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BENZOYL PEROXIDE/ ADAPALENE
Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and promotes skin cell turnover, while adapalene normalizes skin cell differentiation and reduces inflammation.
Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and promotes skin cell turnover, while adapalene normalizes skin cell differentiation and reduces inflammation. Used for Acne vulgaris.
At a glance
| Generic name | BENZOYL PEROXIDE/ ADAPALENE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Stiefel, a GSK Company |
| Drug class | Retinoid + peroxide combination |
| Target | Retinoic acid receptors (adapalene); bacterial cell oxidative stress (benzoyl peroxide) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Benzoyl peroxide is a bactericidal agent that generates reactive oxygen species to eliminate Cutibacterium acnes and has mild keratolytic properties. Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid that binds retinoic acid receptors to normalize follicular keratinization, reduce sebum production, and decrease inflammatory mediators. Together, they provide complementary antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects for acne treatment.
Approved indications
- Acne vulgaris
Common side effects
- Erythema
- Dryness
- Peeling
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
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:
- BENZOYL PEROXIDE/ ADAPALENE CI brief — competitive landscape report
- BENZOYL PEROXIDE/ ADAPALENE updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Stiefel, a GSK Company portfolio CI