Spesolimab, A Novel Interleukin-36 Inhibitor for Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Flares in Adult Patients.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, immune-mediated inflammatory disease with characteristic cutaneous and systemic manifestations. Mutations in the interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (IL36RN) gene have been implicated in its pathogenesis. Spesolimab is a novel systemic biologic therapy that selectively inhibits interleukin-36. It was recently approved by Health Canada and the US FDA for the treatment of GPP flares in adults. Results from phase 1 and 2 studies have been promising. Herein, we review the efficacy and safety of spesolimab for the treatment of GPP flares, as demonstrated in clinical trials.

Approach to chronic wrist pain in adults: Review of common pathologies for primary care practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an approach for identifying, investigating, and initially managing common causes of chronic wrist pain seen by primary care practitioners. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Relevant clinical evidence and literature were identified using the PubMed database. MAIN MESSAGE: Chronic wrist pain is a common presentation in the primary care setting. The complex anatomy of the wrist leads to a broad differential diagnosis. Elements of history, findings of physical examinations and investigations, and management relevant to the following pathologies are discussed, including scaphoid fracture nonunion, thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis, scapholunate ligament instability, triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries, de Quervain tenosynovitis, extensor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ganglion cysts. When evaluating chronic wrist pain, diagnostic imaging with x-ray scans can serve as an important ancillary investigation tool but should not override clinical suspicion. Advanced imaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) is generally best ordered by a hand surgeon when it will help clarify a diagnosis and guide treatment. CONCLUSION: Chronic wrist pain is a functionally limiting problem best managed with timely diagnosis and treatment. A thorough history and physical examination are the cornerstones of an effective evaluation. When diagnosis is delayed, some wrist pathologies can lead to relatively poor outcomes, such as a scaphoid fracture nonunion resulting in diffuse wrist osteoarthritis.

Tralokinumab for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Adults.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, recurrent, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Targeted treatment options remain limited. Tralokinumab (Adtralza®) is a promising, new systemic therapy that inhibits interleukin-13. It was recently approved by Health Canada and the US FDA for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD in adults and may be used alone or with topical corticosteroids. Herein, we review the efficacy and safety of tralokinumab in adults, as demonstrated in clinical trials.

Halobetasol Propionate 0.01% Lotion for Plaque Psoriasis and Corticosteroid-Responsive Dermatoses.

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. Once daily application of HP 0.01% lotion is indicated for use up to 8 weeks. Treatment success for plaque psoriasis in the pivotal phase 3 clinical trials (defined as an Investigator Global Assessment [IGA] of clear/almost clear [IGA 0/1] with ≥2-grade improvement from baseline) occurred in over one-third of patients by week 8. Treatment-emergent adverse events were typically mild-to-moderate in intensity and usually limited to the application site(s). No treatment-related cases of skin atrophy have been reported from the studies. Counselling should be considered to optimize treatment outcomes.