If you are participating in an acne clinical trial, the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) is the primary tool your physician will use to measure how severe your acne is and how it responds to treatment.
What Is the IGA?
The IGA is a 5-point scale used by trained investigators to assess overall acne severity at a single point in time. It evaluates the predominant lesion type present across the entire face.
The IGA Scale
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Clear, No lesions present |
| 1 | Almost clear, Rare non-inflammatory lesions; no more than a few small comedones |
| 2 | Mild, Some non-inflammatory lesions with few inflammatory lesions |
| 3 | Moderate, Several to many non-inflammatory; some inflammatory lesions; one nodule may be present |
| 4 | Severe, Many inflammatory lesions; nodules present |
What Is “Moderate-to-Severe” in Clinical Trials?
Most acne clinical trials enroll participants with a baseline IGA of 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe). If you have significant breakouts that are more than just occasional pimples, you likely meet this threshold.
Why the IGA Matters
A common primary endpoint in acne trials is “IGA success”, defined as achieving a score of 0 or 1 at the end of the study compared to a baseline score of 3 or 4. This is the FDA’s preferred endpoint for acne efficacy trials.
Getting Assessed at NuLine
If you think your acne is moderate-to-severe, the best way to know is a free screening visit at NuLine. Our investigator will assess your IGA at no cost or obligation.
Apply for our acne study or call 754-331-5331 today.