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Explore the top headlines of the week, including insights on the latest clinical trials, therapeutic updates, and more.
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At a dynamic multi-topic session, Miller and Chao provided an in-depth overview of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, stressing the importance of early diagnosis, full skin exams, and addressing comorbidities like obesity and mental health, while advocating for empathetic patient care and a “treat to target” approach aiming for <1% BSA. In aesthetics, Heather Gates, PA-C, previewed innovations like trenibotulinumtoxinE—ideal for expressive patients seeking quick, short-term results—a hybrid filler combining HA and CaHA described as a “401(k) for your face,” and a new acne scar injectable promoting elastin and volume.
Tanya Patron, PA-C, shared advanced strategies for non-surgical rhinoplasty, calling neurotoxin “training wheels” for filler and emphasizing anatomical precision and complication preparedness. Gary Rubin, PA-C, turned filler rheology into an engaging experience using maple syrup and rock candy to explain cohesivity, G-prime, and viscosity, while Gates returned with real-life neuromodulator complication cases to underscore the value of clinical instincts. A closing panel featuring Rubin, Gates, and Patron encouraged authenticity in aesthetics, promoting natural results and collaboration over competition for long-term success in a saturated market.
Sun Pharmaceuticals has officially launched deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi) in the US for the treatment of severe alopecia areata (AA) in adults. Approved by the FDA in July 2024, the oral JAK1/2 inhibitor is backed by strong clinical data from the THRIVE-AA1 and AA2 trials, where nearly one-third of patients achieved ≥80% scalp hair coverage by week 24. Long-term results further confirmed sustained efficacy, with nearly halfof patients reaching a SALT score ≤20 by week 68 and 99.6% of initialresponders maintainingtheir progress. Alongside the launch, Sun introduced the LeqselviSupport Program to expand access, offering eligible patients the treatment for as little as $0 and providing dedicated patient assistance. Experts hailed the treatment’s rapid and durable results as a major advancement for individuals living with this challenging autoimmune disease.
At the recent 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology/World Allergy Organization Joint Congress, Jonathan Bernstein, MD, FAAAAI, presented multiple abstracts on the efficacy of rilzabrutinib in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).
In addition, Bernstein authored an abstract outlining findings from the LIBERTY-CSU CUPID Study A and Study C phase 3 trials evaluating dupilumab (Dupixent; Regeneron and Sanofi) in patients with CSU who remain symptomatic despite H1-antihistamine treatment.
In a Q&A with Dermatology Times, Bernstein, a physician practicing in Cincinnati, Ohio, explored the studies and their key insights, their clinical impact on dermatologists and allergists, and the implications for the future of CSU treatment.
Though bimekizumab carries an FDA warning for suicidal ideation and behavior (SI/B), clinical trial data support a low risk of psychiatric adverse events and even potential mental health benefits in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Across 9 phase 2/3 trials, SI/B incidence was just 0.13 per 100 patient-years—lower than or comparable to other IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors—and depression scores remained low through 144 weeks of follow-up. At week 16, over 92% of treated patients had minimal or no depressive symptoms. Beyond bimekizumab, biologics targeting IL-17 and IL-23 have been linked to improved mood, possibly by reducing neuroinflammation. Bimekizumab also demonstrated superior skin clearance and a favorable long-term safety profile. Clinicians are encouraged to screen for mental health using tools like the PHQ-9, maintain open communication about risks, and collaborate with mental health providers as needed.
Boehringer Ingelheim and LEO Pharma have entered into an exclusive global license and transfer agreement to accelerate the development and commercialization of spesolimab (Spevigo), the first approved treatment for flares of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). Under the deal, Boehringer Ingelheim will transfer global rights to LEO Pharma in exchange for a €90 million upfront payment, plus milestones and royalties, with the transaction expected to close in late 2025 pending regulatory approval. Spesolimab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-36 receptor, is already approved in over 40 countries and has demonstrated rapid symptom clearance in clinical trials like Effisayil-1. LEO Pharma will assume full responsibility for its future development, distribution, and access strategy. Leaders from both companies emphasized the agreement’s potential to broaden access to a transformative treatment for patients living with GPP, a rare and severe inflammatory skin disease with few options.
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