Top 5 Articles of the Week: January 11-16

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1. Clascoterone 5% Delivers Strong Phase 3 Hair-Growth Results

Cosmo Pharmaceuticals reported promising topline results from 2 large phase 3 trials evaluating clascoterone 5% topical solution for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), potentially representing the first new treatment mechanism for the condition in over 30 years. The trials, SCALP 1 and SCALP 2, enrolled 1,465 men and assessed Target Area Hair Count and patient-reported outcomes, showing statistically significant hair growth improvements versus vehicle, with alignment between objective measures and patient perception. Clascoterone works via local androgen receptor inhibition at the follicle, minimizing systemic exposure and avoiding the hormonal side effects of oral treatments. Safety was favorable, with treatment-emergent adverse events similar to vehicle. If approved, the therapy could expand options for men seeking a mechanistically distinct, topical solution for AGA, with regulatory submissions planned following completion of 12-month safety follow-up in Spring 2026.

2. Gene Expression Profiling Guides Individualized Management in Melanoma and SCC

At a recent Dermatology Times Case-Based Roundtable, Andrew Baker, PA-C, discussed how gene expression profiling (GEP) can extend beyond its traditional role in guiding sentinel lymph node biopsy decisions to support more personalized management of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Through multiple real-world cases, the discussion highlighted how GEP results influenced treatment choices, helped contextualize risk beyond tumor thickness or stage, and, in some instances, raised concerns that guideline-driven decisions without biologic insight led to unnecessary morbidity, functional decline, or missed opportunities for optimized care. Baker emphasized that integrating tumor biology via GEP can inform surgical planning, surveillance intensity, and adjuvant therapy considerations across disease stages, particularly in older patients or those with comorbidities, while also underscoring ongoing variability in how GEP is applied—especially for SCC of the extremities—and the value of case-based peer dialogue in advancing consensus and best practices.

3. Phase 1b Asthma Data Highlight Durable IL-13 Suppression with Zumilokibart

Apogee Therapeutics reported positive interim results from a phase 1b trial of zumilokibart (APG777), a novel half-life–extended monoclonal antibody targeting IL-13, in adults with mild to moderate asthma enriched for type 2 inflammation, a population relevant to atopic dermatitis (AD) due to shared immunopathology. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a single 720 mg dose of zumilokibart was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events, conjunctivitis, injection-site reactions, or anti-drug antibodies observed. Pharmacodynamically, the biologic achieved a mean maximum FeNO reduction of 45 ppb (≈60% from baseline), with suppression maintained through 16–32 weeks, suggesting durable IL-13 inhibition and potential for extended dosing in AD. These findings support Apogee’s ongoing phase 2 APEX program in AD, with phase 3 trials planned for the second half of 2026, and highlight zumilokibart’s promise for sustained disease control, improved adherence, and systemic benefits across comorbid type 2 inflammatory conditions.

4. Expert Panel Provides Clinical Guidance for the Use of Trifarotene in Malaysian Acne Care

An expert advisory paper from Malaysia provides updated, practical guidance on incorporating trifarotene, a fourth-generation topical retinoid with selective retinoic acid receptor-γ activity, into routine acne management, addressing gaps left in the 2022 national guidelines due to its prior unavailability. Based on a targeted literature review and consensus from 10 Malaysian dermatologists, the panel positioned trifarotene as a first-line option for mild to moderate facial and truncal acne, supported by robust trial data showing sustained efficacy up to 52 weeks and added benefits for acne-induced hyperpigmentation and early atrophic scarring—outcomes particularly relevant for Asian skin types. The advisory emphasizes appropriate patient selection, combination therapy when needed, and practical strategies to optimize tolerability, including gradual initiation, nightly application, and a “Cleanse–Treat–Moisturize–Photoprotect” regimen, concluding that trifarotene is likely to play an expanding role in comprehensive acne care as further real-world data emerge.

5. Botanical Therapies for Acne: A Clinical Review of Social Media Trends

A narrative review evaluating herbal acne remedies promoted on social media found that while some botanicals have legitimate clinical support, many widely shared claims lack scientific validation. Among 21 medicinal plants identified from platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp, only 13 had any clinical trial evidence, with tea tree oil and green tea extract showing the strongest and most consistent benefits for reducing acne lesions through antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Other botanicals, including aloe vera, licorice, turmeric, and certain essential oils, demonstrated benefit mainly as adjuncts or in combination formulations. In contrast, several frequently promoted plants—including chamomile, thyme, heartsease, eucalyptus, and asparagus—lacked clinical evidence, raising concerns about misinformation and delayed effective treatment. The review also highlighted safety issues, such as irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, and rare endocrine effects linked to some essential oils, underscoring the need for clinicians to address “natural” remedies proactively and guide patients toward evidence-based acne care.