A novel, fixed-dose calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate cream for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis: Direct and indirect evidence from phase 3 trials discussed at the 30th EADV Congress 2021.

Four posters about the novel, fixed-dose calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate cream (CAL/BDP cream) based on Poly-Aphron Dispersion (PAD) Technology were presented at the 30th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2021 and are summarized here. CAL/BDP cream was compared in two randomized, phase 3 trials to vehicle and active comparator (CAL/BDP gel/topical suspension [TS]) in adults with plaque psoriasis (NCT03802344 and NCT03308799). Pooled data from both trials demonstrated significant greater efficacy in favour of CAL/BDP cream for all efficacy endpoints, including PGA treatment success, mPASI, and mPASI75 compared to CAL/BDP gel/TS. CAL/BDP cream was well tolerated and comparable to CAL/BDP gel/TS with no adverse drug reactions with a frequency >1%. In the NCT03308799 study, CAL/BDP cream demonstrated a substantial improvement in the proportion of participants achieving a minimum 4-point improvement on the peak pruritus numeric rating scale (NRS) score compared with vehicle at Weeks 1, 4 and 8. CAL/BDP cream also improved quality of life (QoL), as assessed through the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the EQ-VAS at Week 8 compared with active comparator. Treatment convenience of CAL/BDP cream, as measured by the Psoriasis Treatment Convenience Scale, was superior to CAL/BDP gel/TS at all studied timepoints, including questions addressing formulation's greasiness and overall treatment satisfaction. Finally, an indirect comparison following the Bucher's method of adjusted indirect comparison and the difference-in-differences method was conducted to compare CAL/BDP cream and CAL/BDP foam, as both therapies have been compared to CAL/BDP gel/TS. Indirect evidence showed that treatment with CAL/BDP cream was associated with a trend for greater QoL improvement than CAL/BDP foam when DLQI improvement was assessed at the recommended treatment duration of 8 weeks for CAL/BDP cream and 4 weeks for CAL/BDP foam. CAL/BDP cream was statistically superior versus CAL/BDP foam in four out of five treatment satisfaction domains.

The Use of a Novel Artificial Intelligence Platform for the Evaluation of Rhytids.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) platforms are increasingly being utilized in various healthcare applications. There are few platforms that provide quantifiable assessments of dermatologic or aesthetic conditions by employing industry established scales. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to report the results of a pilot study that evaluated the utilization and functionality of an AI engine to measure and monitor rhytids (fine lines). For this study, glabellar frown lines were employed as the clinical model. METHODS: Seventy-one patients were enrolled and monitored remotely employing current high-quality mobile phone cameras over a 14-day period. The patients were prompted to take photographs employing this platform at preset intervals, and these photographs were then rated by the AI platform and qualified raters experienced in the field of facial aesthetics. RESULTS: The AI platform had concordance with 2 qualified raters of 46% to 68%, and the inter-rater concordance between 2 rates ranged from 44% to 66%. The intra-rater concordance for the raters was between 57% and 84%, whereas the AI platform had a 100% concordance with itself. The participant and investigator satisfaction ratings of the platform were high on multiple dimensions of the platform. CONCLUSIONS: This AI platform evaluated photos on a comparable level of accuracy as the qualified raters, and it evaluated more consistently than the qualified raters. This platform may have high utility in clinical research and development, including the management of clinical trials, and efficient management of patient care at the clinical practices.

DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection for the Treatment of Glabellar Lines: Efficacy Results From SAKURA 3, a Large, Open-Label, Phase 3 Safety Study.

BACKGROUND: DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection (DAXI) is botulinum toxin Type A formulated with a novel peptide excipient. Two pivotal, single-treatment, placebo-controlled trials demonstrated efficacy and safety for moderate or severe glabellar lines. OBJECTIVE: To further evaluate DAXI in a large, open-label, repeat-treatment study. METHODS: Subjects (n = 2,691) were enrolled from the preceding pivotal trials or de novo and received 40U DAXI. Those who received repeat treatments could be retreated when they returned to baseline on the Investigator Global Assessment-Frown Wrinkle Severity (IGA-FWS) and Patient FWS (PFWS) scales at/after 12 weeks and up to 36 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: High (>96%) response rates (none or mild severity) on the IGA-FWS scale were seen after each of the 3 treatments, with peak response between Weeks 2 to 4. At Week 24, ≥32% had a response of none or mild severity. Peak response rates of ≥92% were observed at Weeks 2 to 4 on the PFWS scale. The median duration for return to moderate or severe severity was 24 weeks. The safety profile was favorable and consistent with previous trials. CONCLUSION: DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection efficacy was highly consistent across treatment cycles. These results confirm the previously observed efficacy rates and duration of response.

