Dréno B, Bissonnette R, Gagné-Henley A, et al. - Researchers assessed the impact on atrophic scars in moderate or severe acne vulgaris of up to 48 weeks of treatment with adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (A0.3/BPO2.5) gel. In Part 1 of this two-part study, in a randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face design, A0.3/BPO2.5 gel or vehicle was applied on each half-face for 24 weeks. Part 2 was a 24-week, open-label extension phase in which A0.3/BPO2.5 gel on both sides of the face was applied. According to results, decreases in atrophic acne scars and acne lesions noted after 24 weeks of A0.3/BPO2.5 gel treatment have been maintained up to 48 weeks after treatment. The additional improvement in atrophic scar count with A0.3/BPO2.5 treatment for 48 weeks, compared with the delayed application at 24 weeks, highlights the importance of early initiation of effective acne treatment to prevent and reduce acne scar formation. Overall, the authors concluded that long-term A0.3/BPO2.5 treatment was harmless and well-tolerated.