Trifarotene combined with a skincare regimen was effective for the treatment of acne-induced hyperpigmentation (AIH) accompanying acne vulgaris (AV), according to results from a recent phase IV double-blind study.

Researchers evaluated 123 patients aged 13–35 years with moderate AV and AIH who were randomly assigned to receive either trifarotene cream plus skincare (N = 60) or vehicle plus skincare (N = 63). Assessments of interest included AIH overall disease severity (ODS) score, post-AV hyperpigmentation index (PAHPI), lesion count reductions, Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) success rates, patient satisfaction, and safety evaluations.

According to the study results, trifarotene demonstrated significant improvement in ODS score compared to the vehicle at Week 12 (-1.6 vs. -1.1, P = 0.03) but not at Week 24 (primary endpoint). Trifarotene also showed superior reduction in PAHPI score at Week 24 (-18.9% vs. -11.3% vehicle, P < 0.01), as well as higher lesion count reductions at both Week 12 (P < 0.001) and Week 24 (P < 0.05) and higher IGA success rates at both Week 12 (P < 0.05) and Week 24 (P < 0.05). Patient feedback indicated that the skincare regimen reduced irritation, enhancing treatment adherence. Photography demonstrated improvements in pigmentation and erythema across all skin types. Adverse events were more frequent in the vehicle group (30.2%) compared to the trifarotene group (16.7%).

"Timely and effective treatment of AV is essential to minimizing the potential for long-lasting and consequential sequelae like AIH and scarring in individuals with all FSTs," the study authors wrote. "This study shows that trifarotene cream has a favorable efficacy and safety profile for treating AV and AIH in subjects with all skin types, which likely will translate to overall improved outcomes for AV patients."

Source: Alexis A, Del Rosso J, Forman S, et al. International Journal of Dermatology. 2024. Doi:10.1111/ijd.17189