Update on Drugs and Drug News: November-December 2013

Update on Brimonidine tartrate 0.33% topical gel (Mirvaso®), Mechlorethamine gel (Valchlor™), OnabotulinumtoxinA for injection (Botox® Cosmetic), Ustekinumab (Stelara®), Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia®), Infliximab (Inflectra™), Efinaconazole 10% topical solution (Jublia®)

An Update on the Clinical Management of Cutaneous Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus infection of the skin that is commonly observed in children. This articles discusses the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), its pathogenesis, mechanism, and treatment modalities.

The Role of the Dermatologist in Identification and Treatment of the Early Stages of Psoriatic Arthritis

Early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is essential for preventing disease progression and joint destruction. We will review the presentation and temporal relationship of psoriasis and PsA, the diagnosis, classification, and management and the role of the dermatologist.

Management of Ichthyosis: A Brief Review

Ichthyosis management requires a multimodal approach, including topical and oral agents in addition to lifestyle modifications.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis of the Old World

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a vector-borne protozoal infection of the skin. Several species of Leishmania cause this disease in the Old World. It is manifested as chronic nodular to ulcerative lesions of the skin, which last for many months and may be disfiguring. They eventually heal leaving a scar.

Update on Drugs and Drug News: February 2013

February 2013: Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Varicella zoster immune globulin (human) injection (Varizig®), Lidocaine 7% + tetracaine 7% cream (Pliaglis®), Isotretinoin capsule (Epuris™) are covered. Devices such as Laser hair therapy iGrow® Hair Growth Platform and LED device for acne Celluma™ are also covered.

Update on Drugs & Devices: November – December 2020

This update covers: Gene therapy for DEB (AGLE-102), Golimumab for IV use (Simponi® Aria™), Clascoterone 1% cream (Winlevi®), Triplet melanoma therapy (Tecentriq® + Cotellic® and Zelboraf®), Ustekinumab for SC use (Stelara®), Calcipotriene + betamethasone dipropionate cream (Wynzora®), Abametapir 0.74% lotion (Xeglyze™), Sonidegib capsules (Odomzo®) and Halobetasol propionate + tazarotene lotion (Duobrii™).

Biofilms in Dermatology

Biofilms are diverse communities of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance which are firmly attached to biotic or abiotic surfaces. Approximately 80% of all human infections are associated with biofilms.

Advances in Techniques for Endovenous Ablation of Truncal Veins

The latest techniques for endovenous occlusion, i.e., radiofrequency ablation catheters or endoluminal laser targeting water are our preferred methods for the treatment of saphenous-related varicose veins. Clinical experience with endovenous techniques in more than 1,000 patients shows a high degree of success.

Update on Drugs & Devices: November-December 2025

Update on Guselkumab SC use (Tremfya®), Remibrutinib tablets (Rhapsido®), Pembrolizumab + berahyaluronidase alfapmph SC injection (Keytruda Qlex®), Donidalorsen SC use (Dawnzera), Garadacimab for SC use (Andembry®), and Lifileucel for IV use (Amtagvi®)

An Overview on the Management of Atrophic Acne Scars: The Role of Trifarotene as an Adjunct

Review of the effectiveness of trifarotene, a novel retinoid, in managing atrophic acne scars, highlighting its targeted action on retinoid acid receptor gamma (RAR-γ) and presenting recent clinical data supporting its use as a valuable adjunct treatment for acne scarring.

Therapeutic Advances in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

A variety of novel therapeutic modalities have recently become available for patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL). Here, we offer a brief overview of these agents and discuss their place in the spectrum of current therapies for CTCL.

Update on Drugs and Drug News: May 2001

Update on: Moxifloxacin HCl Avelox Recombinant Human Iduronidase (IDUA) Neurotoxins Botox Graftskin Apligraf

Ingenol Mebutate: An Introduction

The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer continues to increase. This article discusses ingenol mebutate, its history, mechanism of action, and recent trial evidence for this emerging therapy are discussed.

Human Skin Equivalent, Apligraf. — Cellular technology benefits wound repairs

In April 1997, Apligraf® (Novartis), an in vitro construct of human skin (human skin equivalent HSE1), gained approval from the HPB in Canada for use in healing venous leg ulcers. This was the first major regulatory body to approve HSE for this indication.

Update on Drugs and Drug News: May 2012

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Belimumab Adapalene (0.3% gel Differin®), Vemurafenib tablet (Zelboraf®), Wound care spray (Granulox®), as well as devices like the laser device for onychomycosis Harmony® XL are covered.

Immunological Strategies to Fight Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common human cancer, and is currently considered a global epidemic. Recently, there has been a growing interest in immunomodulators, or upregulators of the immune response.

Update on Drugs and Drug News: September 2010

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV®) and Health Canada labelling changes for isopropyl myristate 50% rinse (Resultz®, Nycomed) to include the treatment of lice in children =2 years of age are covered.

2021 Index for Skin Therapy Letter Volume 26 – Dermatology Edition

This index covers all articles published in Skin Therapy Letter Dermatology Edition articles in 2021. Articles are indexed by drug names, trade names and disease terms. Bold entries refer to major references.

Perspectives on Isotretinoin and the Canadian Consensus Guidelines on Treatment of Acne

Treatment objectives and pharmacoeconomic considerations are important when developing guidelines that are effective and rational. Canadian Acne Treatment Guidelines were last published in 1995. New guidelines were recently developed to incorporate therapeutic advances and data from more recent studies.

