Clascoterone 1% in the Treatment of Acne: A Review of its Efficacy, Safety, and Therapeutic Positioning

Abstract

Topical clascoterone (TC) is the first topical antiandrogen approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of acne and recently approved in Europe. Through bibliographic searches in Medline and Google Scholar, we conducted a narrative review to assess the usefulness of TC in acne management. Several randomized clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy and safety (with virtually no systemic adverse effects), but few have compared its effectiveness with other topical agents or its use in combination. It is a highly interesting therapeutic alternative, particularly for patients who do not tolerate other topical treatments or in cases of acne with a strong hormonal component. U.S. treatment guidelines conditionally recommend it for acne management due to its high cost. The strength of recommendation is lower than that of topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.