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Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide Facial Gel
Adapalene is a retinoid that normalizes skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and provides additional antimicrobial activity.
Adapalene is a retinoid that normalizes skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and provides additional antimicrobial activity. Used for Acne vulgaris.
At a glance
| Generic name | Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide Facial Gel |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Epiduo Gel |
| Sponsor | Bausch Health Americas, Inc. |
| Drug class | Retinoid and 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 differentiation and reducing comedone formation. Benzoyl peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent that generates reactive oxygen species, killing Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and reducing bacterial colonization. Together, they address multiple pathogenic factors in acne: follicular hyperkeratinization, bacterial proliferation, and inflammation.
Approved indications
- Acne vulgaris
Common side effects
- Erythema
- Scaling or 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)
- Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of IDP-126 Gel to Epiduo® Forte Gel and Vehicle Gel (PHASE2)
- A Study Comparing Clindamycin Phosphate, Adapalene, and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel 0.15%;3.1%;1.2% (Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.) and CABTREO Topical Gel for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. (PHASE1)
- Long-term Study of Efficacy/Safety of Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel in Acne Vulgaris Subjects (PHASE3)
- Pirfenidone Plus M-DDO Gel in Moderate and Severe Acne (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Split-face Tolerability Comparison Between Adapalene-Benzoyl Peroxide Gel Versus Tretinoin Gel (PHASE4)
- Multimodal Optical Imaging for Pretreatment Evaluation for Cutaneous Microparticle Delivery (NA)
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 |
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