Dermal sensitization, safety, and tolerability of triple-combination clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1%/adapalene 0.15% gel from three clinical trials

Background: Using a three-pronged acne treatment approach—combining an antibiotic, antimicrobial agent, and retinoid—may provide greater efficacy than monad or dyad treatments. Herein are the dermal sensitization, irritation, safety, and tolerability results from phase 1 and 2 studies of fixed-dose clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 3.1%/adapalene 0.15% (IDP-126) polymeric mesh gel. Methods: Two phases 1, single-blind, vehicle-controlled dermal safety studies were conducted in healthy participants aged ≥18 years. One phase 2 (NCT03170388) double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, and vehicle-controlled study was conducted over 12 weeks in participants aged ≥9 years with moderate-to-severe acne. Results: A total of 1,020 participants (IDP-126 gel, vehicle, or 1 of the 3 dyad gels [phase 2 only]) were included across the 3 studies (safety populations: n = 1,004). In the phase 1 studies, IDP-126 had no confirmed sensitization or contact dermatitis. IDP-126 (deemed “moderately irritating”) was significantly less irritating than commercially available BPO 2.5%/adapalene 0.3% gel. Conclusions: The results from these three studies show that the triple-combination IDP-126 had a positive safety profile and was well tolerated in healthy participants and those with moderate-to-severe acne.