Trifarotene Reduces Risk for Atrophic Acne Scars: Results from A Phase 4 Controlled Study

Background Atrophic acne scarring often accompanies acne vulgaris. The efficacy of topical retinoids for treatment of acne is well documented; however, evidence for use in atrophic acne scars is limited. Methods In this randomized, split-face, double-blind study, subjects (age: 17–34 years, N = 121) with moderate-to-severe facial acne, with acne scars present, were treated with either trifarotene 50 μg/g or vehicle once daily for 24 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by absolute and percent change from baseline in atrophic acne scar counts, Scar Global assessment (SGA), and IGA success rates as well as acne lesion counts. Results At week 24, a statistically significantly greater reduction in the mean absolute change from baseline in the total atrophic scar count was noted in the trifarotene- vs vehicle-treated area (− 5.9 vs − 2.7; p