Last reviewed · How we verify

CD5789 (trifarotene)

Galderma R&D · Phase 3 active Small molecule Under review

CD5789 (trifarotene) is a Selective retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist Small molecule drug developed by Galderma R&D. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis.

Trifarotene is a selective retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist that modulates gene expression to reduce inflammation and promote skin cell differentiation.

Trifarotene, also known as CD5789, is a small molecule that acts as a retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist. It is being studied as a treatment for Acne Vulgaris, specifically in a clinical trial comparing its efficacy and safety when used with an oral antibiotic.

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 nameCD5789 (trifarotene)
SponsorGalderma R&D
Drug classSelective retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist
TargetRetinoid X receptor (RXR)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDermatology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Trifarotene selectively activates retinoid X receptors (RXR), which are nuclear receptors involved in regulating inflammatory pathways and keratinocyte differentiation. By binding to RXR, the drug modulates transcription of genes involved in skin inflammation and barrier function, making it effective for inflammatory skin conditions. This selective RXR mechanism differs from traditional retinoids by offering potentially improved tolerability with reduced off-target effects.

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 CD5789 (trifarotene)

What is CD5789 (trifarotene)?

CD5789 (trifarotene) is a Selective retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist drug developed by Galderma R&D, indicated for Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis.

How does CD5789 (trifarotene) work?

Trifarotene is a selective retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist that modulates gene expression to reduce inflammation and promote skin cell differentiation.

What is CD5789 (trifarotene) used for?

CD5789 (trifarotene) is indicated for Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis.

Who makes CD5789 (trifarotene)?

CD5789 (trifarotene) is developed by Galderma R&D (see full Galderma R&D pipeline at /company/galderma-r-d).

What drug class is CD5789 (trifarotene) in?

CD5789 (trifarotene) belongs to the Selective retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist class. See all Selective retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist drugs at /class/selective-retinoid-x-receptor-rxr-agonist.

What development phase is CD5789 (trifarotene) in?

CD5789 (trifarotene) is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of CD5789 (trifarotene)?

Common side effects of CD5789 (trifarotene) include Skin irritation, Headache, Nasopharyngitis.

What does CD5789 (trifarotene) target?

CD5789 (trifarotene) targets Retinoid X receptor (RXR) and is a Selective retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist.

Related

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