A Phase 3, Randomized Trial Demonstrating the Improved Efficacy and Patient Acceptability of Fixed Dose Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream.

BACKGROUND: The fixed dose combination of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate (CAL/BDP) is a well-established, efficacious, and safe topical treatment of psoriasis. METHOD: A Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, investigator-blind, active, and vehicle-controlled trial enrolling 796 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis according to the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) scale. Products were applied once daily for 8 weeks. RESULTS: The proportion of patients achieving PGA treatment success after 8 weeks was statistically significantly greater for CAL/BDP cream (37.4%) compared to CAL/BDP TS (22.8%, P<0.0001), and vehicle (3.7%, P<0.0001). A similar statistically significant difference in favor of CAL/BDP cream at week 8 was demonstrated for the percentage change in mPASI from baseline and the proportion of patients obtaining mPASI75. Patient reported treatment convenience for CAL/BDP cream was rated superior to CAL/BDP TS. Safety assessments during the trial demonstrated that CAL/BDP cream was well-tolerated with no adverse reactions with a frequency greater than 1%. CONCLUSION: CAL/BDP cream is a novel topical treatment of psoriasis, which in a single product, offers a unique combination of high efficacy combined with favorable safety and excellent treatment convenience. For these reasons, CAL/BDP cream offers a distinctive advantage for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03308799J Drugs Dermatol. 20(4):420-425. doi:10.36849/JDD.5653.

A novel topical minocycline foam for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris: Results of 2 randomized, double-blind, phase 3 studies.

BACKGROUND: FMX101 4% is a topical minocycline foam for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of FMX101 4% in treating moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. METHODS: Two identical phase 3 studies were conducted. Subjects were randomized 2:1 to once-daily FMX101 4% or foam vehicle for 12 weeks. The coprimary end points were the change in inflammatory lesion count from baseline and the rate of treatment success according to the Investigator's Global Assessment (a score of 0 or 1 for clear or almost clear, with a ≥2-grade improvement) at week 12. RESULTS: A total of 961 subjects were enrolled (study 04, N = 466; study 05, N = 495). Compared with vehicle, FMX101 4% demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in inflammatory lesions in both studies (P < .05) and a greater rate of treatment success in study 05 according to the Investigator's Global Assessment (P < .05). Pooled analyses of the 2 studies demonstrated statistical significance for both coprimary end points (all P < .05). Noninflammatory lesion count was also significantly reduced with FMX101 4% versus with vehicle in both studies. FMX101 4% was generally safe and well tolerated. Skin-related adverse events were reported in less than 1% of subjects treated with FMX101 4%. LIMITATIONS: Longer-term efficacy and safety outcomes are needed (ongoing). CONCLUSION: FMX101 4% topical minocycline foam significantly reduced both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions and improved Investigator's Global Assessment scores in patients with moderate-to-severe acne.

The Potential Role of Botulinum Toxin in Improving Superficial Cutaneous Scarring: A Review.

Botulinum toxins have been utilized in a number of cosmetic and therapeutic applications. One of the more novel uses of botulinum toxin involves its use to mitigate the effects of superficial cutaneous scarring. This is accomplished by decreasing the dynamic tension of a wound by denervating the underlying muscle. Studies have indicated that botulinum toxin serotypes A and B have a positive effect on wound healing and scar appearance. However, larger prospective, blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are required to refine this concept and target optimum toxin dose placement, timing, and concentration. The delayed onset of effect of available botulinum toxins is likely not taking full advantage of the scar improvement capabilities of the toxin, considering the time to immobilization of the muscle is a key factor in the improvement of wound healing with this technique. Furthermore, it has been noted in studies that the use of botulinum toxin can result in significant, yet temporary functional issues, due to prolonged paralysis of the muscle. In this paper, we review the role of botulinum toxin in improving scar appearance, evaluate animal and human studies to date demonstrating its effect on scarring, and highlight an opportunity for continued research in this application. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(9):956-958.

