Dermatology

Learn about cannabinoids influence on skin growth control, homeostasis, melanoma, acne, pruritus, inflammation, atopic dermatitis, and other skin conditions.

Afamelanotide, an α-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue, has become an emerging therapeutic option for a variety of skin conditions previously refractory to other treatments.

Update on PrabotulinumtoxinA, Tretinoin 0.05% lotion, Cemiplimab-rwlc, Autologous fibroblast gene therapy, Oral JAK3 inhibitor, Halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion, Sarecycline hydrochloride tablets and HPV 9-valent vaccine.

The Pigmented Lesion Assay (PLA) is a gene expression test that helps rule out melanoma and has the potential to reduce the need for surgical biopsies of atypical pigmented skin lesions.

Chronic pruritus remains a difficult condition to treat with many non-specific therapeutic options. Recent scientific discoveries have elucidated the physiology associated with pruritus.

Updates on Binimetinib + Encorafenib (Mektovi® + Braftovi®), Crisaborole 2% ointment (Eucrisa™), Glycopyrronium tosylate 2.4% cloth (Qbrexza™), Secukinumab for SC injection (Consentyx®), Tecovirimat capsule (Tpoxx), Diacerein 1% ointment (CCP-020), Migalastat capsule (Galafold™), Mogamulizumabkpkc for IV use (Poteligeo®)

Alitretinoin is an oral retinoid which has proven efficacy and safety in the treatment of chronic hand dermatitis through randomized controlled trials.

Most people with mild-to-moderate psoriasis manage their disease with topical therapies. However, adherence to topical treatment remains a challenge.. Read about new topical therapeutic options.

Update on Dabrafenib + trametinib in combination (Tafinlar®+Mekinist®), Certolizumab pegol for SC injection (Cimzia®), Ubidecarenone injectable nanosuspension (BPM 31510), Diacerein 1% ointment (CCP-020), Ixekizumab for SC injection (Taltz®), Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler (Restylane® Lyft®), and Rituximab for IV use (Rituxan®).

Urticaria is a common, mast-cell-driven disease, characterized clinically by the development of wheals, angioedema, or both. A large body of data has demonstrated that omalizumab, a biologic agent, is safe and effective in the treatment of H1- antihistamine refractory urticaria and should be considered as a third-line agent, with cyclosporin A reserved for fourth-line therapy.

The class of medications known as Janus kinase inhibitors block cytokine-mediated signaling via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, which plays an important role in immunoregulation and normal cell growth.

Update on Drugs & Devices May and June 2018: Tildrakizumab-asmn for SC injection Ilumya™, Lidocaine topical system 1.8% for postherpetic neuralgia ZTlido™, Secukinumab for SC injection Cosentyx®, Vaginal gel for prevention of urogenital chlamydia Amphora®.

Interleukin (IL)-17 is important in the pathophysiology of psoriasis and has proven to be an effective therapeutic target. As brodalumab enters the marketplace, a review of this important biologic, its safety profile, and discussion of possible adverse effects is in order.

A comprehensive review of Fabry Disease. Typical presentations, other signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, as well as treatment options are discussed.

A look back at skin treatments introduced in 2017 for the following type/class of therapy: Antibiotic agents, anti-cancer agents, atopic dermatitis, dermal fillers, fabry disease, hereditary angioedema, herpes zoster, hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rosacea...

Update on Drugs & Devices March and April 2018: Hydrogen peroxide topical solution Eskata™, Mepolizumab for SC injection Nucala® GSK, Brentuximab vedotin for IV use Adcetris®, CoolSculpting®, (PDF) patch DeScribe® PFD Patch, Adhesive patch for melanoma detection Pigmented Lesions Assay (PLA)

An increasing body of research indicates that dietary change may serve as a component of therapy for certain skin conditions. This includes conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, aging skin, psoriasis, and rosacea. This article takes a high level overview of the role that diet may play in these conditions.

Recent advances in the treatment of hereditary angioedema, particularly in the last decade has been promising. This paper reviews the mechanisms, efficacy, and adverse reactions associated with these new treatment medications. 

Update on drugs includes Onabotulinum-toxinA for injection (Botox® Cosmetic), Hyaluronic acid dermal filler (Restylane® Silk), Ustekinumab for SC injection (Stelara®), Golimumab for IV infusion (RSimponi Aria®), Herpes zoster vaccine (non-live recombinant, AS01B adjuvanted) suspension for IM injection (Shingrix), Brentuximab vedotin for IV infusion (Adcetris®)

Despite a rising prevalence, effective and safe therapeutics for patients with moderate-to-severe AD are limited due to toxicity and side effects. Dupilumab, an interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 antagonist that limits type 2 T helper (Th2) driven inflammatory activity, is a promising therapeutic option.

