Long-term efficacy and tolerability of clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel for acne: pooled results from two 6-month studies

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-18-2026

Publication Title

The Journal of dermatological treatment

Keywords

Humans, Acne Vulgaris, Clindamycin, Female, Male, Adult, Adolescent, Dermatologic Agents, Young Adult, Treatment Outcome, Gels, Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Combination, Drug Combinations, Administration, Cutaneous, Benzoyl Peroxide, Severity of Illness Index, Middle Aged, Cicatrix

Abstract

AIM: Given the chronic nature of acne, two 6-month studies were conducted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and tolerability of clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 3.1% gel (CAB)-the only approved triple-combination acne topical-and its effects on scarring/dyspigmentation in participants with moderate to severe acne.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were pooled from 2 identical, open-label, single-center studies conducted in participants (N = 50) aged ≥12 years with Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 3/4. Endpoints included change from baseline in IGA score, inflammatory/noninflammatory lesions, skin appearance (dryness, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation [PIH], postinflammatory erythema [PIE]), and scarring. Adverse events and tolerability (itching, burning, redness, swelling) were assessed.

RESULTS: At week 24, 67% of participants achieved treatment success, and significant reductions from baseline in inflammatory (88%) and noninflammatory (68%) lesions were observed (p <  0.001, both). Significant reductions in scarring (33%), investigator- and participant-assessed PIH (71%; 78%, respectively), and PIE (77%; 77%, respectively) were demonstrated (p <  0.001, all). Most participants (>70%) reported no tolerability issues throughout the studies. Seven adverse events occurred; 4 were related to CAB, and 3 led to study discontinuation (BPO allergy [n = 2], irritant contact dermatitis to BPO [n = 1]).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that CAB is an appropriate and effective topical option for the long-term treatment of acne vulgaris.

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Acne Vulgaris; Clindamycin; Female; Male; Adult; Adolescent; Dermatologic Agents; Young Adult; Treatment Outcome; Gels; Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Combination; Drug Combinations; Administration, Cutaneous; Benzoyl Peroxide; Severity of Illness Index; Middle Aged; Cicatrix

PubMed ID

41552868

Volume

37

Issue

1

First Page

2612873

Last Page

2612873

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