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Randomized phase 3 evaluation of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne.
Link: jaad.org/article/S0190-…
These types of studies are so frustrating because the control arm is NOT a reflection of standard of care. A thread. #tweetorial 👇🏾
Link: jaad.org/article/S0190-…
These types of studies are so frustrating because the control arm is NOT a reflection of standard of care. A thread. #tweetorial 👇🏾
In this study investigators randomized patients to a new retinoid (trifarotene)
for acne treatment or vehicle (basically a cream/moisturizer). Of course they showed superior improvement with the new medication.
for acne treatment or vehicle (basically a cream/moisturizer). Of course they showed superior improvement with the new medication.
Why this is frustrating is that the differences are quite small overall. Remember this study is comparing the new drug to a MOISTURIZER. Literally putting on a moisturizer improved the acne significantly! Look at the curves above.
The proper control arm should have been some other active product that patients can get over the counter e.g. Benzoyl Peroxide or Adapalene, which are both relatively cheap.
Why this is important is summed up in this paper testing combo adapalene + Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) vs its individual ingredients or vehicle. Notice how much benefit you get from BPO alone compared to single agent retinoid (adapalene)!
My overall point is that I'd wager if this new acne agent was put up against basic Benzoyl Peroxide the curves would be superimposed.
I predict once this new acne agent hits the market it will be VERY expensive, heavily marketed, and clinicians will prescribe it as if it were better than what we already have. Its not.
To all the PCPs that follow me on here, starting with Benzoyl Peroxide and/or adapalene over the counter is the most cost effective strategy in initiating mild/moderate acne treatment.
