Adapalene 0.1% Lotion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: Results From Two Placebo-controlled, Multicenter, Randomized Double-blind, Clinical Studies
June 2010 | Volume 9 | Issue 6 | Original Article | 639 | Copyright © June 2010
Lawrence F. Eichenfield MD,a Michael Jarratt MD,b Joel Schlessinger MD,c Steven Kempers MDd, Vasant Manna MDe, Joyce Hwa RN BSNe, Yin Liu PhDe, Michael Graeber MDe, on Behalf of the Adapalene Lotion Study Group
aUniversity of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA bDermResearch Incorporated, Austin, TX cAdvance Skin Research Center, Omaha, NE dMinnesota Clinical Study Center, Fridley, MN eGalderma Research and Development, Cranbury, NJ
Abstract
Background: Acne vulgaris is a common chronic skin disease affecting roughly 15 percent of the general population and up to 85
percent of adolescents and young adults. Adapalene, a synthetic naphthoic acid derivative with retinoid activity, has demonstrated
good clinical efficacy in the treatment of acne if used with full compliance.
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and assess safety of a new adapalene formulation, adapalene 0.1% lotion, versus the lotion
vehicle in subjects with acne vulgaris.
Methods: Subjects were randomized to receive either adapalene 0.1% lotion or its vehicle once daily for 12 weeks in two multicenter,
randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind, parallel group studies. Efficacy was evaluated using two co-primary endpoints:
Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) of success rate (defined as the proportion of subjects who achieved at least a two point reduction,
on a 5-point scale, from baseline to week 12 in IGA score); and the absolute change from baseline to week 12 in total, inflammatory
and non-inflammatory lesions. Signs of local skin irritation and routine clinical safety parameters were evaluated throughout
both studies.
Results: In total, 2,141 subjects were included in the two studies: 1,068 patients received adapalene 0.1 percent lotion and 1073
received the vehicle. In both studies, adapalene 0.1% lotion was shown to be significantly more effective than its vehicle in improvement
in the IGA success rate. Adapalene 0.1% lotion was also significantly superior to its vehicle in all three lesion reduction
measures: total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Reports of application site skin irritation in the adapalene 0.1% lotion treatment
group were transient and mild or moderate in severity, with only a few being severe. Additionally, according to patient surveys, the
lotion formulation was found to be easily spreadable, easily absorbed and pleasant to use.
Conclusion: Adapalene 0.1% lotion used once a day for 12 weeks is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
INTRODUCTION
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder, affecting up
to 85 percent of adolescents.1 The disorder is chronic,
usually beginning with the onset of puberty, and is
characterized by episodes of recurrence. Acne also appears
frequently in adults, with estimates of prevalence ranging
from 12–17 percent in adult females and one to 12 percent in
adult males.2 Recently updated consensus guidelines for the
treatment of acne emphasize the potential for physical scarring
such as persistent hyperpigmentation and pitted or nodular
hypertrophic scars. Once present, these cosmetic disfigurements
are difficult and expensive to treat. Additionally,
severe acne can cause emotional and psychological scarring.
Potential psychological sequelae can include anxiety, social withdrawal and depression.3,4 Because of this potential for
physical and psychological scarring, experts recommend
early and aggressive treatment of acne.4
Acne is caused by the interaction of several pathogenic factors.
Androgen-stimulated increase in sebum production combined
with increased cohesion and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes
leads to the formation of the microcomedo, the precursor
to all acne lesions.4 Clinically obvious open or closed comedones
form with continued hyperproliferation of follicular keratinocytes.
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) proliferates in
the lipid-rich anerobic environment of the blocked follicle and
produces several inflammatory modulators capable of activating
the skin’s innate immune response.5 Recognition of bacte-
