Top 5 Articles of the Week: January 18-23

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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. 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.

3. Deciphering Evolving Biologic Strategies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

At the Dermatology Times Horizons in Advanced Practice meeting in Tampa, Florida, conference chairs Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP; Omar Noor, MD; and Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C, led interactive breakout sessions for dermatology NPs and PAs focused on complex inflammatory skin diseases, including chronic hand eczema and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Aldredge highlighted the evolving biologic landscape for HS, reviewing adalimumab, secukinumab, and bimekizumab, and noting that newer IL-17–targeted therapies have expanded treatment options despite similar safety profiles and the need for switching due to relapse over time. Discussions also addressed adjunctive therapies and the relative ease of obtaining biologic approval for HS given its severity and limited options. Aldredge further encouraged NPs and PAs to pursue speaking and publishing opportunities, emphasizing that mentorship, incremental steps, and professional organization resources can build confidence and scholarly engagement over time.

4. 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.

5. 1550-nm Laser Demonstrates Efficacy in Acne Scar Treatment Across All Skin Types

A significant number of patients develop permanent acne scarring despite available medical and procedural therapies, a challenge that is especially pronounced in patients with skin of color due to higher risks of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloid formation. A recent prospective, multicenter clinical trial evaluated a novel 1550-nm nonablative resurfacing laser using focal point technology designed to deliver higher energies safely to deeper dermal layers while sparing the epidermis. In 47 patients spanning Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI, treatment led to meaningful and statistically significant improvements in acne scarring across multiple validated measures, with 78% rated as improved or much improved and more than 90% meeting responder criteria on blinded assessments. The therapy was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events and low rates of pigmentary complications, and efficacy and safety outcomes were comparable between lighter and darker skin types. These findings suggest this next-generation laser may offer a safe and effective option for treating acne scars across diverse skin tones, addressing a longstanding gap in dermatologic care.