Aklief (trifarotene) / Galderma - LARVOL DELTA

Assessing skin quality in patients with acne and acne scars through retrospective image analysis of trifarotene's effects on redness and color evenness (EADV 2026) - No abstract available

Retrospective data • Acne Vulgaris

AKLIEF: A Study to Compare the Efficacy, Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Trifarotene 50 mcg/g Cream in Chinese Subjects With Acne Vulgaris (clinicaltrials.gov) - P3 | N=561 | Active, not recruiting | Sponsor: Galderma R&D | Recruiting ➔ Active, not recruiting

Enrollment closed • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatology

Trifarotene for Facial and Truncal Acne Vulgaris: A Narrative Review of Clinical Trial Evidence. (PubMed, Cureus) - "Current clinical trial evidence suggests trifarotene may be a useful topical treatment option for moderate facial and truncal acne vulgaris, with a broader evidence base than most topical retinoids in these areas. The evidence base can be strengthened by additional studies, broader population diversity, and direct head-to-head comparisons with other topical retinoids."

Journal • Review • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatology • Inflammation • RARG

Successful Trifarotene Treatment of a Typical Kyrle's Disease With Overview of Topical Therapies. (PubMed, Skin Res Technol) - "Its efficacy and safety suggest promise for patients unsuitable for systemic therapy. A summary table of all topical treatment methods for Kyrle's disease, included in the article, provides valuable guidance for managing patients with significant comorbidities."

Journal • Dermatology • Inflammation

New Agents for Acne Treatment and Updates to Isotretinoin Guidelines. (PubMed, Pediatr Clin North Am) - "New topical treatments include tazarotene lotion, trifarotene, combined microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin, minocycline foam, topical dapsone, and clascoterone cream. More recent systemic options include subantimicrobial doxycycline, sarecycline, combined oral contraceptives, spironolactone, and isotretinoin-lidose."

Journal • Review • Acne Vulgaris

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in third- vs. fourth-generation retinoids: A faers pharmacovigilance study (SID 2026) - "This mixed-methods study integrates published clinical evidence with post-market surveillance data to assess the relative safety and efficacy of third-generation (adapalene, tazarotene) and fourth-generation (trifarotene) retinoids for PIH in skin of color. These findings demonstrate that FAERS reporting patterns diverge substantially from randomized trial efficacy evidence, suggesting market-age bias obscures comparative safety assessment. This mixed-methods approach identifies an evidence gap and underscores the necessity for prospective, adequately powered randomized controlled trials evaluating fourth-generation retinoids for the management of PIH in darker phototypes, to guide evidence-based dermatologic practice in skin of color populations."

Adverse events

Successful Trifarotene Treatment of Atypical Kyrle’s Disease: Case Report and Systematic Review of Topical Therapies (EADV-Sp 2026) - "Literature review identified 10 other cases treated with various topical therapies, including tretinoin, triamcinolone, clobetasol, tacrolimus and keratolytics. This case expands the therapeutic landscape for KD and underlines the importance of individualized, dermato-histopathologically guided treatment. The comprehensive review of topical approaches serves as a practical reference for clinicians managing this challenging condition."

Case report • Clinical • Review • Chronic Kidney Disease • Dermatopathology • Diabetes • Diabetic Nephropathy • Hepatology • Liver Failure • Metabolic Disorders • Mood Disorders • Nephrology • Renal Disease • Targeted Protein Degradation

Potential Antifungal Activity of Retinoids Against Non-albicans Candida Species. (PubMed, Microorganisms) - "This study aimed to assess the antifungal potential of three retinoids, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), trifarotene, and tazarotene, against NAC clinical isolates. Trifarotene at 0.5 mM was also the most effective retinoid in inhibiting C. glabrata and C. tropicalis adherence and biofilm formation, with inhibitory activity maintained even at sub-0.5 mM concentrations (0.25-0.12 mM). Overall, the results suggest that all three retinoids exhibited dose-dependent and species-specific antifungal activity against NAC species, supporting their potential as novel, tailored antifungal agents against drug-resistant Candida strains."

Journal • Candidiasis

Topical Retinoids in Acne Vulgaris and Acne Scars-From Monotherapy to Combining Regimens. (PubMed, Pharmaceuticals (Basel)) - "A review of published clinical and experimental studies evaluating tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, and trifarotene was performed, including their use as monotherapy and in combination with other topical agents or procedural interventions. In conclusion, topical retinoids represent a relevant therapeutic option in acne vulgaris and acne scarring, from monotherapy in mild cases to components of multimodal treatment protocols in more severe disease. Further large-scale, comparative studies are needed to better define the optimal clinical use of advanced drug delivery systems for topical retinoids."

