Triple-Combination, Fixed-Dose Acne Gel Shows Promise as Treatment

A poster presentation at Winter Clinical Miami 2023 in Miami, Florida observed the reduction in moderate to severe acne with IDP-126 gel (Epiduo Forte) compared to its dyads and vehicle gel treatments.¹

The gel in trials was a first-ever triple-combination, fixed-dose acne topical consisting of clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, benzoyl peroxide 3.1%, and adapalene 0.15 gel. Many acne medication regimens on the market may take weeks or months to show substantial results that patients notice and will continue using. Studies among patients aged 9 and older showed therapeutic effects of IDP-126 gel were rapid and sustained.

Patients enrolled in phase 2 (n=741) and 3 (n=183) studies of the gel were enrolled for 12 weeks. They were randomized to receive one daily treatment of IDP-126 or vehicle gel. The phase 2 study included 3 additional dyad gel randomization arms BPO/adapalene, clindamycin phosphate/BPO, and clindamycin phosphate/adapalene. Researchers assessed the percentage of study participants achieving ≥33%, ≥50%, and ≥75% thresholds in lesion reduction over the 12-week study period.

The results of the IDP-126 gel use showed promising, accelerated results compared to other topical acne treatments on the market prior to the study. Lesion count reductions were greater with IDP-126 versus the dyads and vehicle gel as early as week 4 with a majority of study participants seeing substantial reductions at 12 weeks and beyond. During phase 3 trials, almost 80% of patients achieved one-third reduction in inflammatory lesions. The same number of study participants saw gradual and maintained improvement with a 50% reduction in inflammatory lesions at weeks 8 and 12. Nearly 70% of participating patients saw more than three-fourths reduction in inflammatory lesions at the week 12 check in.

The fast-acting features of IDP-126 offered an antibiotic, antibacterial, and retinoid in 1 once-daily application. Researchers believe the efficacy shown in the study may positively impact treatment adherence in acne patientslong-term.

This article was originally published on Dermatology Times.

Reference

1. Harper J,Kircik L, Gold M, et al. Early and sustained reductions in moderate-to-severe acne with fixed-dose clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, benzoyl peroxide 3.1%, and adapalene 0.15 gel. Poster presented at: Winter Clinical Miami 2023; February 17-20, 2023. Miami, FL