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Trifarotene

FDA-approved product (cream, topical), marketed as Aklief.

Registered studies
14
Lab records
0
Pathogens at ≥40%
2 of 4

Chemical structure

Chemical structure of Trifarotene
A drawing shows what the molecule is, not what it does.

Existing / approved use

Documented · FDA, WHO, ChEMBL

Approved for

  • Acne

Indications ChEMBL records as approved, from FDA and DailyMed labels. Label ↗

WHO therapeutic group
Retinoids for topical use in acne
FDA pharmacologic class
Retinoid FDA label ↗
Anti-infective classification
Not classified as an anti-infective.

Repurposing investigation

This medicine is being investigated here for AI-predicted antimicrobial activity against MRSA and M. tuberculosis. It was surfaced computationally for further investigation; it is not an established treatment for these infections.

AI-predicted activity

AI prediction · nothing measured
  • MRSA51.4% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • E. coli38.5% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • K. pneumoniae30.4% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • M. tuberculosis48.1% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.

A model’s estimate of laboratory activity against each pathogen species. It is not clinical effectiveness.

Evidence

Clinical and experimental

Documented evidence

Clinical

14registered studies name this medicine, for any condition. See them below.

Experimental

No evidence found

No laboratory measurement against the four pathogens in the ChEMBL records loaded here.

Docking

Computational · nothing measured

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (E. coli)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

KPC-2 carbapenemase ↗ (K. pneumoniae)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) ↗ (M. tuberculosis)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (MRSA)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

AutoDock Vina, one experimentally solved protein per pathogen. This project’s screening target is -7.0 kcal/mol, its own mark rather than a universal cutoff. A docking score is a structural hypothesis, not proof of binding, and requires experimental validation.

Other medicines to investigate

AI prediction · nothing measured

Other repurposing candidates: approved medicines besides Trifarotene with AI-predicted activity ≥40% against the chosen pathogen, leaving out existing antimicrobials. They are computational candidates for further investigation, not alternatives and not recommendations.

Sorted by AI-predicted activity, high to low. The order is not a ranking of which medicine is better.

Registered studies

A registration describes a study; it does not establish a positive result.

  • A Study to Compare the Efficacy, Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Trifarotene 50 mcg/g Cream in Chinese Subjects With Acne Vulgaris

    NCT07186413 · start 2025-09-23

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07186413
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    Trifarotene; Vehicle Cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Active not recruiting
    Start
    2025-09-23
    Completion
    2026-12-31
    Enrolment
    561

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionTrifarotene; Vehicle Cream
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusActive not recruiting
  • A Study Comparing Trifarotene Cream 0.005% to AKLIEF® CREAM (US REFERENCE LISTED DRUG), AKLIEF™ CREAM (CANADIAN REFERENCE PRODUCT) in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

    NCT06733402 · start 2024-06-20

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06733402
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    Trifarotene Cream 0.005%; AKLIEF® Cream (Trifarotene 0.005%) US REFERENCE LISTED DRUG; AKLIEF® Cream (Trifarotene 50 mcg/g) CANADIAN REFERENCE PRODUCT; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2024-06-20
    Completion
    2024-11-09
    Enrolment
    1,000

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionTrifarotene Cream 0.005%; AKLIEF® Cream (Trifarotene 0.005%) US REFERENCE LISTED DRUG; AKLIEF® Cream (Trifarotene 50 mcg/g) CANADIAN REFERENCE PRODUCT; Placebo
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • A Study Comparing Trifarotene Cream 0.005% to AKLIEF® Cream in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

    NCT06063473 · start 2023-02-22

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06063473
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    Trifarotene Cream 0.005%; Placebo; AKLIEF® Cream (Trifarotene 0.005%, Galderma Laboratories)
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2023-02-22
    Completion
    2023-07-13
    Enrolment
    762

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionTrifarotene Cream 0.005%; Placebo; AKLIEF® Cream (Trifarotene 0.005%, Galderma Laboratories)
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Study Comparing Trifarotene Cream, 0.005% To AKLIEF ® (Trifarotene 0.005% Cream) In The Treatment Of Acne Vulgaris

    NCT05550337 · start 2022-09-19

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05550337
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    Trifarotene 0.005 % Topical Cream; AKLIEF®; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2022-09-19
    Completion
    2023-05-09
    Enrolment
    807

