INTRODUCTION
Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent dermatologic conditions in the US and worldwide.1,2 Although acne typically presents during adolescence, it is a chronic condition that can persist into adulthood.1 The physical and psychological impacts of acne are often consequential for patients and can include pain, erythema, scarring, anxiety, and depression,3,4 highlighting the importance of early and effective treatment for patients with acne. Despite the range of acne treatments available, limitations in tolerability may contribute to the high rate of nonadherence to acne medications,5-7 which can impact efficacy and treatment success.8
As outlined in the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines, topical treatments are recommended as first-line agents in the treatment of acne vulgaris; however, therapies such as retinoids (eg, adapalene) and benzoyl peroxide may be limited by adverse effects, including dryness and irritation that can result in skin barrier damage and decreased patient adherence.4,9-14 Topical agents with improved, less irritating vehicle formulations15 or concomitant use of moisturizers11,16 can improve tolerability and mitigate skin barrier damage during acne treatment, but adverse effects may still be a concern - particularly with combinations of 2 or more topical agents.17 Several new and effective topical treatment options for acne introduced within the past decade may provide better tolerability and therefore improve patient adherence.18,19
Clascoterone cream 1%, a topical androgen receptor inhibitor, is a first-in-class therapy approved in the US in 2020 (with subsequent approvals in Canada and Australia) for the treatment of acne vulgaris in patients greater than or equal to 12 years of age.20-23 The effect of clascoterone is attributed to competition with dihydrotestosterone for binding to androgen receptors within the skin, thereby preventing the transcription of androgen-responsive genes and decreasing sebum production.24 The efficacy and safety of clascoterone cream 1% were established in two 12-week, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 clinical
As outlined in the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines, topical treatments are recommended as first-line agents in the treatment of acne vulgaris; however, therapies such as retinoids (eg, adapalene) and benzoyl peroxide may be limited by adverse effects, including dryness and irritation that can result in skin barrier damage and decreased patient adherence.4,9-14 Topical agents with improved, less irritating vehicle formulations15 or concomitant use of moisturizers11,16 can improve tolerability and mitigate skin barrier damage during acne treatment, but adverse effects may still be a concern - particularly with combinations of 2 or more topical agents.17 Several new and effective topical treatment options for acne introduced within the past decade may provide better tolerability and therefore improve patient adherence.18,19
Clascoterone cream 1%, a topical androgen receptor inhibitor, is a first-in-class therapy approved in the US in 2020 (with subsequent approvals in Canada and Australia) for the treatment of acne vulgaris in patients greater than or equal to 12 years of age.20-23 The effect of clascoterone is attributed to competition with dihydrotestosterone for binding to androgen receptors within the skin, thereby preventing the transcription of androgen-responsive genes and decreasing sebum production.24 The efficacy and safety of clascoterone cream 1% were established in two 12-week, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 clinical
