News

Two biologic agents under investigation show promise in the treatment of psoriasis by targeting IL-12 and -23, says an expert.

PHOENIX 1 is a phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab (Centocor), a fully human interleukin-12/23p40 monoclonal antibody, in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. The study randomized 766 patients to receive ustekinumab 45 mg, ustekinumab 90 mg or placebo at weeks zero and four. Data from 52 weeks and 76 weeks show high proportions of patients are maintaining PASI 75 responses with maintenance injections every 12 weeks.

The results of a three-year study with efalizumab show that patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis are able to maintain high PASI scores, reflecting long-term hope for disease-free intervals.

The phase 3 EXPRESS II trial data show infliximab (Remicade, Centocor) maintenance treatment with regularly administered infusions is associated with better psoriasis control and fewer infusion reactions than intermittent, as-needed dosing. A composite analysis of infliximab phase 2 and 3 study data shows consistently dramatic improvements across all four body regions evaluated in the studies.

The proposed new rules for sunscreens issued by the FDA have focused attention on understanding the different methods available for assessing UVA protection. Considering the limitations of various tests and real-world product use patterns, it is important that a sunscreen demonstrate both high levels of in vivo and in vitro protection against UVA as well as a high SPF level.

In vitro studies evaluated the transmission profiles and photostability of three commercially available sunscreens, as well as their activity for protecting against UV-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

Autologous fibroblast therapy (Isolagen, Isolagen, Inc.) has been used to achieve functional and cosmetic improvements in patients with acute and chronic burn injuries involving the face, neck, hands, and chest. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated and associated with high patient satisfaction.

Medical-grade honey kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria - including Staphylococcus - in the test tube, and eradicates colonies on the skin of healthy volunteers, Dutch researchers report.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded a multimillion-dollar research grant to develop new therapies for wounded soldiers, which may hasten the pace at which unique, innovative burn and wound healing and cosmetic procedures become commonly used in treating civilians.

Dr. Photo has lectured at numerous American Academy of Dermatology meetings. His lectures are well-attended and receive the highest attendee rankings. His PowerPoint presentations are always noted for their exceptional clarity.

Over the past 10 to 15 years, there has been a boom in the phenomenon commonly known as "medspas" - an outgrowth of the purely Aesthetic day spa, combining herbal wraps and massages with medical or near-medical therapies, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels, and progressing into lasers, fillers and Botox treatments.

The other day, I was visiting with my doctor following my annual checkup, and I asked him about the key concerns that he faces in his regional, three-physician practice in the Baltimore, Md., suburbs.

I recently read a short newspaper story (USA Today, May 27, 2008) from California, where it was reported that "two lawmakers want greater protection for cosmetic surgery patients."

The ongoing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of TNF-blocking biologic drugs is unlikely to have much impact on dermatologists' use of these drugs, physicians say.

2008 DT Laser & Light Technology Guide

An expert discusses emerging laser technology for at-home hair removal, fat transfer or facelifts, much of which is still being researched or in early marketing stages.

Avoiding laser and light complications requires practicing universal safety precautions, because complications can happen even with the most experienced equipment operators, an expert says.

La Jolla, Calif. - DermTech, a biotech company that develops molecular diagnostics for the early detection of melanoma and other diseases, has named skin cancer expert Scott Menzies, M.B., B.S., Ph.D., to its Melanoma Advisory Board, PRNewswire reports.

San Mateo, Calif. - Pain Therapeutics recently announced the completion of its first clinical study utilizing what it calls a novel melanoma treatment, TradingMarkets.com reports.

Long Beach, Calif. - Obagi Medical Products, based here, has released results of a study on its solubilized 5 percent benzoyl peroxide (BPO) gel treatment for acne, Business Wire reports.

Havre de Grace, Md. - Skin cancer screenings and sun safety outreach were offered at one of the major tournaments in the women’s professional golf tour, SunHerald.com reports.

New York - Patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma should be periodically given an ophthalmic examination to screen for metastasis to the eye, lids and orbit, according to a study reported by HealthDay News.

Barrington, Ill. - Results of a recently released survey indicate that rosacea may be genetic, the National Rosacea Society (NRS) reports.

Durham, N.C. - A new study suggests that chemotherapy is more effective on melanoma tumors if a protein commonly found in the growth can first be disabled, HealthDay News reports.

Houston - A new study shows that people worried about hair loss can count on counting as a way to find out if their concerns are justified, HealthDay News reports.

National report - The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is recommending adalimumab as a treatment for adults with plaque psoriasis, redOrbit reports.

Schaumburg, Ill - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is becoming increasingly common in people participating in sports, particularly high school and college athletes, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Nottingham, England - A five-year 'BLISTER' study is being coordinated by two universities, as they are seeking 250 bullous pemphigoid sufferers to participate in a randomized trial, according to Media-Newswire.

Coral Gables, Fla. - Stiefel Laboratories has announced it has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire Barrier Therapeutics, according to PRNewswire.