Top 5 Articles of the Week: April 6-11

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1. New Study Compares Infection Risk of AD Systemic Therapies

A new real-world study compares infection risks in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) treated with biologics versus Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). Results from over 2,300 treatment episodes show JAKi therapies are linked to significantly higher rates of infections—particularly skin and herpes simplex infections—compared to biologics like dupilumab and tralokinumab. While severe infections were relatively rare, non-severe infections often led to treatment interruptions or discontinuation, especially with JAKi. These findings emphasize the importance of infection monitoring and support the use of biologics as a safer option for many AD patients.

2. Patients with DIMIDs and Pandemic Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (DIMIDs), including atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and vitiligo. The fear of morbidity, mortality, and vaccine hesitancy contributed to disruptions in their daily lives. Patients with immunodeficiency diseases, older individuals, males, and those of non-White ethnicity were at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Interestingly, vaccination, a healthy diet, and atopic conditions were considered protective factors against COVID-19. A recent prospective observational, multicenter, multidisciplinary cohort substudy explored the impact of COVID-19 disease and vaccination on DIMIDs, specifically AD, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

3. Guselkumab Demonstrates Impact on Both Disease Progression and Symptoms in Psoriatic Arthritis

Johnson & Johnson’s guselkumab (Tremfya) has become the first IL-23 inhibitor to show both symptom relief and slowed structural joint damage in adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), according to new data from the phase 3b APEX trial. In biologic-naïve patients, guselkumab significantly improved joint symptoms and reduced radiographic progression by week 24, meeting its primary and key secondary endpoints. The trial's safety profile aligned with previous data, with no new concerns. These findings mark a major step forward in PsA treatment, offering hope for early, effective intervention to preserve long-term joint health.

4. DFD-29: The Journey to FDA Approval and a New Era in Rosacea Management

The FDA’s November 2024 approval of DFD-29 (Emrosi), a 40-mg extended-release minocycline capsule, marks a major advancement in rosacea treatment—becoming the first oral therapy approved in the U.S. to target both erythema and inflammatory lesions. Backed by strong phase 3 clinical trial results, DFD-29 outperformed the current standard, doxycycline, in both efficacy and safety. Its unique extended-release formulation offers steady drug delivery, improving tolerability and reducing the need for multiple therapies. With a market launch expected in 2025, Emrosi is poised to redefine systemic rosacea treatment and reflect a broader shift toward patient-centered dermatologic care.

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

Eirion Therapeutics has reported promising first-in-human trial results for ET-02, a topical treatment for androgenic alopecia. The drug showed exceptional safety with no local or systemic adverse effects and delivered unprecedented hair regrowth in just 5 weeks—6 times more than placebo and even outperforming minoxidil’s four-month results. Unlike current treatments that stimulate the hair follicle or stem cell, ET-02 targets a correction in defective stem cell biology to restore normal hair growth. With this novel mechanism, ET-02 could reshape the hair loss treatment landscape and potentially play a role in future prevention strategies.