Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/ Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% for Acne: Results From A 6-Month Open-Label Study.

BACKGROUND

Treatment of acne may require many months of treatment before maximal benefits are observed, and acne sequelae (eg, scarring, dyspigmentation) can persist long after lesion resolution. In 12-week clinical trials, triple-combination clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel (CAB) demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. This study assessed CAB long-term efficacy/tolerability and reductions in acne scarring/dyspigmentation.

METHODS

This 24-week, single-center, open-label study assessed once-daily CAB in participants (N=25) aged ≥12 years with moderate acne (Investigator’s Global Assessment [IGA] score=3). Endpoints included change from baseline in IGA score, inflammatory/noninflammatory lesions, skin appearance (dryness, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation [PIH], and postinflammatory erythema [PIE]), and scarring. Tolerability parameters (itching, burning, redness, swelling) and adverse events were assessed. At baseline and week 24, participants’ foreheads were swabbed to assess Cutibacterium acnes. 

Results

At week 24, 68% of participants achieved treatment success (≥2-grade IGA score reduction from baseline and clear/almost clear skin), and significant inflammatory/noninflammatory lesion reductions from baseline were observed (89%; 70%; P<0.001, both). Decreases from baseline in investigator- and participant-assessed PIH (77%; 82%) and PIE (84%; 88%) and investigator-assessed scarring severity (33%) were statistically significant (P≤0.001, all). There were no significant increases in skin dryness or any tolerability parameter, and no adverse events occurred. C. acnes assessment indicated no development of antibiotic resistance with long-term CAB treatment. 

Conclusions

With 24 weeks of once-daily use, CAB was efficacious, well-tolerated, and significantly improved acne-related scarring and dyspigmentation. These results support the long-term use of CAB in the topical treatment of acne.  Citation: Draelos ZD, Ghannoum M, Stein Gold L, et al. Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% for acne: results from a six-month open-label study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(5):516-523. doi:10.36849/JDD.9018.