Top 5 Articles of the Week: November 30-December 5

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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. INF904 Demonstrates Biologic-Like Efficacy in HS and CSU

In an in-depth conversation with Dermatology Times, InflaRx chief medical officer Camilla Chong, MD, discussed the emerging role of complement C5a receptor inhibition in neutrophil-driven skin disease, highlighting early but compelling signals from the oral C5aR inhibitor INF904 in hidradenitis suppurativa and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Phase 1/2 data showed rapid reductions in HS lesions and pain, with efficacy deepening even after dosing stopped, while CSU findings suggested early onset and possible endotypic responsiveness. Positioned against the limitations of IL-17 and TNF-α blockade, Chong emphasized that an oral, complement-targeted therapy could fill a mechanistic gap in refractory, tunnel-forming disease and ultimately offer patients a biologic-level alternative that expands meaningful treatment choice.

3. Baricitinib, Ritlecitinib, Deuruxolitinib: Comparative Efficacy in AA

Alopecia areata affects about 2% of people and severe cases often respond poorly to traditional therapies, prompting interest in targeted oral JAK inhibitors—baricitinib, ritlecitinib, and deuruxolitinib—now approved for severe AA. Because no head-to-head trials exist, a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis of seven RCTs (over 3,000 adults) indirectly compared these agents. Across Bayesian NMA, ML-NMR, and MAIC methods, deuruxolitinib 8 mg BID consistently showed the highest likelihood of achieving meaningful regrowth at week 24 (SALT ≤10 and ≤20), outperforming baricitinib (especially 2 mg) and trending favorably versus ritlecitinib. SUCRA rankings also placed it first. While these findings help outline a provisional treatment hierarchy, they remain limited by indirect comparisons, short-term data, and class-wide safety warnings for oral JAKIs. Overall, deuruxolitinib appears the most effective short-term option among approved therapies, pending long-term and direct comparative studies.

4. Q&A: Optimizing Copper Peptide Through Next-Generation Delivery

Copper peptides, especially GHK-Cu, are regaining prominence in professional skincare, and Auro Skincare’s new Copper Peptide Serum uses a patented Auro GSH delivery system to improve peptide stability and penetration, distinguishing it from standard formulations. In a recent Q&A, Nayan Patel, PharmD, explained that the serum mimics GHK-Cu’s natural biological environment to help restore firmness, density, radiance, and overall vitality across most skin types. A 30-participant clinical study showed measurable improvements in firmness and density within one week and visible wrinkle reduction by week 4, with strong safety and consumer-perception results. Patel said the serum complements Auro’s focus on reducing oxidative stress while enhancing rejuvenation and emphasized that advances in delivery technology will drive the future of peptide-based skincare by enabling deeper, more effective penetration of biomimetic ingredients like GHK-Cu.

5. Topical Pan-JAK Inhibitor LNK01004 Shows Promising Efficacy and Safety in Phase 2 AD Trial

Lynk Pharmaceuticals has reported positive phase 2 results for LNK01004, a skin-restricted topical pan-JAK inhibitor being developed for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). In a randomized, double-blind trial of 75 adults treated twice daily for 8 weeks, both the 0.3% and 1.0% ointment strengths outperformed vehicle, particularly in patients with larger affected areas. Among those with ≥10% BSA involvement, EASI-75 response rates reached 61.1% (0.3%) and 46.2% (1.0%) vs 20% for vehicle, with similarly superior vIGA-AD responses. Efficacy was even stronger in patients with ≥20% BSA involvement. LNK01004 was well tolerated, with only mild to moderate treatment-related adverse events and very low systemic drug levels, consistent with its “soft,” skin-targeted design aimed at minimizing systemic JAK-related risks. Company leadership highlighted the drug’s potential as a non-systemic option for patients with more extensive or severe AD, with plans to advance into further clinical development.