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Adapalene BPO

Galderma R&D · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Adapalene BPO is a Retinoid + peroxide combination Small molecule drug developed by Galderma R&D. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Acne vulgaris.

Adapalene is a retinoid that binds to retinoic acid receptors to normalize skin cell differentiation and reduce inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide provides antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria.

Adapalene is a retinoid that binds to retinoic acid receptors to normalize skin cell differentiation and reduce inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide provides antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria. Used for Acne vulgaris.

Likelihood of approval
58.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameAdapalene BPO
SponsorGalderma R&D
Drug classRetinoid + peroxide combination
TargetRetinoic acid receptors (RAR); benzoyl peroxide (non-specific oxidizing agent)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDermatology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid that selectively activates retinoic acid receptors, promoting keratinocyte differentiation and reducing comedone formation. Benzoyl peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent with bactericidal properties against Cutibacterium acnes. The combination targets both the inflammatory and bacterial components of acne pathogenesis.

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

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about Adapalene BPO

What is Adapalene BPO?

Adapalene BPO is a Retinoid + peroxide combination drug developed by Galderma R&D, indicated for Acne vulgaris.

How does Adapalene BPO work?

Adapalene is a retinoid that binds to retinoic acid receptors to normalize skin cell differentiation and reduce inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide provides antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria.

What is Adapalene BPO used for?

Adapalene BPO is indicated for Acne vulgaris.

Who makes Adapalene BPO?

Adapalene BPO is developed by Galderma R&D (see full Galderma R&D pipeline at /company/galderma-r-d).

What drug class is Adapalene BPO in?

Adapalene BPO belongs to the Retinoid + peroxide combination class. See all Retinoid + peroxide combination drugs at /class/retinoid-peroxide-combination.

What development phase is Adapalene BPO in?

Adapalene BPO is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Adapalene BPO?

Common side effects of Adapalene BPO include Erythema, Dryness, Peeling, Irritation, Photosensitivity.

What does Adapalene BPO target?

Adapalene BPO targets Retinoic acid receptors (RAR); benzoyl peroxide (non-specific oxidizing agent) and is a Retinoid + peroxide combination.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing