Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% Gel in Participants With Moderate-to-Severe Acne: The Patient Journey

Abstract

Introduction: Topical clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% (CAB) gel is the only fixed-dose, triple-combination formulation approved for acne treatment. In 3 clinical studies of participants with moderate-to-severe acne, CAB demonstrated superior efficacy to vehicle and component dyads, with good safety and tolerability. Detailed efficacy/safety data from individual clinical study participants are presented.

Methods: In two phase 3 (NCT04214652, NCT04214639) randomized, double-blind, 12-week studies, participants aged at least 9 years with moderate-to-severe acne were randomized to once-daily CAB or vehicle gel. Descriptive data - including lesion count changes, treatment success (at least 2-grade reduction from baseline in Evaluator's Global Severity Score and clear/almost clear skin), compliance, treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), and cutaneous safety/tolerance assessments - were summarized from 6 CAB-treated cases.

Results: By week 12, all cases achieved >70% lesion reductions, 4/6 achieved treatment success, and 1/6 achieved a 2-grade reduction in severity. All cases were compliant with CAB treatment. No cases reported serious AEs. Transient increases occurred on cutaneous safety and tolerability assessments, with scores generally decreasing back to/below baseline levels by week 12.

Conclusions: In two phase 3 clinical trials, fixed-dose, triple-combination CAB demonstrated good efficacy/safety. All 6 CAB-treated cases achieved substantial (>70%) lesion reductions, with 5/6 achieving treatment success or 2-grade reduction in severity by week 12. Transient cutaneous safety/tolerability severity increases generally resolved to baseline values by week 12. These clinical study cases reinforce the importance of patient education regarding adherence, expectations, and AEs. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(11):1017-1024. doi:10.36849/JDD.8639.