Efficacy of an Oral Contraceptive Containing EE 0.03 mg and CMA 2 mg (Belara) in Moderate Acne Resolution: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial

The study evaluated the effectiveness of an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol (EE) 0.03 mg and chlormadinone acetate (CMA) 2 mg (Belara®) in treating moderate acne. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III trial involving 377 women, 64.1% of those treated with EE/CMA showed a reduction of at least 50% in facial papules/pustules compared to 43.7% in the placebo group. The EE/CMA group also experienced significant reductions in comedonal lesions, acne on the décolleté and back, and other androgen-related skin disorders. The study concluded that EE/CMA is an effective treatment for moderate papulopustular acne and related conditions.