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Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide plus Adapalene
This triple-combination topical treatment reduces acne through bacterial suppression (clindamycin), oxidative killing (benzoyl peroxide), and normalized skin cell turnover (adapalene).
This triple-combination topical treatment reduces acne through bacterial suppression (clindamycin), oxidative killing (benzoyl peroxide), and normalized skin cell turnover (adapalene). Used for Acne vulgaris.
At a glance
| Generic name | Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide plus Adapalene |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Duac® Topical Gel, Differin® 0.3% Gel |
| Sponsor | Allergan |
| Drug class | Topical acne combination therapy |
| Target | Bacterial protein synthesis (clindamycin); reactive oxygen species generation (benzoyl peroxide); retinoic acid receptors (adapalene) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes. Benzoyl peroxide generates reactive oxygen species that kill acne-causing bacteria and have keratolytic properties. Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid that binds retinoic acid receptors to normalize follicular keratinization and reduce comedone formation. Together, these agents address multiple pathogenic mechanisms of acne.
Approved indications
- Acne vulgaris
Common side effects
- Erythema
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Irritation
- Photosensitivity
Key clinical trials
- Clindamycin Phosphate, Adapalene, and Benzoyl Peroxide Triple Combination Gel in Canadian Patients With Acne Vulgaris
- Experience With Topical Acne Treatment (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Combination Therapy With Differin® Gel 0.3% and Duac® (Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide Gel) in Subjects With Acne Vulgaris (PHASE4)
- DUAC® Early Onset Efficacy Study in Japanese Subjects (PHASE4)
- A Study Comparing Aczone® Plus Differin® Versus Duac® Plus Differin® in Patients With Severe Facial Acne (PHASE4)
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:
- Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide plus Adapalene CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide plus Adapalene updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Allergan portfolio CI