Last reviewed · How we verify
Tazarotene (Actavis)
Tazarotene is a retinoid that binds to retinoid X receptors (RXR) and retinoid acid receptors (RAR) to regulate gene expression and promote skin cell differentiation and turnover.
Tazarotene is a retinoid that binds to retinoid X receptors (RXR) and retinoid acid receptors (RAR) to regulate gene expression and promote skin cell differentiation and turnover. Used for Psoriasis, Acne, Photoaging.
At a glance
| Generic name | Tazarotene (Actavis) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Actavis Inc. |
| Drug class | Retinoid |
| Target | Retinoid X Receptor (RXR), Retinoid Acid Receptor (RAR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
As a third-generation retinoid, tazarotene selectively activates RAR and RXR nuclear receptors, which modulate transcription of genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. This mechanism reduces hyperkeratinization and inflammatory responses in the skin, making it effective for treating disorders characterized by abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.
Approved indications
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Photoaging
Common side effects
- Skin irritation (erythema, burning, peeling)
- Photosensitivity
- Pruritus
- Teratogenicity (pregnancy category X)
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.
| 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:
- Tazarotene (Actavis) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Tazarotene (Actavis) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Actavis Inc. portfolio CI