Use of azelaic acid was associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory lesions, which persisted beyond the active treatment phase. Overall, azelaic acid 15% gel is an appropriate initial topical therapy for the treatment of moderate facial rosacea.

November-December 2017 Update on drugs includes Adalimumab-adbm for SC injection Cyltezo™, Adalimumab biosimilar Imraldi®, Cemiplimab REGN2810, Oral migalastat Galafold™, and Secnidazole oral granules Solosec™

Recent studies have demonstrated the role of Vitamin B Derivative (Nicotinamide), in both topical and oral forms, as a chemopreventive agent against skin cancer.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are part of an emerging class of anticancer medicines known as "targeted therapy". Adverse effects of such treatments are thought to be less severe, but can still be significant.

September-October 2017 Update on drugs include Isopropyl myristate solution Resultz®, Delafloxacin oral and IV formulations Baxdela™, Plasma-derived concentrate of C1 esterase inhibitor SC (human) Haegarda®, Oral dimethyl fumarate Skilarence®, Abatacept for IV or SC injection Orencia®, Consentyx®, Tremfya™, Yervoy® and Benlysta®.

Secukinumab demonstrates rapid and robust clinical improvement accompanied by a favorable short- term safety profile. The results of the phase III trials continue to reinforce the theory that the IL-17 pathway is an essential target in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) potentially impact the clinician's ability to manage patients with immunosuppressive medications such as biological therapy. In light of recent literature reviews, patients with HBV and HCV should be referred to a hepatologist.

This drug update covers Infliximab-abda for IV infusion Renflexis®, Ozenoxacin 1% cream Ozanex™, Standardized allergen extract of house dust mites sublingual tablet Acarizax®, Doxycycline hyclate immediate release tablet, and UVB Phototherapy SystemClarify™ Home Light Therapy System.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects the well-being and quality of life of patients. The disease is associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidality, which may not be fully understood by the general population.

A triad approach to the treatment of acne and rosacea has been recommended. This integrated management approach includes patient education, selection of therapeutic agents, and initiation of an appropriate skin care regime. Appropriate skin care recommendations for patients with acne and rosacea will be discussed.

Update on Dupilumab for SC injection Dupixent®, Dupilumab for SC injection, Avelumab for IV injection Bavencio®, Hyaluronic acidbased injectable dermal filler Juvéderm®, Biosimilar to adalimumab for SC injection Amgevita™ Vollure™ XC, Adalimumab for SC injection Humira®, and Amgevita™.

Tofacitinib is an oral immunosuppressant approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is currently undergoing investigation (Phase III trials) for treating chronic plaque psoriasis.

Psoriasis is thought to arise from a combination of pathogenic factors including genetic susceptibility and environmental exacerbation. This article reviews the current status of guselkumab as a therapy for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Drug update on Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 1% cream Rhofade™, Brodalumab for SC injection Siliq™, Cryolipolysis for upper arm fat reduction CoolAdvantage™, Petite applicator for CoolSculpting® Zeltiq®, Wound healing device WoundShiel™

The list covers new skin treatments for Actinic Keratosis, Hemangioma, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, as well as Anti-acne Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Anti-cancer Agents, Dermal Fillers, Neuromodulator and other treatments and drugs.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease with epidermal hyperplasia. Interleukin (IL)-17 signaling has a central role in its pathogenesis, and is being looked at as a target. The rationale for IL-17 inhibitors, clinical trial results of new drugs like Brodalumab are included.

In this review, we summarize the most common immunosuppressant medications currently used in dermatology, and provide recommendations for infection screening prior to initiating treatment.

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments for Nivolumab + ipilimumab (Opdivo® + Yervoy®), Etanercept for SC injection (Enbre®), Crisaborole 2% ointment (Eucrisa™ ), Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers Restylane® (Refyne Restylane® Defyne).

Recent advances in our understanding of the innate and adaptive immune systems have led to the identification of interleukin (IL)-17 as a key pro-inflammatory mediator in psoriasis. We review phase 1-3 clinical trials of ixekizumab, for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Update and discussion on onychomycosis (nail fungus) and Efinaconazole 10%. Recent clinical trial results, and discussion about patient safety profile, special cases like diabetic patients, and cure rates.