Adapalene 0.3% Gel Shows Efficacy for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars.

Abstract

IntroductionScarring is an unfortunate clinical outcome of acne. Current treatment options for atrophic acne scars are dominated by non-pharmacological, invasive procedures which may not be suitable or affordable to all patients. This phase II, single-center, open-label, exploratory study assessed the efficacy, safety and subject-reported outcomes of adapalene 0.3% gel in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.MethodsThe study included subjects aged 18–50 years with past history of acne and moderate to severe facial atrophic acne scars. Subjects received adapalene 0.3% gel once daily for the first 4 weeks and twice daily for the following 20 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, day 10 and weeks 4, 8, 16 and 24, and at post-treatment follow-ups (weeks 36 and 48–72).ResultsAt week 24, investigator and subject assessments reported improvement in skin texture/atrophic scars in 50% and > 80% of subjects, respectively. Subjects were satisfied with the treatment and reported improvements in quality of life.ConclusionDaily use of adapalene 0.3% gel for the treatment of atrophic acne scars showed promising clinical efficacy, a favorable tolerability profile, and improvement in quality of life.FundingNestlé Skin Health–Galderma R&D.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01213199.