The aromatic ethylamide derivative of retinoic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

A clinical trial on the aromatic ethylamide derivative of retinoic acid (Ro. 11-1430) applied topically was carried out for 10 weeks on 50 ambulatory patients suffering from various degrees of acne vulgaris. This clinical trial assessed the efficacy and side reactions of Ro. 11-1430 in the treatment of acne vulgaris, especially when used in the tropics. A comparison was made between the results obtained in this trial and those in another trial using topical retinoic acid. Analysis made in terms of efficacy, drug tolerance, patients' complaints and duration of treatment for achieving obvious alleviation of symptoms shows that Ro. 11-1430, with the exception of side reactions due to the drugs applied, was inferior to retinoic acid. Relapses as well as remissions often occurred during the period of maintenance therapy. Like retinoic acid, Ro. 11-1430 has a palliative effect only and not a curative one.