Treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris in a Hispanic population: a post-hoc analysis of efficacy and tolerability of clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel

Abstract

Background: Acne in Hispanics is an increasing problem, presenting unique challenges. Although combination therapy is now a standard of care in acne, concerns exist with the increased potential irritation and dryness in this population and the potential for hyperpigmentation. There is a paucity of clinical studies that evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of acne medications in Hispanics.

Methods: A post-hoc analysis of efficacy and cutaneous tolerability in 458 Hispanic subjects receiving clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/BPO 2.5% gel, individual active ingredients and vehicle from two 12-week multicenter double-blind studies that enrolled 2813 subjects with moderate to severe acne.

Results: Median reductions in inflammatory lesions, noninflammatory, and total lesions (71.6%, 50.9% and 55.1%, respectively) were significantly greater with clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/BPO 2.5% gel versus the individual active ingredients and vehicle. Treatment success (35.6% "clear/almost clear") and patient satisfaction (83.2%) were also significantly greater than vehicle at week 12. Cutaneous tolerability was excellent with all mean scores less than or equal to 0.2 at week 12 (where 1=mild).

Conclusions: Overall efficacy and tolerability with clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/BPO 2.5% gel were better in the Hispanic population compared to the total study population. Hispanic acne subjects were not found to be more susceptible to cutaneous irritation from treatment with clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/BPO 2.5% gel and both efficacy and tolerability was excellent.