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionTrifarotene 0.005 % Topical Cream; AKLIEF®; Placebo
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • AkLief Evaluation in Acne-induced Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

    NCT05089708 · start 2021-12-22

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05089708
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    Trifarotene Cream; Trifarotene Vehicle Cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2021-12-22
    Completion
    2022-12-15
    Enrolment
    123

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionTrifarotene Cream; Trifarotene Vehicle Cream
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Study of Trifarotene Cream to Assess Risk of a Trophic Acne Scar Formation

    NCT04856904 · start 2021-05-28

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04856904
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    Trifarotene Cream; Trifarotene Vehicle Cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2021-05-28
    Completion
    2023-06-30
    Enrolment
    121

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionTrifarotene Cream; Trifarotene Vehicle Cream
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • A Study to Compare Efficacy and Safety of Trifarotene Cream When Used With an Oral Antibiotic for the Treatment of Severe Acne Vulgaris (AV)

    NCT04451330 · start 2020-07-29

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04451330
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    Trifarotene cream; Doxycycline hyclate; Trifarotene Vehicle; Doxycycline Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2020-07-29
    Completion
    2021-04-26
    Enrolment
    202

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionTrifarotene cream; Doxycycline hyclate; Trifarotene Vehicle; Doxycycline Placebo
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • A Safety, Efficacy and Systemic Exposure Study of CD5789 Cream in Adults and Adolescents With Lamellar Ichthyosis

    NCT03738800 · start 2019-05-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03738800
    Conditions
    Lamellar Ichthyosis
    Interventions
    CD5789 Cream 200 µg/g; CD5789 Cream 100 µg/g; CD5789 Cream Vehicle
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Terminated
    Start
    2019-05-01
    Completion
    2021-09-03
    Enrolment
    65

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionLamellar Ichthyosis
    InterventionCD5789 Cream 200 µg/g; CD5789 Cream 100 µg/g; CD5789 Cream Vehicle
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusTerminated
  • Participant Reported Outcomes With Use of Trifarotene 50 μg/g Cream in the Treatment of Moderate Facial and Truncal Acne Vulgaris

    NCT03915860 · start 2019-03-27

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03915860
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    Trifarotene
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2019-03-27
    Completion
    2019-12-23
    Enrolment
    47

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionTrifarotene
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Efficacy and Safety of CD5789 (Trifarotene) 50μg/g Cream Versus Vehicle Cream in Acne Vulgaris

    NCT02566369 · start 2015-11-30

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02566369
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    CD5789 (trifarotene) 50μg/g cream; Placebo cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2015-11-30
    Completion
    2017-11-14
    Enrolment
    1,208

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionCD5789 (trifarotene) 50μg/g cream; Placebo cream
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Double-Blind Efficacy and Safety of CD5789 (Trifarotene) 50µg/g Cream Versus Vehicle Cream in Acne Vulgaris

    NCT02556788 · start 2015-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02556788
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    CD5789 (trifarotene) 50µg/g Cream; Placebo Cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2015-11
    Completion
    2017-05-12
    Enrolment
    1,212

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionCD5789 (trifarotene) 50µg/g Cream; Placebo Cream
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • CD5789 (Trifarotene) Long Term Safety Study on Acne Vulgaris

    NCT02189629 · start 2015-02-23

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02189629
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    CD5789 (trifarotene)
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2015-02-23
    Completion
    2017-02-23
    Enrolment
    453

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionCD5789 (trifarotene)
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • CD5789 in Early Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL)

    NCT01804335 · start 2013-02

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01804335
    Conditions
    Lymphoma
    Interventions
    CD5789 0.01% Cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2013-02
    Completion
    2015-03
    Enrolment
    11

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionLymphoma
    InterventionCD5789 0.01% Cream
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Dose Range Study of CD5789 in Acne Vulgaris

    NCT01616654 · start 2012-06-20

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01616654
    Conditions
    Acne Vulgaris
    Interventions
    CD5789 25 µg/g cream; CD5789 50 µg/g cream; CD5789 100 µg/g cream; Tazarotene 0.1% gel; Vehicle cream
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2012-06-20
    Completion
    2014-06-12
    Enrolment
    304

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcne Vulgaris
    InterventionCD5789 25 µg/g cream; CD5789 50 µg/g cream; CD5789 100 µg/g cream; Tazarotene 0.1% gel +1 more
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusCompleted