New trial testing topical cream to treat common skin condition in children

SAHMRI’s Clinical Trials Platform has been selected as a clinical trial site for a new Phase 2 clinical study investigating whether a topical therapy can safely and effectively treat molluscum contagiosum, a common viral skin infection that mostly affects young children.

The study is evaluating Zabalafin hydrogel, a botanical-based topical gel that has shown antiviral, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity in early studies.

There are currently no approved medicines for molluscum contagiosum in Australia, leaving families to rely on painful or invasive procedures such as freezing or curettage, or waiting for the lesions to resolve naturally over many months.

SAHMRI will be actively participating in this international clinical trial, ensuring high quality data collection and participant safety throughout the study.

SAHMRI Clinical Trials Platform Senior Manager, Emma Heath, says the trial addresses a clear and long recognised gap in available treatment options.

“Families often struggle with molluscum because it can be uncomfortable, highly visible and very slow to resolve. With no approved therapies in Australia, parents are left with limited choices and that can cause a lot of stress,” Emma Heath said.

“This study is designed to rigorously test whether a simple twice daily topical gel can safely accelerate clearance of lesions in children. If successful, it has the potential to offer a gentler and more practical alternative to current procedural treatments.”

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus and spreads easily through close contact. While the infection is benign, it can take more than a year to clear and may spread to other children in the household. The trial will assess change in lesion count, time to clearance and overall skin response, alongside safety outcomes.

Emma Heath says SAHMRI’s role is to ensure the study is delivered to the highest standards so that families, clinicians and regulators can have confidence in the evidence.

“Clinical trials like this are how we move from possibility to proof. Our team works closely with the trial Sponsors, other clinical trial sites and families so we can generate the robust data needed to understand whether this treatment should progress to later phase testing,” she said.

Recruitment will occur at several Australian sites, with participation requiring approximately 18 weeks of involvement for eligible children aged 6 months to 13 years old.