Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

CIP-Isotretinoin

Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. · Phase 3 active Small molecule

CIP-Isotretinoin is a Retinoid Small molecule drug developed by Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), High-risk neuroblastoma (maintenance therapy).

CIP-Isotretinoin is a retinoid that binds to nuclear retinoid receptors to regulate gene expression and promote differentiation and apoptosis of abnormal cells.

CIP-Isotretinoin is a retinoid that binds to nuclear retinoid receptors to regulate gene expression and promote differentiation and apoptosis of abnormal cells. Used for Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), High-risk neuroblastoma (maintenance therapy).

At a glance

Generic name	CIP-Isotretinoin
Sponsor	Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Drug class	Retinoid
Target	Retinoid acid receptors (RAR, RXR)
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Oncology
Phase	Phase 3

Mechanism of action

Isotretinoin is a highly potent vitamin A derivative that acts as a ligand for retinoid receptors (RAR and RXR), modulating transcription of genes involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. By promoting terminal differentiation and triggering apoptosis in malignant cells, it reduces tumor burden and prevents relapse. Cipher Pharmaceuticals' formulation (CIP-Isotretinoin) likely represents a novel delivery or dosing approach to the established isotretinoin mechanism.

Approved indications

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
High-risk neuroblastoma (maintenance therapy)

Common side effects

Retinoid acid syndrome (fever, dyspnea, weight gain, pulmonary infiltrates)
Hypertriglyceridemia
Hypercholesterolemia
Headache
Dry skin and mucous membranes
Bone pain
Teratogenicity (if exposed during pregnancy)

Key clinical trials

Efficacy and Safety of CIP-Isotretinoin in Patients With Severe Recalcitrant Nodular Acne (PHASE3)

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:

CIP-Isotretinoin CI brief — competitive landscape report
CIP-Isotretinoin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about CIP-Isotretinoin

What is CIP-Isotretinoin?

CIP-Isotretinoin is a Retinoid drug developed by Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc., indicated for Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), High-risk neuroblastoma (maintenance therapy).

How does CIP-Isotretinoin work?

CIP-Isotretinoin is a retinoid that binds to nuclear retinoid receptors to regulate gene expression and promote differentiation and apoptosis of abnormal cells.

What is CIP-Isotretinoin used for?

CIP-Isotretinoin is indicated for Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), High-risk neuroblastoma (maintenance therapy).

Who makes CIP-Isotretinoin?

CIP-Isotretinoin is developed by Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. (see full Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. pipeline at /company/cipher-pharmaceuticals-inc).

What drug class is CIP-Isotretinoin in?

CIP-Isotretinoin belongs to the Retinoid class. See all Retinoid drugs at /class/retinoid.

What development phase is CIP-Isotretinoin in?

CIP-Isotretinoin is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of CIP-Isotretinoin?

Common side effects of CIP-Isotretinoin include Retinoid acid syndrome (fever, dyspnea, weight gain, pulmonary infiltrates), Hypertriglyceridemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Headache, Dry skin and mucous membranes, Bone pain.

What does CIP-Isotretinoin target?

CIP-Isotretinoin targets Retinoid acid receptors (RAR, RXR) and is a Retinoid.

Drug class: All Retinoid drugs
Target: All drugs targeting Retinoid acid receptors (RAR, RXR)
Manufacturer: Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. — full pipeline
Therapeutic area: All drugs in Oncology
Indication: Drugs for Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
Indication: Drugs for High-risk neuroblastoma (maintenance therapy)
Compare: CIP-Isotretinoin vs similar drugs
Pricing: CIP-Isotretinoin cost, discount & access