Clinically Relevant Reduction in Persistent Facial Erythema of Rosacea on the First Day of Treatment With Oxymetazoline Cream 1.0.

BACKGROUND: Persistent facial erythema is a clinically challenging feature of rosacea. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate persistent erythema reduction on the first day of treatment from pooled data from two pivotal trials of topical oxymetazoline cream 1.0% (oxymetazoline) in persistent facial erythema of rosacea. METHODS: In two identically designed, phase 3, multicenter trials, adults with moderate to severe persistent facial erythema of rosacea (Clinician Erythema Assessment [CEA] grade ≥3 and Subject Self-Assessment [SSA] grade ≥3) were randomized 1:1 to once-daily topical oxymetazoline or vehicle; the primary efficacy endpoint was ≥2-grade composite CEA and SSA improvement from baseline on day 29. This post hoc analysis evaluated the proportion of patients achieving ≥1-grade composite and individual CEA and SSA improvement at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours postdose on day 1 (N=885). RESULTS: Significantly more patients achieved ≥1-grade composite and individual CEA and SSA improvement with the first application of oxymetazoline than with vehicle (P less than 0.001) at all postdose time points, beginning with hour 1. Day 1 safety assessments were similar between treatments. LIMITATIONS: Short-term, post hoc analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A ≥1-grade improvement in persistent erythema achieved after the first dose of once-daily topical oxymetazoline demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement from the beginning of therapy. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(6):621-626.

Once-Daily Oral Sarecycline 1.5 mg/kg/day Is Effective for Moderate to Severe Acne Vulgaris: Results from Two Identically Designed, Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Side effects may limit the use of current tetracycline-class antibiotics for acne. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily sarecycline, a novel, narrow-spectrum tetracycline-class antibiotic, in moderate to severe acne. METHODS: Patients 9-45 years with moderate to severe facial acne (Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] score ≥ 3, 20-50 inflammatory and ≤ 100 noninflammatory lesions, and ≤ 2 nodules) were randomized 1:1 to sarecycline 1.5 mg/kg/day or placebo for 12 weeks in identically designed phase 3 studies (SC1401 and SC1402). RESULTS: In SC1401 (sarecycline n=483, placebo n=485) and SC1402 (sarecycline n=519, placebo n=515), at week 12, IGA success (≥ 2-grade improvement and score 0 [clear] or 1 [almost clear]) rates were 21.9% and 22.6% (sarecycline), respectively, versus 10.5% and 15.3% (placebo; P less than 0.0001 and P equals 0.0038). Onset of efficacy in inflammatory lesions occurred by the first visit (week 3), with mean percentage reduction in inflammatory lesions at week 12 in SC1401 and SC1402 of -51.8% and -49.9% (sarecycline), respectively, versus -35.1% and -35.4% (placebo; P less than 0.0001). Onset of efficacy for absolute reduction of noninflammatory lesion count occurred at week 6 in SC1401 (P less than 0.05) and week 9 in SC1402 (P less than 0.01). In SC1401, the most common TEAEs (in ≥ 2% of either sarecycline or placebo group) were nausea (4.6% [sarecycline]; 2.5% [placebo]), nasopharyngitis (3.1%; 1.7%), headache (2.7%; 2.7%), and vomiting (2.1%; 1.4%) and, in SC1402, nasopharyngitis (2.5%; 2.9%) and headache (2.9%; 4.9%). Most were not considered treatment-related. Vestibular (dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo) and phototoxic (sunburn, photosensitivity) TEAEs both occurred in ≤ 1% of sarecycline patients. Gastrointestinal TEAE rates for sarecycline were low. Among females, vulvovaginal candidiasis (SC1401: 1.1% [sarecycline] and 0 [placebo]; SC1402: 0.3% and 0) and mycotic infection (0.7% and 0; 1.0% and 0) rates were low. CONCLUSION: The narrow-spectrum antibiotic sarecycline was safe, well tolerated, and effective for moderate to severe acne, with low rates of side effects common with tetracycline antibiotics. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(9):987-996.

