Dermatology

Update on Peginterferon alfa-2b (Sylatron™), Imiquimod 3.75% cream (Zyclara®), experienced recurrence 12 weeks after therapy. (Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel Tactuo™), Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiapex®), and updates on generic drugs.

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Dimethicone 50% topical solution (Nyda®), Radiofrequency aesthetic device (EXILIS Focused RF™), Skin barrier protectant (Neosalus® Lotion) are covered.

Latest drug update covers Pembrolizumab for IV injection (Keytruda®, Merck & Co.), Guselkumab for SC injection (Tremfya®, MorphoSys/Janssen), Dupilumub for SC injection (Dupixent®, Regeneron), and Risankizumab for SC injection (Skyrizi™, AbbVie).

There are many new immunotherapeutics that have been approved or are in clinical and pre-clinical trials to expand our arsenal in the treatment of melanoma and other previously difficult to treat malignancies.

Update on Human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine, recombinant (Gardasil®9), Ivermectin 1% cream (Soolantra®), Naftifine HCl 2% gel & cream (Naftin®), Nivolumab IV infusion (Opdivo®), Polymethylmethacrylate collagen dermal filler for acne scars (Bellafill®), Secukinumab SC injection (Consentyx™).

Acne scars are a frequent complication that results from damage to the skin during the healing process of lesions, with studies indicating that 50% of those suffering from acne may develop scars.

To date, the US FDA has approved three tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a inhibitors for use in dermatology. The distinct and targeted mechanism of action of the TNF inhibitors allows dermatologists to customize therapy to match the individual needs and characteristics of patients who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Acne vulgaris can represent a therapeutic challenge in terms of managing ongoing symptoms and preventing scar formation. Dermatologists may now have viable new alternatives for treating all grades of acne severity that circumvent the negative side-effects associated with many conventional options.

Etanercept has recently been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis at a dose of 50mg twice per week for 12 weeks followed by a maintenance dose of 50mg once weekly thereafter. Clinical studies have shown excellent efficacy and a good safety profile in patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that is mediated, in part by the body’s T-cell inflammatory response mechanisms. Current data regarding the efficacy of these agents show they may have the potential to become the new clinical gold standard for biologic therapy to treat psoriasis.

Chronic pruritus remains a difficult condition to treat with many non-specific therapeutic options. Recent scientific discoveries have elucidated the physiology associated with pruritus.

Treatment objectives and pharmacoeconomic considerations are important when developing guidelines that are effective and rational. Canadian Acne Treatment Guidelines were last published in 1995. New guidelines were recently developed to incorporate therapeutic advances and data from more recent studies.

Many options exist for the treatment of rosacea, including topical and systemic therapies, laser and light-based therapies, and surgical procedures. The goals of therapy include reduction of papules, pustules, erythema, physical discomfort, and an improvement in quality of life.

Diane-35®, known as Dianette® in some countries, is a combination of cyproterone acetate 2 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg. It has recently received regulatory clearance in Canada, but has not yet been approved by the US FDA.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a carcinogen that also compromises skin appearance and function. Since the UV action spectra for DNA damage, skin cancer, and vitamin D photosynthesis are identical, and vitamin D is readily available from oral supplements, why has sun protection become controversial?

A vast spectrum of topical anti-acne agents has emerged in response to new insights that have been gained through the understanding of disease pathophysiology and the need for clinicians to adopt an individualized therapeutic approach.

Update on Diclofenac Sodium 3% Gel Solaraze®, Retapamulin Ointment 1% Altabax™, Calcium Hydroxylapatite Microspheres in Water-based Gel Radiesse®, Rose Bengal Disodium 10% PV-10, and Taxane Potentiator STA-4783.

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Imiquimod 3.75% cream (Zyclara™), Adapalene 0.1% lotion (Differin®), Polidocanol injection (Asclera®) are covered.

Pimecrolimus is an immunomodulating medication that inhibits production of inflammatory cytokines in the skin and this compound was specifically developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Fractional laser treatment with the 1,550nm erbium fiber laser (Fraxel® Laser, Reliant Technologies) has bridged the gap between the ablative and nonablative laser modalities used to treat the epidermal and dermal signs of skin aging.