Journal • Monotherapy • Review • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatology • Inflammation

The Prevalence and Burden of Truncal Acne. (PubMed, Dermatol Ther (Heidelb)) - "Our prevalence of truncal acne (63.6%, including both truncal-only and combined facial-truncal disease) exceeds previous reports of approximately 50%. The presence of truncal involvement in addition to facial acne was associated with significantly greater health-related quality-of-life impairment compared with facial acne alone. These findings highlight the need for proactive assessment of truncal acne lesions and guideline recommendations addressing truncal acne. Improved recognition and tailored treatment, potentially including agents suitable for facial and truncal acne, may help mitigate the substantial burden associated with acne."

Journal • Acne Vulgaris • CNS Disorders • Depression • Dermatology • Inflammation • Mood Disorders • Psychiatry

A 12-week real-world evaluation of safety and efficacy of trifarotene treatment for facial and truncal acne in Indian subjects (AAD 2026) - "In this phase-IV study, trifarotene treatment was well tolerated and demonstrated rapid onset among Indian subjects with facial and truncal acne. These improvements were consistent with subject-reported outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Further studies are required to understand the treatment effect in a wider population."

Clinical • HEOR • Real-world • Real-world evidence • Acne Vulgaris

From Tretinoin to Trifarotene: Fifty Years of Innovation in Acne and Skin Health (AAD 2026) - "Retinoids are not only indicated for acne management, but studies show that early and effective treatment can also help prevent its sequelae, such as atrophic scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Herein, we provide an overview of the most important advances in understanding modern retinoids, including: •Molecular mechanisms underpinning retinoid activity in acne, such as nuclear receptor signaling, gene regulation, and immunomodulation •Approved retinoids for topical acne treatment, from first-generation tretinoin to fourth-generation trifarotene •Mechanistic models of acne pathogenesis and the role of topical retinoids in modulating inflammation, keratinization, barrier function, and sequelae •Molecular differences, clinical trial outcomes, and therapeutic positioning of modern retinoids available for acne management This work underscores the need for continued education and research to advance the potential of topical retinoids in dermatologic care."

Acne Vulgaris • Immunology • Inflammation

The Fourth-Generation Retinoid: Rational Molecular Design of Trifarotene, Selectivity, Efficacy, and Clinical Outcomes (AAD 2026) - "Herein, we provide a succinct graphic summary of the totality of clinical and preclinical work on trifarotene, including the molecular design of the fourth-generation retinoid, genetic and cellular analyses, basic research on RAR signaling in the skin, and the ongoing post-approval clinical research program. We clearly outline the current understanding of the molecular profile and structure of trifarotene and the evidence for the consequences of RARγ-specific signaling on the molecular and cellular physiology of the skin, acne efficacy and tolerability, genetic regulation of pathways in inflammation and skin barrier, and progress in addressing persistent challenges in acne treatment, such as the inflammatory acne sequelae of scarring and dyspigmentation."

Clinical • Clinical data • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatitis • Inflammation • RARG

Real-world evidence for a holistic regimen with trifarotene in acne and acne sequelae: Improving acne treatment outcomes and skin quality through personalized regimens (AAD 2026) - "Oral lymecycline and/or dermal NASHA™ gel injections were also incorporated. The presented cases demonstrate the importance of personalizing acne treatment plans. Trifarotene is an effective acne therapy that can be integrated into a holistic treatment plan, particularly for patients with acne who have broader SQ concerns, such as the risk of acne sequelae."

Clinical • HEOR • Real-world • Real-world evidence • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatitis • Inflammation • Seborrheic Dermatitis

Update of the EuroGuiDerm evidence-based guideline for the treatment of acne-Short version. (PubMed, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) - "For which types of acne and patient groups should new topical treatments, including trifarotene and clascoterone, be recommended and with what strength of recommendation? Additionally, the updated guideline provides revised recommendations regarding: safety of benzoyl peroxide (BPO), selection of systemic antibiotic therapy, treatment considerations during pregnancy, isotretinoin dosing strategies, and the use of hormonal antiandrogenic contraceptives or other combined hormonal contraceptives, as well as spironolactone. All other aspects remain unchanged from the 2016 guideline."

Journal • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatology

Vitamins and the Skin: Vitamin A and Retinoids in Dermatology. (PubMed, Clin Dermatol) - "Retinoids used as therapeutic agents include oral retinoids, e.g. isotretinoin, acitretin, alitretinoin, and bexarotene, and topical retinoids, e.g. isotretinoin, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, and trifarotene. In addition, other retinoids, with distinct routes of administration (oral or topical), and distinct dosing or safety profiles, are recommended for different skin disorders. We discuss the mode of action and indications of retinoids used as pharmacologic agents in dermatology and provide an update on their use, effectiveness and tolerability."

