy for AD (excluding oral steroids) within five half-lives (if known) or 16 weeks before the Screening Visit, whichever is longer.
  • Treatment with oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin) within 60 days of the Screening Visit.
  • Treatment with allergen immunotherapy within 30 days of Screening Visit.
  • Has close contacts (e.g., spouse, children, or members in the same household) who have severe barrier defects or are immunocompromised.
  • May, in the opinion of the investigator, have difficulty tolerating the medication washout requirements for topical AD treatments, prescription moisturizers, antibiotics, oral steroid therapies, and phototherapy ahead of Baseline.
  • Past or current medical conditions or findings from physical examination or laboratory testing that are not listed above, which, in the opinion of the investigator, may pose additional risks from participation in the study, may interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study requirements or that may impact the quality or interpretation of the data obtained from the study. Individuals who meet any of the following criteria at Baseline are not eligible for enrollment as study participants:
  • Have more than 30% body surface area of AD involvement, as indicated by the derived total area of involvement score during SCORAD assessment.
  • Active bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections, except for onychomycosis and tinea pedis.
  • Any noticeable breaks or cracks in the skin on the target areas of investigational product application, including severely excoriated skin or skin with open or weeping wounds suggestive of an active infection. a. At the investigator's discretion, participants with minor breaks, cracks, or excoriations on body areas not eligible for sampling during the trial may be enrolled, provided there is no evidence of infection and investigational product is not applied to these areas until healed.
  • Use of topical AD treatments - including steroids and calcineurin inhibitors - on the upper extremities (exclusive of the hands), lower extremities (exclusive of the feet), or trunk within seven days of the Baseline Visit.
  • Treatment with prescription moisturizers classified as medical device (e.g., Atopiclair®, MimyX®, Epiceram®, etc.) on the upper extremities (exclusive of the hands), lower extremities (exclusive of the feet), or trunk within seven days of the Baseline Visit.
  • Use of any systemic microbialª within fourteen days of the Baseline Visit, or use of any topical antimicrobial on the upper extremities (exclusive of the hands), lower extremities (exclusive of the feet), or trunk within fourteen days of the Baseline Visit. a. Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics, and antivirals. Certain systemic antivirals that do not exhibit systemic anti-inflammatory effects may be permitted with prior approval from a protocol co-chair).
  • Within the upper extremities (exclusive of the hands), lower extremities (exclusive of the feet), and trunk, use of topical products - prescription or over-the-counter, all formulations - not specified per protocol, within seven days of the Baseline Visit.
  • Use of systemic corticosteroid therapies for any indication within 28 days of the Baseline Visit.
  • Use of systemic corticosteroid therapies for treatment of an asthma exacerbation within 3 months of the Baseline Visit.
  • Require a dose greater than 880 mcg/day of fluticasone propionate or equivalent inhaled corticosteroid to maintain asthma control, at the time of the Baseline Visit.
  • Any phototherapy for skin disease (such as narrow band ultraviolet B \[NBUVB\], ultraviolet B \[UVB\], ultraviolet A1 \[UVA1\], psoralen + UVA \[PUVA\]) or regular use (more than 2 visits per week) of a tanning bed within 28 days of the Baseline Visit.

Where

  • San Diego, California
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • New York, New York
  • Rochester, New York
  • Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Madison, Wisconsin

Collaborators

Atopic Dermatitis Research Network, Rho Federal Systems Division, Inc., PPD, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Related conditions & keywords

Atopic DermatitiseczemaADRNTIME-2microbiomeStaphylococcus hominis

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

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1 of 86 participants interested
1% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

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San Diego

California

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Denver

Colorado

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Chicago

Illinois

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TERMINATED

New York

New York

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New York

New York

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Rochester

New York

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Cincinnati

Ohio

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Madison

Wisconsin

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Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment in San Diego?

Join others in California exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Options in San Diego, California

If you're searching for Atopic Dermatitis treatment in San Diego, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in San Diego, Denver, Chicago and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Atopic Dermatitis. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in California
Now Enrolling
Up to 86 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Atopic Dermatitis?

Potential Benefits

  • ✓Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • ✓Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • ✓Study-related care provided at no cost
  • ✓Contribute to medical research for Atopic Dermatitis

What to Expect

  • →Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • →Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • →Possible compensation for time and travel
  • →You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Atopic Dermatitis Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT06504160. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.