Top 5 Articles of the Week: May 4-9

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1. 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.

2. Electrotrichogenic Niostem Device Promotes Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

A new study evaluating an at-home electrotrichogenicniostem device reported that 100% of male participants with androgenetic alopecia experienced visible hair regrowth after 6 months of daily use. As reported, the noninvasive device showed a 19.3% increase in hair density and an 8.8% increase in thickness, with no serious adverse effects—suggesting it may be a promising and safe option for treating hair loss outside of clinical settings.

3. 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.

4. JAKi and IL-4/-13i Show Similar Safety Profiles in AD

In a large real-world study reported in Drug Topics, Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) showed no increased risk of cardiovascular events or cancer compared to IL-4/-13 inhibitors in adults with atopic dermatitis, addressing lingering safety concerns from rheumatoid arthritis data. While JAKi users experienced more herpes zoster and IL-4/-13i users had higher conjunctivitis rates—consistent with known profiles—the study offers reassuring evidence supporting the safety of JAKi as a treatment option for moderate to severe AD.

Want to hear more pearls and expert insights on AD? Join us at the annual Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference this June in Nashville, TN. Use code DT40 for 40% off your RAD 2025 registration.

5. Upadacitinib Shows Promise in Reducing Cardiovascular and Thrombotic Risks in Atopic Dermatitis Patients

A review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology highlights potential cardioprotective and thromboprotective effects of upadacitinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor, in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. While traditionally used for managing skin inflammation, long-term clinical trial data suggest upadacitinib may also lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events and venous thromboembolism compared to background rates in AD populations—though further research is needed to confirm these benefits.