Effect of an orally administered arotinoid, Ro 15-0778, on sebum production in man.

1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1,1,4,4-tetramethyl-y-[(E)-alpha-methylstyryl]- naphthalene (Ro 15-0778), a potent inhibitor of sebaceous gland activity in several animal models has been administered to male volunteers in dosages of 1, 2, 3, and 6 mg/kg/day and 2 g/day for 8 weeks. Sebum production was measured before treatment and after 4 and 8 weeks of therapy. At the dosage levels of 1, 2, 3, and 6 mg/kg/day there was no decrease in sebum secretion. With the dosage of 2 g/day, a significant decrease in sebum secretion was seen after 8 weeks of treatment with Ro 15-0778.