Efficacy and Safety of Naftifine HCl Cream 2% in the Treatment of Pediatric Subjects With Tinea Corporis.

BACKGROUND: Tinea corporis is fungal infection of body surfaces other than the feet, groin, scalp, or beard. Naftifine hydrochloride is a topical antifungal of the allylamine class used to treat tinea corporis, displaying fungicidal activity and clinically significant anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two-weeks once daily application of naftifine cream 2% in the treatment of tinea corporis among pediatric subjects.
METHODS: At baseline, 231 subjects were randomly assigned 1:1 to naftifine cream 2% (n=116) and vehicle (n=115). Treatment effect consisting of mycologic determination (KOH and dermatophyte cultures) and scoring of clinical symptom severity was evaluated at baseline, week 2 (end of treatment) and week 3. Efficacy was analyzed in 181 subjects (n=88, naftifine; n=93, vehicle) with a positive baseline dermatophyte culture and KOH for whom week 3 assessments were available. Safety was evaluated by adverse events (AE) and laboratory values in 231 subjects (n=116, naftifine; n=115, vehicle).
RESULTS: Children with tinea corporis treated with naftifine cream 2% demonstrated significantly greater improvements from baseline over vehicle for mycological cure (P<0.0001) and treatment effectiveness (P=0.003) as early as 2 weeks (end of treatment). Response rates continued to increase post-treatment and were the highest 1-week after completion of the therapy (P=0.003 for complete cure; and P<0.001 for mycological cure and treatment effectiveness). Treatment related adverse events were minimal.
CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with naftifine cream 2% applied once daily for two weeks was well-tolerated and was effective in treating tinea corporis in children. Further improvement was observed 1-week after treatment completion for all key outcome measures (complete cure, mycological cure, treatment effectiveness, clinical cure, and clinical success) and clinical signs and symptoms (erythema, induration, and pruritus).

J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(6):743-748.

Importance of treating acne sequelae in skin of color: 6-month phase IV study of trifarotene with an appropriate skincare routine including UV protection in acne-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Acne-induced hyperpigmentation (AIH) may accompany acne vulgaris (AV) inflammation in all skin phototypes. Trifarotene has shown depigmenting properties in vivo. This study evaluated trifarotene plus skincare because it is increasingly recognized that holistic AV management should include skincare and treatments. METHODS: This is a phase IV double-blind, parallel-group study of patients (13-35 years) with moderate AV and AIH treated with trifarotene (N = 60) or vehicle (N = 63) plus skincare regimen (moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen) for 24 weeks. Assessments included the AIH overall disease severity (ODS) score, post-AV hyperpigmentation index (PAHPI), exit interviews, photography, and acne assessments. Standard safety assessments were included. RESULTS: Trifarotene 50 µg/g cream improved significantly from baseline in ODS score versus vehicle (-1.6 vs. -1.1, P = 0.03) at Week 12, but scores were comparable between groups at Week 24 (primary endpoint). Trifarotene had a better reduction in PAHPI score at Week 24 (-18.9% vs. -11.3% vehicle, P < 0.01). Lesion count reductions were higher with trifarotene at Week 12 versus vehicle (P < 0.001) and at Week 24 (P < 0.05), as were IGA success rates versus vehicle at Weeks 12 (P < 0.05) and 24 (P < 0.05). Patients agreed that the skincare regimen contributed to less irritation, making treatment adherence easier. Photography showed improvements in pigmentation and erythema across all skin types. AEs were more common in the vehicle group versus trifarotene (30.2 vs. 16.7%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In all skin phototypes, there was more rapid improvement in the ODS and PAHPI scores with trifarotene by Weeks 12 and 24, respectively. The combination of trifarotene and skincare correlated with high patient satisfaction and adherence to the treatment protocol.

Effect of NFX-179 MEK inhibitor on cutaneous neurofibromas in persons with neurofibromatosis type 1.

