News

An attempt to positively affect stage 2 melanomas with a certain vaccine didn’t prove beneficial in a recent study by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has awarded a contract to Novan Therapeutics to develop a topical nitric-oxide-based burn therapy.

New research suggests that the body’s internal clock and its circadian rhythms adjust the modulation of skin stem cells based on the time of day - and that disruption to this cycle can cause tissue aging and lead to predisposition to skin cancer.

Secukinumab (AIN457), an interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitor, was more effective in treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis than the anti-tumor necrosis factor etanercept and current standard of care, according to a head-to-head phase 3 study.

Updated classification criteria for scleroderma should allow for earlier identification and treatment of the autoimmune disease.

The topical anti-fungal agent ciclopirox causes HIV-infected cells to commit suicide by jamming up the cells’ powerhouse, the mitochondria, according to a recent study.

Clinical trials commenced last week for what may be the first protein therapeutic for X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED).

Adalimumab (Humira, AbbVie) is demonstrating effectiveness in early trials for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa, a condition that as of yet has no approved treatment.

The Food and Drug Administration has granted 510(k) clearance to Nucletron for Esteya, an electronic brachytherapy system for high-precision skin cancer treatment.

Cimzia (certolizumab pegol, UCB) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in adult patients.

Long-term analysis of patients with advanced melanoma taking ipilimumab demonstrated survival rates of up to 10 years, according to recent research.

Strathspey Crown Holdings has acquired Evolus, which will allow Strathspey Crown’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Alphaeon Corporation, the exclusive license to market the botulinum toxin type A product Evosyal.

Among the most troublesome stage 2 requirements of the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs is the requirement that 5 percent of patients use the Internet to communicate with practices, an expert says.

New genetic testing methods may not only help identify the potential risk for individuals to develop certain diseases but may also open the door for more targeted therapies and management strategies, which could be of particular benefit in higher risk patient populations.

Vitamin D has been in and out of favor with physicians and their patients over the years. Even today, the controversies over the embattled vitamin still continue regarding its safe and beneficial daily allowance. According to the recent research, however, and guidelines from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the majority of Americans are taking enough vitamin D.

In the European Union (EU), a simple approval process for hyaluronic acid (HA) products has yielded a broader array of offerings than what’s available in the United States, an expert says. Easier EU approvals also have given HA a virtual lock on the European filler market, he adds.

Dermatologists are using an evolving collection of combination therapies designed to address different aspects of disease, monotherapy limitations and failures, as well as enhance treatment.

Factors including UV exposure and psychological stress can accelerate the aging process, partly through their influence on telomeres, an expert says. Research is beginning to uncover strategies to counter these forces, however.

Not all botulinum toxins are equally safe for neurons, according to a new study by Harvard researchers.

Nobody likes overly busy presentation slides - especially the audience members who must decipher them on the fly, an expert says.

Dermatologists generally know that the sensitivity of many pathogens to the antibiotics used to treat them is decreasing, experts say. But many dermatologists may not appreciate their specialty’s role in potentially fueling the problem.

Dr. Derm owns 15 dermatology practices. Dr. Skin owns 12 similar practices. Recently a venture capitalist bought all of these practices and merged them as one practice. All of the dermatologists were given a 20-mile, two-year restrictive covenant.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Stelara (ustekinumab, Janssen Biotech) alone or in combination with methotrexate for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in patients ages 18 and older.

Researchers have identified a specific type of T cell that summons other immune cells to the site of skin injuries, shedding light on how these “first responders” contribute to wound healing.

There appears to be a rebirth of measles among unvaccinated children and adults, despite high immunization rates among children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Sleep deprivation can increase the signs of aging in the skin and decrease the skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure, a recent clinical trial indicates.

Women who suffer from migraines may have a slightly higher risk of rosacea, a study suggests.

Technology in devices being used for airport security could lead to the development of more advanced skin cancer screening, recent research suggests.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA, Allergan) for the temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe lateral canthal lines.

As many of half of the warts in children ages 4 to 12 will resolve without treatment, a recent study indicates.