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Tretinoin gel
Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that binds to retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus, promoting cell differentiation and reducing sebum production and comedone formation.
Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that binds to retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus, promoting cell differentiation and reducing sebum production and comedone formation. Used for Acne vulgaris, Photoaging and fine wrinkles, Acute promyelocytic leukemia (systemic formulation).
At a glance
| Generic name | Tretinoin gel |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Retin-A Micro Pump, Retin-A MICRO Gel, Retin-A Micro Gel 0.1% Pump, Retin-A Micro Gel 0.04% Pump |
| Sponsor | Bausch Health Americas, Inc. |
| Drug class | Retinoid |
| Target | Retinoic acid receptors (RAR-alpha, RAR-beta, RAR-gamma) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Tretinoin acts as a ligand for nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR and RXR), which regulate gene transcription involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. In acne, it normalizes follicular epithelial cell turnover, reduces sebaceous gland activity, and decreases comedone formation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes collagen remodeling, making it effective for both acne and photoaging.
Approved indications
- Acne vulgaris
- Photoaging and fine wrinkles
- Acute promyelocytic leukemia (systemic formulation)
Common side effects
- Erythema and irritation
- Peeling and dryness
- Photosensitivity
- Burning or stinging
- Retinization (initial worsening of acne)
Key clinical trials
- A Study Comparing Tretinoin Gel Microsphere, 0.04% and RETIN-A MICRO ® Gel Microsphere, 0.04% in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (PHASE1)
- Comparison of Efficacy of Metformin Gel 30% vs Triple Combination Cream (Hydroquinone 4%, Flucinolone Acetonide 0.01%, Tretinoin 0.025%) in Treatment of Melasma in Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi (NA)
- Minimal Vitrectomy and ILM Flap with Sodium Hyaluronate Gel for MH (NA)
- Profiling the Skin Microbiome in Response to Altreno in Acne Patients (PHASE4)
- Adapalene Gel 0.3% Versus Tretinoin 0.05% Emollient Cream for Treatment of Photodamage (PHASE3)
- Split-face Tolerability Comparison Between Adapalene-Benzoyl Peroxide Gel Versus Tretinoin Gel (PHASE4)
- A Study Comparing Tretinoin Gel Microsphere, 0.1% and RETIN-A MICRO ® Gel Microsphere, 0.1% in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Bioequivalence Study of Tretinoin Gel 0.05% to Brand Tretinoin Gel (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:
- Tretinoin gel CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Tretinoin gel updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Bausch Health Americas, Inc. portfolio CI