Top 5 Articles of the Week: June 8-13

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

Pelage Pharmaceuticals recently announced its novel topical agent, PP405, has advanced to a phase 2a study for androgenetic alopecia, with enrollment currently underway at sites across the US.

Dermatology Times recently spoke with Qing Yu Christina Weng, MD, chief medical officer of Pelage. Weng is a physician scientist and board-certified dermatologist seeing patients at Massachusetts General Hospital and is a member of Harvard Medical School faculty. She is also 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 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.

3. Late-Breaking Data: Real-World Data From Canada Shows Upadacitinib Is Effective in Patients With Moderate to Severe AD With Inadequate Response to Dupilumab

At the 2025 RAD Conference, Vimal H. Prajapati, MD, presented real-world data from the Canadian CAN UpTIMISE study, showing that upadacitinib significantly improved skin clearance, itch, and quality of life in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who had an inadequate response or tolerability issues with dupilumab. By month 4, 65.9% achieved clear/almost clear skin (vIGA-AD 0/1), with rapid improvements seen as early as month 1. Safety findings were consistent with prior data, with most adverse events being mild or moderate. The study supports switching to upadacitinib as a viable next step in treatment sequencing.

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

As the demand for science-backed skin care grows, Skin Moderne is launching its Exosomes Regenerative Complex, a topical treatment powered by plant-derived exosomes from botanicals like cabbage and cucumber. In an exclusive Q&A, Frank Roesken, MD, PhD, explains how these exosomes offer a safer, non-immunogenic, and more sustainable alternative to human-derived counterparts—while still delivering powerful benefits like reducing inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and improving hydration.

5. Late-Breaking Data: Lebrikizumab Demonstrates Efficacy in Patients With Skin of Color With AD

At the 2025 RAD Conference, Eli Lilly presented final results from the ADmirable trial—the first dedicated study evaluating lebrikizumab (Ebglyss) in patients with skin of color and moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The 24-week open-label trial showed strong efficacy and safety in a diverse cohort of adults and adolescents, with 78.4% achieving EASI 75 and over 60% reporting significant itch reduction by week 24. Improvements in hyperpigmentation were also observed, and most adverse events were mild. These findings support lebrikizumab as a first-line biologic option for atopic dermatitis, regardless of skin tone.