Trifarotene 50micrograms/g cream

Background: Acne vulgaris is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly affects quality of life and psychological well-being. Topical retinoids remain a cornerstone of acne therapy due to their comedolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Trifarotene, a selective retinoic acid receptor-γ agonist, is a recently developed fourth-generation retinoid introduced for the treatment of both facial and truncal acne. Aim: This review aims to summarize current evidence on the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, safety, and role of trifarotene in the management of acne vulgaris. Materials and Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and Embase, including clinical trials, meta-analyses, case reports, systematic reviews, post-marketing studies, and international treatment guidelines published up to 2026. Results: Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that trifarotene effectively reduces both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions on the face and trunk, with a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile, predominantly characterized by mild, localized adverse reactions. Long-term data support sustained efficacy and improvement in quality of life. However, comparative evidence, including network meta-analyses and tolerability studies, suggests that trifarotene may be less effective, associated with higher rates of treatment discontinuation, and exhibit a greater propensity for local irritation compared with other topical retinoids. Emerging evidence, including a case report, indicates potential benefit in combination therapy, particularly in treatment-resistant acne. Conclusions: Trifarotene is an effective and generally well-tolerated treatment for acne vulgaris, demonstrating efficacy in both facial and truncal acne. However, its precise role in clinical practice remains to be established, given the lack of clear superiority over existing therapies and its higher cost.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life and necessitates effective and safe therapeutic strategies. This article presents an analysis of current scientific sources and clinical experience regarding the use of the novel fourth-generation topical retinoid trifarotene (50 μg/g cream) in combination with systemic doxycycline for the treatment of moderate to severe papulopustular acne. A systematic review of scientific data highlights the unique mechanisms of trifarotene, particularly its high selectivity for the retinoic acid receptor gamma (RAR-γ). The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of doxycycline, which enhance trifarotene’s therapeutic effects by inhibiting Cutibacterium acnes proliferation and reducing inflammatory cytokine production, are also discussed. The authors share their clinical experience, demonstrating the high efficacy and favorable safety profile of this combined treatment in patients with moderate facial and truncal acne. The combination of trifarotene (50 μg/g) and systemic doxycycline offers proven clinical benefits, good tolerability, and a low risk of adverse events. Collective evidence from both Russian and international studies supports the recommendation of trifarotene and doxycycline combination therapy as an effective and safe approach with strong potential for widespread implementation in contemporary dermatologic practice.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Retinoids have numerous applications in inflammatory, dyskeratotic, and oncohematology diseases. Retinoids have now reached the fourth generation, progressively reducing toxicity whilst increasing their efficacy. Trifarotene is a new fourth-generation retinoid with a selective action on RAR-γ. In this review, we reported the trials—both concluded and in progress—including the use of trifarotene in dermatological diseases. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane, Trials.gov) from 2012 to today and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles published in English language were included. Randomized trials evaluating trifarotene tolerability, safety, and efficacy in congenital ichthyosis and acne have demonstrated great results and mild side effects, leading to the approval by the FDA of trifarotene for the treatment of lamellar ichthyosis in 2014, and of acne vulgaris in October 2019. No high-quality randomized clinical trials have evaluated the treatment of primary cutaneous lymphomas with trifarotene. Finally, we are hypothesizing future perspectives in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers, fungal infections, photoaging, and hand-foot skin reactions with trifarotene.

Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0

AbstractAcne, a highly prevalent skin disease, can be particularly bothersome for patients of Asian background because of its impact on self‐confidence and social interactions. In addition to active acne lesions, some patients may develop sequelae such as scarring, macular/postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, or erythema. The tendency of Asian skin to develop sequelae because of its increased susceptibility to irritation, cultural preferences for lighter skin phototypes, and differences in skincare regimens may all contribute to the increased burden of acne. Moreover, many Asia‐Pacific countries do not have their own guidelines for acne management, and those that do often have no schedule in place for regular updates. In this article, we provide a critical review of the published guidance for the management of acne and its sequelae in the Asia‐Pacific region, identifying gaps in current recommendations that could be addressed to enhance standards of acne care in Asia‐Pacific countries. Along with highlighting the importance of a comprehensive skincare regimen to increase treatment efficacy and adherence, we discuss topical retinoids and retinoid combination options in the acne armamentarium that may be beneficial for sequelae prevention and management, such as adapalene 0.3% ± benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, tretinoin 0.05%, tazarotene 0.1%, and trifarotene 0.005%. In particular, trifarotene 0.005% has been observed to significantly reduce acne scar counts in a Phase 4 study. The recent data highlight the need to establish up‐to‐date guidance for acne and acne sequelae management in Asia‐Pacific countries to provide optimal care to Asian patients.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC 4.0

Acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory condition, is associated with significant physical and psychosocial burden. Since 2019, three new topical agents for acne vulgaris have been approved in the USA and Canada. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy between twice-daily clascoterone cream 1%, once-daily trifarotene 0.005% cream, and once-daily tazarotene 0.045% lotion for acne treatment. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing clascoterone, trifarotene, or tazarotene with vehicle in patients with moderate-to-severe acne were identified from a systematic literature review and included in a meta-analysis. Primary outcomes were percentage reduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion count (ILC and NILC, respectively) and treatment success rate (≥ 2-grade improvement in Investigator’s Global Assessment or Evaluator’s Global Severity Score and a rating of clear or almost clear) at week 12. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with the inverse variance method were used to calculate the mean difference (MD) for percentage reduction in ILC and NILC, and odds ratios (ORs) for the rate of treatment success. Six Phase 3 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The analyses showed robust differences favoring the interventions for ILC (MD: − 11.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: − 14.39, − 8.62), NILC (MD: − 12.25; 95% CI: − 15.21, − 9.29), and treatment success rate (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.81, 2.53). No differences were observed between clascoterone, trifarotene, and tazarotene for ILC (MD: − 12.8, − 11.2, and − 10.1, respectively), NILC (MD: − 11.6, − 13.9, and − 12.8, respectively), or treatment success rate (OR: 2.9, 1.9, and 2.1, respectively (all P > 0.05). No significant differences in efficacy were observed between clascoterone, trifarotene, and tazarotene after 12 weeks of treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe acne. Differences in application frequency and safety profile should also be taken into consideration when making treatment decisions.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC 4.0