Experience in the treatment of moderate-to-severe papulopustular acne with systemic doxycycline and the modern fourth-generation topical retinoid trifarotene



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Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life and necessitates the use of effective and safe therapeutic approaches. This review aims to analyze current literature and clinical experience regarding the use of the innovative fourth-generation topical retinoid trifarotene (50 µg/g, Aklief cream) in combination with systemic doxycycline for the treatment of moderate to severe papulopustular acne.

 

The article presents a systematic review of scientific data highlighting the unique mechanisms of action of trifarotene, attributed to its high selectivity for retinoic acid receptor gamma (RAR-γ). Additionally, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of doxycycline are examined, emphasizing its synergistic effect with trifarotene through the inhibition of Cutibacterium acnes proliferation and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. The authors also provide clinical experience data supporting the efficacy and favorable safety profile of this combination therapy in patients with moderate acne involving the face and trunk.

 

The combined use of topical trifarotene 50 µg/g (Aklief) and systemic doxycycline demonstrates proven clinical efficacy, good tolerability, and a minimized risk of adverse effects. Consolidated evidence from both domestic and international studies supports this combination therapy as an effective and safe treatment strategy with promising potential for broader application in contemporary dermatological practice.

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About the authors

Elena S. Snarskaya

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: snarskaya-dok@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7968-7663
SPIN-code: 3785-7859

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, 4/1 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya street, 119991 Moscow

Olga Y. Olisova

The First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: olisovaolga@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2482-1754
SPIN-code: 2500-7989

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Russian Federation, 4/1 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya street, 119991 Moscow, Russia

Anna Bratkovskaya

The First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia

Author for correspondence.
Email: annabratk24@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7284-9113
SPIN-code: 6012-7555

PHD student

4/1 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya street, 119991 Moscow, Russia

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СМИ зарегистрировано Федеральной службой по надзору в сфере связи, информационных технологий и массовых коммуникаций (Роскомнадзор).
Регистрационный номер и дата принятия решения о регистрации СМИ: серия ЭЛ № ФС 77 - 80653 от 15.03.2021 г.