TheraRadar
Data updated: Jun 17, 2026

EPIDUO (adapalene)

Dermatology Approved 2008-12-08

Epiduo is a topical gel that treats acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. It combines a retinoid called adapalene with benzoyl peroxide to help patients manage their skin symptoms. This combination therapy is used to address the condition through multiple active components.

Source: FDA Label • GALDERMA LABS LP • Retinoid

How EPIDUO Works

This medication works by binding to specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors to modulate inflammatory processes and how skin cells develop. It also includes benzoyl peroxide, which acts as an oxidizing agent to provide bactericidal and keratolytic effects. Together, these ingredients target the biological mechanisms associated with acne.

2
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
17
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2008-12-08
Patent Cliff
2027

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Routes
TOPICAL
Dosage Forms
GEL

Companies

Active Ingredient: ADAPALENE , BENZOYL PEROXIDE

EPIDUO Approval History

2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
7 FDA actions from 2008 to 2014 · 1 indication expansions
Aug 2014 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)
Jul 2014 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)
Feb 2013 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)

What EPIDUO Treats

1 indications

EPIDUO is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 2008. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Acne Vulgaris
Source: FDA Label

EPIDUO Competitive Set

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Three rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to EPIDUO

3 of 20

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

ACANYA
BENZOYL PEROXIDE
1 shared
BAUSCH
Shared indications:
ACZONE
DAPSONE
1 shared
ALMIRALL
Shared indications:
ADAPALENE AND BENZOYL PEROXIDE
ADAPALENE
1 shared
Teva
Shared indications:

GALDERMA LABS LP's other novel FDA approvals

Other CDER-designated drugs from the same sponsor (2016–2025).

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Clinical Trial Registry

4 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT01213199 results posted RD.03.SPR.29088 Ph 2 completed Adapalene Gel 0.3% in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars
NCT00660985 results posted RD.06.SPR.18115 Ph 4 completed Pharmacokinetic Study to Compare the Systemic Exposure of Differin® Gel, 0.3% or Differin® Gel, 0.1%
NCT03626298 PapulexPaper1 Ph 4 completed Efficacy and Tolerability of Nicotinamide Plus Cream for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia
NCT01406080 FOTEN BR.10.002 Ph 3 completed A Comparative Study of Adapalene Gel,0.3% Versus Tretinoin Emollient Cream, 0.05% for the Treatment of Photoaging
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

EPIDUO FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

EPIDUO is indicated for the treatment of Acne Vulgaris.

View full patent landscape →
3 OB patents · 2 families · 55 international docs across 23 countries

EPIDUO Patents & Exclusivity

Latest Patent: Jul 2027

Patents (3 active)

US8080537 Expires Jul 18, 2027
US8129362 Expires Jul 18, 2027
US8071644 Expires Jul 18, 2027
Source: FDA Orange Book

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Deep insights for EPIDUO

Revenue Insights

  • Quarterly revenue tracking
  • Historical trend analysis

Patent Timeline

  • Cliff: 2027
  • 3 active patents

Trial Analysis

  • Clinical trial tracking
  • Development stage analysis

Competitive Landscape

  • 20 similar drugs
  • Same target/indication analysis
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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.