New Approaches to Surgery of Lentigo Maligna

Lentigo maligna (LM) is a pigmented lesion that occurs most commonly on the sun-exposed skin of the head and neck of an older patient. LM can be difficult to completely remove due to its occasional extensive subclinical extension. The gold standard treatment for LM is margin-controlled excision.

Elective Treatment of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra: A Review of Treatment Modalities

Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a benign skin lesion found most frequently on the face of patients with skin of color. This article compares treatment modalities for DPN.

Update on Drugs and Drug News: July-August 2011

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Human papillomavirus (HPV) test (Cobas® HPV Test Cobas® 4800 System), Betamethasone valerate 0.12% foam (Luxiq®) are covered.

Penciclovir Cream – A New Treatment for Herpes Labialis

Penciclovir cream (Vectavir™/Denavir™, SmithKline Beecham) is a novel product, approved in 15 countries including the USA and UK, for the treatment of herpes simplex labialis in immunocompetent adults.

Adverse Reactions to Herbal Therapy in Dermatology

There are many herbal therapies available for dermatological diseases that patients have already begun to discover. Dermatologists must be educated not only in the benefits of these therapies, but must also be aware of some of the risks and adverse effects.

Skin Treatments Introduced in 2011

An overview and update of skin treatments introduced in 2011: Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (Tactuo™), 5-fluorouracil cream 0.5% + salicylic acid 10% (Actikerall®), Autologous cell therapy dermal filler laVív® (azficel-T) and more drugs are covered.

A Practical Guide to Dermatological Drug Use in Pregnancy

Although the developing fetus was once considered protected from the outside world, we now know that it can potentially be affected by any medication given to the mother. Therapeutic options available for these patients will be discussed.

Pimecrolimus 1% Cream for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a highly pruritic inflammatory disorder of the skin characterized by onset in infancy or childhood and a chronically relapsing course. Mainstay treatments are emollients and topical corticosteroids, but the latter are limited by side-effects from longterm use.

Practical Application of Genomics to the Development of a Topical Cosmetic Anti-aging Regimen

The development of topical cosmetic anti-aging products is becoming increasingly sophisticated. This article reviews trials that look at the efficacy of cosmetic (OTC) products against prescription products.

Surgical Techniques for Scar Revision

Patients frequently seek cosmetic improvement for existing scars. While no scar can be completely erased, dermatologic surgeons can employ a variety of approaches to achieve more esthetically pleasing scars. This review focuses on common incisional surgical methods for scar revision.

Update on the Management of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a psychosocially debilitating disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Patients should be made aware of all of the options available geared at repigmentation and depigmentation prior to formulating a treatment plan.

Anticoagulants and Blood Thinners During Cutaneous Surgery: Always, Sometimes or Never?

There is no consensus with regard to perioperative blood thinner management in patients undergoing cutaneous procedures. There are many studies that support continuation of blood thinners during cutaneous procedures supporting the conclusion that blood thinners should not be discontinued for cutaneous procedures.

Update on Drugs and Drug News: March-April 2015

Update on Human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine, recombinant (Gardasil®9), Ivermectin 1% cream (Soolantra®), Naftifine HCl 2% gel & cream (Naftin®), Nivolumab IV infusion (Opdivo®), Polymethylmethacrylate collagen dermal filler for acne scars (Bellafill®), Secukinumab SC injection (Consentyx™).

Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

Finasteride 1 mg (Propecia®, Merck) was approved by the US FDA December, 1997 for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, AGA) in men only. Safety and efficacy were demonstrated in men between 18 and 41 years of age with mild to moderate hair loss of the vertex and anterior mid-scalp area.

Update on Drugs and Drug News: December, 1996

Update on: Amphotericin B Lipid Complex Injection Abelcet®Butenafine HCl Cream 1% Mentax® Itraconazole Sporanox®Acitretin Soriatane® Penciclovir cream 1% Denavir®Valacyclovir Valtrex®Laser device Sharplan Silktouch laser®Permethrin lotion Nix®Ivermectin Mectizan® (6 mg tablet)

Update on Drugs & Devices: July-August 2025

Update on Dupilumab SC injection (Dupixent®), Garadacimab-gxii for SC injection (Andembry®), Roflumilast foam, 0.3% (Zoryve®), Ustekinumab-hmny for SC injection (Starjemza®), Ustekinumab biosimilar SC/IV use (Otulfi®) and Prademagene zamikeracel genemodified cellular sheets (Zevaskyn™).

Efficacy of Acitretin in Severe Psoriasis

Acitretin (SORIATANE®, Roche Pharmaceuticals) is an aromatic retinoid, effective in the treatment of severe psoriasis. This study highlights data from two existing clinical trials to capture PASI 50 and PASI 75 responder rates which represent a common metric used in current psoriasis clinical trials.

Update on Drugs & Devices: July – August 2021

The update covers: Secukinumab for SC use - Cosentyx® (Novartis), Brincidofovir tablets and oral suspension - Tembexa® (Chimerix), Plasminogen, humantvmh - Ryplazim® (Liminal BioSciences), Halobetasol propionate lotion 0.01% w/w - Bryhali™ (Bausch Health), and Nomacopan for SC use (Akari Therapeutics).

Regulating Off-label Promotion of Medications: Has the Pendulum Swung Too Far?

Prescribing medications off-label is commonplace in dermatology. This article discusses the recent FDA policy chances, the debate on free speech, the benefits and risks of off label drug use and promotion, and how it relates to patient care.

Aminolevulinic Acid (Levulan®) in Photodynamic Therapy of Actinic Keratoses

The role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of in situ neoplasias and tumors of the skin is steadily increasing. Its principles of photodynamic action include an intratumoral enriched photosensitizer and light activation.

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