A phase 4 multicenter trial combining adapalene gel 0.1% (Differin) with either topical or oral antibiotics proved safe and effective for the treatment of moderate-to-moderately severe acne. These results, presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in San Francisco, Calif, were based on findings of a 12-week study involving 1979 patients and more than 400 dermatologists. When the doctors prescribed Differin in combination with other products, such as benzalkonium chloride or other retinoids, the results were "reliable improvements with excellent tolerability and patient satisfaction," according to John E. Wolf Jr, MD, of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Tex. Differin works by normalizing the overaccumulation of skin cells that clog pores, allowing pores to function normally. The gel also heals acne that is already present by affecting the cellular growth and decreasing swelling. Dr.Wolf noted that Differin's safety and tolerability make it excellent as either a first-line or an add-on therapy.

Ms. Farley is a freelance medical writer based in Wakefield, RI.