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Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel

Galderma R&D · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel is a Retinoid + Peroxide combination Small molecule drug developed by Galderma R&D. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Acne vulgaris. Also known as: Adapalene-BPO gel.

Adapalene is a retinoid that normalizes skin cell differentiation and reduces inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and provides additional antimicrobial activity.

Adapalene is a retinoid that normalizes skin cell differentiation and reduces inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and provides additional antimicrobial activity. Used for Acne vulgaris.

At a glance

Generic nameAdapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel
Also known asAdapalene-BPO gel
SponsorGalderma R&D
Drug classRetinoid + Peroxide combination
TargetRetinoic acid receptors (adapalene); bacterial cell membrane and proteins (benzoyl peroxide)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDermatology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Adapalene binds to retinoic acid receptors to regulate gene expression, reducing comedone formation and normalizing follicular keratinization. Benzoyl peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent that generates reactive oxygen species, killing Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and reducing bacterial resistance. The combination targets multiple pathogenic mechanisms of acne: follicular obstruction, bacterial proliferation, and inflammation.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel

What is Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel?

Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel is a Retinoid + Peroxide combination drug developed by Galderma R&D, indicated for Acne vulgaris.

How does Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel work?

Adapalene is a retinoid that normalizes skin cell differentiation and reduces inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and provides additional antimicrobial activity.

What is Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel used for?

Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel is indicated for Acne vulgaris.

Who makes Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel?

Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel is developed by Galderma R&D (see full Galderma R&D pipeline at /company/galderma-r-d).

Is Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel also known as anything else?

Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel is also known as Adapalene-BPO gel.

What drug class is Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in?

Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel belongs to the Retinoid + Peroxide combination class. See all Retinoid + Peroxide combination drugs at /class/retinoid-peroxide-combination.

What development phase is Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in?

Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel?

Common side effects of Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel include Erythema, Dryness, Peeling, Irritation, Photosensitivity.

What does Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel target?

Adapalene 0.1% / Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel targets Retinoic acid receptors (adapalene); bacterial cell membrane and proteins (benzoyl peroxide) and is a Retinoid + Peroxide combination.

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