Tretinoin Microsphere Gel Pump 0.04% Versus Tazarotene Cream 0.05% in the Treatment of Mildto-Moderate Facial Acne Vulgaris

This 12-week, single-center, investigator-blinded, randomized, parallel-design study assessed the safety and effi cacy of tretinoin microsphere gel 0.04% delivered by pump (TMG PUMP) to tazarotene cream 0.05% (TAZ) in mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris. Effi cacy measurements included investigator global assessment (IGA), lesion counts, and subject self-assessment of acne signs and symptoms. Effi cacy was generally comparable between treatment groups, although TMG PUMP provided more rapid results in several parameters. IGA showed a more rapid mean change from baseline at week 4 in the TMG PUMP group (-0.18 versus -0.05 in the TAZ subjects). TMG PUMP yielded more rapid improvement in papules. At week 4, the mean percentage change from baseline in open comedones was statistically signifi cant at -64% in the TMG PUMP group (P=0.0039, within group) versus -19% in the TAZ group (not statistically signifi - cant within the group; P=0.1875). Skin dryness, peeling and pruritus were signifi cantly less in the TMG PUMP group as early as week 4. Adverse events related to study treatment were rare in both groups and all resolved upon discontinuation of study medication.