The choice of facial cleanser is important for people with normal skin, as well as for those people with sensitive skin and skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and acne. Read this overview of all cleanser types for helpful recommendations.

Hand and foot psoriasis is a chronic and debilitating disease that manifests as plaque-type or pustular-type lesions. Although the palms and soles represent only 2% of the total body surface area, psoriasis of these regions may lead to physical dysfunctions that can greatly impair dexterity, mobility, and the quality of life.

Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara™, Graceway Pharmaceuticals) is an immune response modifier used for the topical treatment of anogenital warts in non-HIV-infected patients. Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that imiquimod 5% cream is a safe and efficacious treatment.

Update on Polidocanol 1% injectable foam (Varithena®), Cobimetinib + vemurafenib (Cotellic™ + Zelboraf®), Adalimumab SC injection (Humira®), Hyaluronic acid filler (Juvederm® Ultra XC), Nivolumab + ipilimumab (Opdivo® + Yervoy®), Ingenol mebutate gel (Picato®)

Update on Anti-psoriatic Agent Ustekinumab CNTO 1275, Anti-arthritic Agent Tocilizumab Actemra®, Neurotoxin Botulinum Toxin Type A Reloxin®, and news from The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK.

Update on Ingenol mebutate gel (0.015%, 0.05%) Picato™, Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (Epiduo®), and Hydrogel for skin and wound care (Vashe® Skin and Wound Hydrogel)

Tinea capitis, the most contagious of all the tineas caused by dermatophytes, has been described as a scourge of young children. Children are most susceptible before puberty, and the infection develops less commonly in older age groups.

An overview and update of skin treatments introduced in 2000: Quick overview of drug name, indications and regulatory status

Sunscreens have been in use for nearly 70 years. Originally designed to protect against sunburn, enable longer sun exposure and promote tanning, sunscreens are now often promoted as a method for preventing skin cancer and skin aging.

A novel topical corticosteroid, halobetasol propionate (HP) 0.01% lotion (Bryhali™), has recently been introduced for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in adults.

Cosmetic products containing ultraviolet light filtering agents are rapidly being developed and entering the marketplace. This article reviews formulary attributes, effective photoprotection, adherence, and behavior modification.

Bimekizumab is a novel treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis that has shown promising efficacy and safety in clinical trials. By simultaneously targeting two components of the IL-17 pathway, IL-17A and IL-17F, the biologic can downregulate proinflammatory signaling and rapidly improve patients’ skin.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) may affect up to 70% of men and 40% of women at some point in their lifetime. Here we briefly review current therapeutic options and treatments under active investigation.

Drug Treatments Introduced in 1998

Psoriasis represents a potentially life-altering disease that can profoundly impact physical, emotional and social functioning, and overall quality of life. Part I of this 2-part series will focus on topical agents, their varying degrees of effectiveness, potential side-effects and applications in clinical practice.

Biologic agents were introduced during the past decade as a new class of treatments for chronic psoriasis. This review will discuss data from clinical trials that have provided new insights into the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of alefacept as a treatment for psoriasis.

A review of this list of agents that are presently undergoing clinical trial. Although only a few of the drugs on this list will gain regulatory approval, what is exciting is the likelihood that some new agents will be approved and will radically alter the way we treat psoriasis.

Update on Calcipotriene/Betamethasone Dipropionate OintmentTaclonex® Warner Chilcott/LEO Pharma, Etanercept Enbrel® Amgen/Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and drug news about Updated Labeling, Dear Doctor Letter and Cleansing Agents.

Update on: Amphotericin B Lipid Complex Injection Abelcet®Butenafine HCl Cream 1% Mentax® Itraconazole Sporanox®Acitretin Soriatane® Penciclovir cream 1% Denavir®Valacyclovir Valtrex®Laser device Sharplan Silktouch laser®Permethrin lotion Nix®Ivermectin Mectizan® (6 mg tablet)

This update covers: Guselkumab SC use (Tremfya®), Adalimumab-fkjp SC use (Hulio®), Collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes SC use (Qwo™), Protein replacement therapy for XLHED (ER-004), Pembrolizumab IV use (Keytruda®), Minocycline 1.5% foam (Zilxi™), Microbiome-based non-aqueous ointment (ATR-12), Dupilumab SC use (Dupixent®) and Selumetinib capsules (Koselugo™)