Journal • Acne Vulgaris • Atopic Dermatitis • Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma • Dermatology • Dermatopathology • Hematological Malignancies • Immunology • Lymphoma • Oncology • Psoriasis • Skin Cancer • Squamous Cell Carcinoma • T Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma • Vitiligo

Divergent System Organ Class Safety Profiles of Isotretinoin Versus Topical Retinoids: An EudraVigilance Disproportionality Analysis. (PubMed, Pharmaceuticals (Basel)) - " Aggregated ADR data for isotretinoin and four topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, trifarotene) were retrieved from the EMA ADRreports portal (April 2025). Isotretinoin presents a distinct safety profile characterized by consistently elevated reporting of psychiatric, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal adverse events, independent of age and sex. These results refine the comparative safety landscape of systemic versus topical retinoids and support focused pharmacovigilance monitoring."

Journal • Acne Vulgaris • Cardiovascular • CNS Disorders • Gastroenterology • Gastrointestinal Disorder • Mental Retardation • Musculoskeletal Diseases • Oncology • Otorhinolaryngology • Psychiatry • Rheumatology

Bridging Gaps in Malaysian Acne Vulgaris Guidelines: Advisory Statements on Trifarotene for Facial and Truncal Acne. (PubMed, J Cosmet Dermatol) - "These advisory statements provide clinical guidance on the use of trifarotene in Malaysia and support its integration into routine acne management. As current CPGs may remain unchanged in the near term, these recommendations aim to inform evidence-based practice while bridging gaps in local dermatologic care."

Clinical guideline • Journal • Review • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatology

Patient Insights on Acne Hyperpigmentation, Trifarotene, and Skincare: 6-Month, LEAP Phase 4 Qualitative Exit Interview Findings. (PubMed, Patient) - P4 | "All trifarotene-treated patients reported improvements in AIH and that their treatment expectations were met. Findings support that trifarotene plus a skincare regimen provides greater benefit in the improvement of AIH than its VC. However, VC plus a skincare regimen also appeared to improve patients' perceptions of their AIH."

Interview • Journal • P4 data • Acne Vulgaris

AKLIEF: A Study to Compare the Efficacy, Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Trifarotene 50 mcg/g Cream in Chinese Subjects With Acne Vulgaris (clinicaltrials.gov) - P3 | N=561 | Recruiting | Sponsor: Galderma R&D | Not yet recruiting ➔ Recruiting

Enrollment open • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatology

Treatment of flat warts with trifarotene. (PubMed, Dermatol Reports) - "The therapy allowed for the rapid resolution of warts, avoiding invasive and potentially scarring treatments, particularly crucial for pediatric patients and young adults. These findings suggest that trifarotene may provide a cosmetically favorable and effective alternative for managing flat warts, warranting further investigation."

Journal • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatology • Pediatrics

The Next Generation of Skin Care: Transforming Retinoid Therapeutics. (PubMed, Cells) - "Advances in medicinal chemistry have yielded synthetic retinoids with enhanced receptor selectivity, particularly for RAR-γ agonists such as trifarotene, as well as inhibitors of cytochrome P450-mediated retinoic acid metabolism, which sustain endogenous activity and mitigate resistance (DX314 and other RAMBAs). In parallel, the development of nanocarriers, stimuli-responsive gels, and other targeted delivery systems has improved drug stability, bioavailability, and tolerability. Together, these innovations underscore the evolving role of retinoid-based interventions in precision dermatology, providing opportunities to optimize treatment outcomes for acne, psoriasis, photoaging, and other dermatological disorders while addressing the shortcomings of earlier generations."

Journal • Review • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatology • Immune Modulation • Immunology • Psoriasis

Segmental Lichen Planus Pigmentosus Successfully Treated With Picosecond Neodymium-Doped: Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet Laser and Trifarotene in a Korean Patient. (PubMed, Australas J Dermatol) - "We report a case of a 22-year-old Korean male with LPP who showed considerable improvement following combination therapy with trifarotene and a picosecond neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Considering the inherently variable clinical course of LPP and the challenges associated with its treatment, the combination of topical retinoids and picosecond Nd:YAG lasers appears to be a promising therapeutic approach."

Journal • Dermatology • Dermatopathology • Lichen Planus

Hub 2.07 A holistic approach to acne and acne sequelae: Combining retinoids, CTMP™ and cosmetic corrective procedures (EADV 2025) - "They will also explore the CTMP™ regimen and the integration of cosmetic corrective procedures as part of a holistic approach to improve treatment outcomes and skin quality in patients with acne and acne sequelae. Finally, the panel will present real-world patient case studies illustrating the use of trifarotene alongside CTMP™ or cosmetic corrective procedures."

Acne Vulgaris

AKLIEF: A Study to Compare the Efficacy, Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Trifarotene 50 mcg/g Cream in Chinese Subjects With Acne Vulgaris (clinicaltrials.gov) - P3 | N=561 | Not yet recruiting | Sponsor: Galderma R&D

New P3 trial • Acne Vulgaris • Dermatology