Galderma Korea said that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has granted product approval for Aklief (Ingredient: Trifarotene), a treatment for acne on the face or body for patients older than nine years old.

"Aklief is the first acne treatment to selectively exploit the retinoid receptor gamma (RAR-γ), the most commonly found retinoic acid receptor (RAR) in the skin," the company said. "We have proved effectiveness and safety of Aklief as a treatment for facial and torso acne through two large-scale phases 3 randomized clinical trials (PERFECT 1 and 2)."

According to the clinical study results, the treatment rapidly metabolized in the liver and had a half-life of only five minutes. “Therefore, the treatment's absorption into the body is low, allowing hospitals to treat the body and the face,” the company said.

Compared to a vehicle control group, Aklief reduced inflammatory lesions on the face after two weeks and acne in the back, shoulders, and chest after four weeks.

Treatment-related side effects were mild or moderate reactions, including scaling, dryness, and skin irritation, such as erythema and burning sensation at the application site.

"With the approval of Aklief, Galderma will provide Korean patients with a next-generation retinoid cream that is fast and effective in treating acne on the face and torso," Galderma Korea CEO Kim Youn-hee said. "Aklief demonstrates Galderma's commitment to providing innovative solutions to a most common skin condition, which lowers the quality of life for patients."