Patrick Burnett, MD, PhD, Highlights Arcutis’ New Seborrheic Dermatitis Initiative With Odell Beckham Jr.

“Having a patient, and it doesn’t have to be a celebrity, talking about their experience with a disease, especially a disease that hasn't been a focus for new therapeutic in our industry, really helps to contextualize what it is that patients are experiencing,” said Patrick Burnett, MD, PhD, in an interview with Dermatology Times.

Burnett, a board-certified dermatologist and the chief medical officer of Arcutis Biotherapeutics, recently discussed Arcutis’ new initiative with Odell Beckham Jr. to bring more awareness to seborrheic dermatitis and the positive impact of roflumilast foam (Zoryve) 0.3%.¹

“My seborrheic dermatitis started to bother me in my 20s when I noticed white flaky skin throughout my beard and at my hairline accompanied by a deep, burning itchy sensation that was extremely uncomfortable,” said Odell Beckham Jr. in the news release “After trying to figure out the cause for several years, I finally visited my dermatologist who diagnosed me with seb derm and prescribed Zoryve foam, which works really well for me. Now I want to help others understand the condition, find a treatment option that works for them, and get a clear win for their skin.”¹

The Impact of the Odell Beckham Jr. Partnership

Burnett first highlighted the significance of Arcutis' partnership with Odell Beckham Jr. to raise awareness about seborrheic dermatitis. Beckham’s journey mirrors that of many patients—struggling to obtain a proper diagnosis and facing a significant quality-of-life impact. By sharing his story, Beckham amplifies the conversation around a condition that has historically lacked innovation in treatment. Burnett emphasized that having a well-known figure speak about the challenges of seborrheic dermatitis can help reach both health care providers and patients, driving broader recognition and better understanding of the disease.

Diagnostic Challenges and the Importance of Awareness

Burnett discussed the diagnostic complexities of seborrheic dermatitis, particularly in differentiating it from other skin conditions such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. He noted that approximately 50% of the patients he sees with seborrheic dermatitis initially carry an incorrect diagnosis, often from a primary care visit years prior. Particularly in patients with skin of color, manifestations such as hypopigmentation along the hairline can lead to misdiagnoses or delays in treatment. He stressed the need for dermatologists to perform thorough examinations beyond the commonly affected areas and to consider the condition’s broader impact on patients’ lives.

Roflumilast Foam and Its Clinical Impact

The approval of roflumilast foam 0.3% in December 2023 represented the first new mechanism of action for seborrheic dermatitis treatment in over 20 years. Burnett noted that prior to roflumilast, dermatologists had limited options beyond topical steroids and antifungals, making patient management frustrating. The excitement surrounding roflumilast stems from its strong safety, tolerability, and efficacy profile, with data showing 50% of patients achieving complete clearance. Dermatologists, initially surprised that a company was investing in seborrheic dermatitis research, now appreciate having a novel treatment option to offer patients. According to Burnett, the overwhelmingly positive feedback from both clinicians and patients reinforces the unmet need roflumilast foam is addressing in seborrheic dermatitis care.

Reference

1. Odell Beckham Jr. and Arcutis tackle seborrheic dermatitis in a “Clear Win for Your Skin.” News release. Arcutis Biotherapeutics. February 4, 2025. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.arcutis.com/odell-beckham-jr-and-arcutis-tackle-seborrheic-dermatitis-in-a-clear-win-for-your-skin/