Androgen Receptor Inhibitors in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: Efficacy and Safety Profiles of Clascoterone 1% Cream

The document reviewed the efficacy and safety of Clascoterone 1% cream, a topical androgen receptor inhibitor, for treating acne vulgaris. Approved by the FDA in 2020 for patients aged 12 and older, Clascoterone was more effective than spironolactone in inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production from sebocytes in vitro and offered a treatment option for males without systemic side effects. Clinical trials, including a pilot study, two Phase 2 trials, and three Phase 3 trials with up to 347 subjects, showed that Clascoterone was more effective than placebo in reducing acne lesions and had a favorable safety profile with mostly mild adverse events. Although promising, further research was needed to assess its efficacy in diverse populations and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Clascoterone also showed potential for treating other conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa and androgenetic alopecia.