Top 5 Articles of the Week: June 15-20

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1. Q&A: Pelage's Novel PP405 Advances to Phase 2a for Androgenetic Alopecia

Pelage Pharmaceuticals initiated a phase 2a clinical trial of its investigational topical treatment, PP405, for androgenetic alopecia, with patient enrollment currently in progress at multiple locations across the US.

Dermatology Times connected with Qing Yu Christina Weng, MD, Pelage’s chief medical officer, to learn more. A physician scientist and board-certified dermatologist, Weng practices at Massachusetts General Hospital, serves on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, and sits on the boards of Advancing Innovation in Dermatology and Immunis, Inc.

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

Eirion Therapeutics announced encouraging results from its first-in-human trial of ET-02, a topical therapy for androgenic alopecia. In just 5 weeks, the treatment demonstrated significant hair regrowth 6 times greater than placebo and surpassing the typical 4-month outcomes seen with minoxidil. The study also reported no local or systemic adverse effects, highlighting ET-02’s strong safety profile.

3. At-Home Facial Massage Methods Clinically Proven to Improve Skin Elasticity, Tone, and Contour

A new randomized controlled trial compared gua sha and facial roller massage to evaluate their effects on facial contour, muscle tone, and skin elasticity. Both tools improved facial contour, but gua sha showed greater reductions in muscle tone, while facial rollers led to more significant improvements in skin elasticity. As noninvasive, low-risk options, both gua sha and facial rollers may serve as effective at-home treatments or adjuncts to in-office procedures.

4. Recap: 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference

The 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference in Nashville highlighted significant advances in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment, with data on emerging biologics, JAK inhibitors, and novel pathways like OX40/OX40L. Presentations emphasized personalized care, safety across skin types, and the long-term efficacy of therapies such as dupilumab, upadacitinib, and roflumilast. Experts also addressed challenges like topical steroid withdrawal, chronic itch, and the psychosocial toll of AD. With insights from leading dermatologists and late-breaking clinical trial data, RAD 2025 offered a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of AD care.

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

As interest in evidence-based skin care continues to rise, Skin Moderne has introduced its Exosomes Regenerative Complex, a topical treatment formulated with plant-derived exosomes sourced from botanicals such as cabbage and cucumber. In an exclusive Q&A, Frank Roesken, MD, PhD, highlights how these bioactive plant exosomes present a safe, sustainable, and non-immunogenic alternative to human-derived versions, while still delivering key skin benefits including reduced inflammation, enhanced hydration, and a stronger skin barrier.