New research reveals that trifarotene, a fourth-generation retinoid with potent and selective activity against only one particular retinoic acid receptor, may have an improved efficacy and safety profile compared with less selective retinoids.

The findings appear in the British Journal of Dermatology.

Trifarotene is expected to result in low systemic levels, while retaining strong activity at the skin. This is likely to lead to reduced side effects.

"The pharmacological potency of trifarotene translates from in vitro models to topically treated human skin in vivo, resulting in the modulation of biological pathways that collectively are expected to translate into strong clinical efficacy in acne," says senior author Dr. Johannes Voegel, of Galderma R&D, in France, in a news release.

"As trifarotene is expected to be rapidly eliminated in the blood stream, this drug should be particularly useful for the treatment of large skin surface areas, including the back and chest of acne patients."