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adapalene/benzoyl peroxide
Adapalene is a retinoid that normalizes skin cell differentiation and reduces inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial that kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces sebum production.
Adapalene is a retinoid that normalizes skin cell differentiation and reduces inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial that kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces sebum production. Used for Acne vulgaris.
At a glance
| Generic name | adapalene/benzoyl peroxide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Epiduo® (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel 0.1%/2.5% |
| Sponsor | Galderma R&D |
| Drug class | Retinoid + peroxide combination |
| Target | Retinoic acid receptors (adapalene); bacterial cell membrane and proteins (benzoyl peroxide) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Adapalene binds to retinoic acid receptors to regulate gene expression, promoting cell turnover and reducing comedone formation. Benzoyl peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent that generates reactive oxygen species to kill Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and has keratolytic properties. Together, they provide complementary anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects for acne treatment.
Approved indications
- Acne vulgaris
Common side effects
- Erythema
- Scaling/peeling
- Dryness
- Irritation
- Photosensitivity
Key clinical trials
- Topical 5% Spironolactone Gel Versus 0.1% Adapalene Gel for Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Split-Face Study (PHASE2)
- Evaluation of Topical Dutasteride as a Potential New Therapy for Facial Acne Vulgaris Versus the Triple Combination Therapy (Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel) (NA)
- Clindamycin Phosphate, Adapalene, and Benzoyl Peroxide Triple Combination Gel in Canadian Patients With Acne Vulgaris
- Auricular Acupressure Combined With Adapalene for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (NA)
- Experience With Topical Acne Treatment (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of IDP-126 Gel to Epiduo® Forte Gel and Vehicle Gel (PHASE2)
- A Study Assessing the Efficacy of Combined Use of Clascoterone 1% Cream and Adapalene 0.3% for the Treatment of Acne (PHASE4)
- Efficacy, Safety Profile, and Post-Acne Sequelae of 0.025% Retinoic Acid Cream vs. 0.1% Adapalene Cream in Mild Acne Vulgaris in Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-V (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- adapalene/benzoyl peroxide CI brief — competitive landscape report
- adapalene/benzoyl peroxide updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Galderma R&D portfolio CI