Category: topical
Aliases: Aklief, CD5789
Highly selective RAR-γ agonist — approximately 65-fold more selective for RAR-γ (the dominant epidermal RAR isoform) over RAR-α and RAR-β relative to older retinoids like adapalene. The selectivity rationale: RAR-γ drives the desired epidermal effects (differentiation, comedolysis), while RAR-α activation in dermal fibroblasts and systemic tissues is the putative driver of irritation and off-target exposure. First topical retinoid specifically approved for truncal acne, enabled by low dermal penetration (below assay quantitation in labelled use) making large body-surface applications practical.