Top 5 Articles of the Month: June

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1. Chronic Urticaria Is Linked to Increased Odds of Psychiatric Comorbidity

A recent case-controlled study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that individuals with chronic urticaria are significantly more likely to develop psychiatric comorbidities including anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADHD, PTSD, and substance use disorder compared to controls. The strongest associations were seen with psychological stress and dysthymia, with odds ratios exceeding 3 for most conditions.

2. Nearly Half of Patients Respond to Ritlecitinib for Alopecia Areata, With Most Sustaining Results

A recent analysis of the ALLEGRO and ALLEGRO-LT trials found that nearly half of patients with moderate to severe alopecia areata treated with ritlecitinib (Litfulo) achieved significant scalp hair regrowth, with 46% of responders achieving complete regrowth and 93.1% maintaining it over 2 years. Clinical response was more likely among younger, predominantly female patients with milder baseline disease and shorter disease duration, while older age, male sex, and extensive or prolonged hair loss predicted poorer outcomes.

3. The Unprecedented Phase 1 Results of ET-02 for the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

Eirion Therapeutics announced highly promising results from its first-in-human clinical trial of ET-02, a topical treatment for androgenic alopecia, demonstrating strong safety and unprecedented efficacy, with visible hair regrowth observed as early as 5 weeks.

In an interview with Dermatology Times, CEO Jon Edelson, MD, emphasized that ET-02 produced 6 times more hair growth than placebo and surpassed 5% minoxidil’s 4-month results in just one month. Unlike current treatments that stimulate hair follicles or stem cells, ET-02 aims to correct underlying stem cell dysfunction, potentially restoring normal hair growth and even preventing future hair loss.

4. Novel Stem Hair Serum Improves Hair Loss When Combined with Minoxidil

A real-world study from India found that combining investigational Cuticapil stem hair serum with topical minoxidil significantly improved outcomes in patients with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss. Over 12 weeks, the combination therapy reduced hair shedding, improved hair density, and outperformed minoxidil alone in global photographic and trichoscopic assessments. The plant-based Cuticapil serum, featuring ingredients like caffeine, biotin, and turmeric, showed no adverse effects and may help overcome minoxidil’s limitations, such as slow response and irritation. Researchers emphasized the need for further studies to validate these promising early findings.

5. Why Plant-Derived Exosomes are Revolutionizing Regenerative Skin Care, According to Frank Roesken, MD, PhD

In a Q&A, Frank Roesken, MD, PhD, co-founder of NanoFusion and Medical Advisor at Skin Moderne, discussed the launch of Skin Moderne’s Exosomes Regenerative Complex, a skin care product harnessing purified, plant-derived exosomes from sources like cabbage and cucumber. Unlike human-derived exosomes, which pose safety and regulatory challenges, these botanical exosomes are non-immunogenic and sustainably sourced. Roesken highlighted their ability to reduce inflammation, support cell repair, and enhance hydration.