Known as SYN0126, the compound was found to reduce spots by more than 30 per cent over an eight-week period.

Syntopix is now working hard to improve the compound's efficacy.

Shares in the University of Leeds spin-out, which is now based at the University of Bradford, rose 17 per cent to close the day up 11.5p at 80p.

Chief executive Dr Stephen Jones said trials in Germany involving 70 subjects with blemished skin found that use of SYN0126 produced a 30 per cent reduction in spot count while a group using a water-based gel saw a 10 per cent reduction. A leading acne brand actually produced an eight per cent increase.

"We know the compound is capable of more than a 30 per cent reduction in spots," said Dr Jones. "The rise in our share price today reflects the company's potential and the exciting opportunities ahead of us."

The group has two other compounds that it's keen to develop.

SYN1113 is another acne treatment that Dr Jones calls "our big hope".

"It's more consumer friendly, it's green which may sound odd but green counterbalances the redness produced by spots. It's also a natural compound that is derived from a lichen moss type plant," he said.

The other compound SYN0017 has been proved to be effective at killing the bugs that cause gum disease. Syntopix is looking at launching it in toothpaste, mouthwash and chewing gum

Dr Jones said it should be two to three years before the products can be bought over the counter.

Syntopix recently signed a deal with an un-named consumer healthcare giant to allow it access to its library of 1,500 compounds.