This phase 2a trial investigated the efficacy of NFX-179 Topical Gel, a metabolically labile MEK inhibitor, in the treatment of cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) in neurofibromatosis type 1. Forty-eight participants were randomized to four treatment arms: NFX-179 Topical Gel 0.05%, 0.15%, and 0.5% or vehicle applied once daily to five target cNFs for 28 days. Treatment with NFX-179 Topical Gel resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in p-ERK levels in cNFs at day 28, with a 47% decrease in the 0.5% NFX-179 group compared to the vehicle (P = 0.0001). No local or systemic toxicities were observed during the treatment period, and systemic concentrations of NFX-179 remained below 1 ng/ml. In addition, 20% of cNFs treated with 0.5% NFX-179 Topical Gel showed a ≥50% reduction in volume compared to 6% in the vehicle group by ruler measurement with calculated volume (P = 0.021). Thus, NFX-179 Topical Gel demonstrated significant inhibition of MEK in cNF with excellent safety and potential therapeutic benefit.

Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%-benzoyl peroxide (5% or 2.5%) plus tazarotene cream 0.1% for the treatment of acne.

Acne is a multifactorial chronic dermatosis that can be effectively treated with adjuvant medications. The objective of our study was to compare the tolerability and efficacy of 2 adjuvant therapies combining clindamycin phosphate 1.2%-benzoyl peroxide 5% (CLNP-BPO5) or clindamycin phosphate 1.2%-benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (CLNP-BPO2.5) fixed-dose gels with tazarotene (TZ) cream 0.1% (CLNP-BPO5/TZ vs CLNP-BPO2.5/TZ) when applied topically once daily for 12 weeks in participants with moderate to severe facial acne. Forty participants were randomized to receive CLNP-BPO5/TZ or CLNP-BPO2.5/TZ in a parallel-group study and were evaluated at baseline as well as weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 (or at early termination). In both groups, tolerability assessments increased by week 1 but gradually returned toward baseline levels by week 12. At week 4, the mean change in burning/stinging was significantly higher in the CLNP-BPO5/TZ group compared with the CLNP-BPO2.5/TZ group (P<.05). No other significant differences were observed for the tolerability, efficacy, quality of life (QOL), or participant preference assessments. Our study shows that CLNP-BPO5 or CLNP-BPO2.5 fixed-dose gels in combination with TZ cream 0.1% are generally well-tolerated and effective treatments of moderate to severe facial acne when applied once daily for up to 12 weeks.

Trifarotene Reduces Risk for Atrophic Acne Scars: Results from A Phase 4 Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Atrophic acne scarring often accompanies acne vulgaris. The efficacy of topical retinoids for treatment of acne is well documented; however, evidence for use in atrophic acne scars is limited. METHODS: In this randomized, split-face, double-blind study, subjects (age: 17-34 years, N = 121) with moderate-to-severe facial acne, with acne scars present, were treated with either trifarotene 50 µg/g or vehicle once daily for 24 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by absolute and percent change from baseline in atrophic acne scar counts, Scar Global assessment (SGA), and IGA success rates as well as acne lesion counts. RESULTS: At week 24, a statistically significantly greater reduction in the mean absolute change from baseline in the total atrophic scar count was noted in the trifarotene- vs vehicle-treated area (- 5.9 vs - 2.7; p < 0.0001) with differences between sides noted as early as week 2 (- 1.5 vs - 0.7; p = 0.0072). The SGA success rate was higher in the trifarotene side at week 12 (14.9% vs 5.0%, P < 0.05) and improved through week 24 (31.3% vs 8.1%, P < 0.001). Similarly, at week 24, the IGA success rate was higher with trifarotene (63.6% vs 31.3%, P < 0.0001) along with reductions in total (70% vs 45%) and inflammatory (76% vs 48%) lesion counts. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was 5.8% (trifarotene) and 2.5% (vehicle); most common (> 1%) was skin tightness (1.7% vs 0.8%), and all events were mild to moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS: Trifarotene was effective and well tolerated in treating moderate-to-severe facial acne and reducing atrophic acne scars, with reduction of total atrophic scar count as early as week 2. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04856904.

Pharmacokinetics, Safety, Efficacy, and Biomarker Profiles During Nemolizumab Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Nemolizumab, a new monoclonal antibody that targets the receptor alpha of the neuroimmune cytokine interleukin-31 (IL-31), has shown efficacy in atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of nemolizumab in adolescents with moderate to severe AD as well as the relationship between nemolizumab concentrations and clinical efficacy and the effect of nemolizumab on protein biomarkers. METHODS: Open-label, 16-week study of nemolizumab in patients aged 12-17 years with moderate to severe AD (baseline EASI ