Top 5 Articles of the Month: July

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1. Acne Burden is Growing in Young Women Across the World, New Study Finds

A new analysis of Global Burden of Disease data from 1990 to 2021 reveals a significant worldwide rise in acne among women aged 15 to 49, with projections showing continued growth through 2040. Acne incidence rose by 34%, prevalence by 38%, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by 37%, particularly in low-income regions. While the greatest burden remains among adolescents, older age groups are seeing faster growth. The study highlights the need for improved access to dermatologic care, mental health support, and targeted public health strategies to address this growing global issue.

2. What’s Shaping the Future of Alopecia Treatment, According to Leading Clinicians

Hair loss took center stage at the 2025 SDPA Summer Dermatology Conference, where experts shared the latest clinical strategies for treating alopecia areata, scarring alopecias, and nonscarring hair loss. Key takeaways included the growing role of JAK inhibitors in managing alopecia areata, the diagnostic power of trichoscopy to distinguish hair loss types, and the importance of considering allergic contact dermatitis when scarring alopecia fails to improve. With new therapies and diagnostic tools emerging, speakers emphasized the need for personalized care and ongoing research to advance outcomes in this evolving field.

3. AI-Powered Insights From 1 Million Users Reveal New Trends in Hair Loss

At the 2025 AAD Innovation Academy, researchers unveiled the largest consumer-sourced dataset on hair loss to date, analyzing over 1 million entries from MDhair, an AI-powered app. The study revealed key patterns across age, gender, and hormonal status, confirming known risk factors like genetics and hormones while identifying strong links between stress, COVID-19, and sudden hair loss. Women reported hair loss earlier and more often as mild thinning, while men had higher rates of severe loss. Postmenopausal and postpartum women were at greater risk, and lifestyle factors like diet and shampoo frequency showed minimal correlation. The findings highlight the growing potential of AI-driven tools in personalizing hair loss assessment and care.

4. FDA Approves LEO Pharma's Delgocitinib for Adults With Moderate to Severe Chronic Hand Eczema

The FDA has approved delgocitinib cream (Anzupgo; LEO Pharma) as the first and only treatment for adults with moderate to severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) unresponsive to corticosteroids. Backed by positive results from the DELTA clinical trials, this topical pan-JAK inhibitor demonstrated significant improvements in pain, itch, and disease severity, along with a strong safety profile. Experts hailed the approval as a major breakthrough for CHE care, offering a steroid-free, effective option for a historically underserved condition. The decision marks a milestone in recognizing CHE as a distinct, serious dermatologic disease worthy of targeted treatment.

5. Jasper Investigates Drug Lot Issue in CSU Study

Jasper Therapeutics has released updated results from its BEACON phase 1b/2a trial of briquilimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting KIT, in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The treatment showed promising efficacy, with up to 100% complete response rates in early cohorts and sustained benefits in an open-label extension. While a compromised drug batch impacted outcomes in some repeat-dose groups, Jasper plans to re-dose affected patients and expand enrollment ahead of a phase 2b trial in 2026. Briquilimab continues to demonstrate a favorable safety profile, reinforcing its potential as a new option for antihistamine-refractory CSU.