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

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.