Non-clinical and clinical pharmacology of the potent and selective RAR agonist trifarotene

Background: First- and third-generation retinoids are the main treatment in acne. Even though efficacious, they lack full selectivity for RAR expressed in the epidermis and infundibulum. Objectives: To characterize the in vitro metabolism and the pharmacology of the novel retinoid trifarotene. Methods: In vitro assays determined efficacy, potency and selectivity on RARs, as well as the activity on the expression of retinoid target genes in human keratinocytes and ex vivo cultured skin. In vivo studies investigated topical comedolytic, anti-inflammatory and depigmenting properties. The trifarotene-induced gene expression profile was investigated in non-lesional skin of acne patients and compared to ex vivo and in vivo models. Finally, the metabolic stability in human keratinocytes and hepatic microsomes was established. Results: Trifarotene is a selective RAR agonist with >20-fold selectivity over RAR and RAR. Trifarotene is active and stable in keratinocytes but rapidly metabolized by human hepatic microsomes, predicting improved safety. In vivo, trifarotene 0.01% applied topically is highly comedolytic and has antiinflammatory and antipigmenting properties. Gene expression studies indicated potent activation of known retinoid-modulated processes (epidermal differentiation, proliferation, stress response, RA metabolism) and novel pathways (proteolysis, transport/skin hydration, cell adhesion) in ex vivo and in vivo models, as well as in human skin after four weeks of topical application of trifarotene 0.005% cream. Conclusion: Based on its RAR selectivity, rapid degradation in human hepatic microsomes and pharmacological properties including potent modulation of epidermal processes, topical treatment with trifarotene is expected to provide strong efficacy combined with a favourable safety profile in acne and ichthyotic disorders.

16

Aubert J, Piwnica D, Bertino B, Blanchet-Réthoré S, Carlavan I, Déret S, Dreno B, Gamboa B, Jomard A, Luzy AP, Mauvais P, Mounier C, Pascau J, Pelisson I, Portal T, Rivier M, Rossio P, Thoreau E, Vial E, Voegel JJ