Adapalene, a third-generation retinoid has been successfully used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. It acts by binding to retinoic acid nuclear receptors. Various beneficial effects of this agent are well-known including comedolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects. Its safety profile is relatively better than other retinoids which offers an advantage.

Recently, a review published in the Pharmaceuticals journal showed that adapalene is also effective in the treatment of several dermatological diseases and photoaging. Thus, it could be a valuable therapeutic agentin the treatment armamentarium of several types of cancer. In addition, if an appropriate intravenous formulation is used, adapalene may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of an analogue of adapalene has been proven. In different therapeutic schemes, it is more effective in combination with other active substances. Combination with oral drugs has emerged as a new trend that helps in enhancing the properties of topical formulations with adapalene. Innovative formulations of this drug aim to attain a better bioavailability, increased efficacy, and lesser side effects.

Source: Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2020 Aug 28;13(9):E217. doi: 10.3390/ph13090217.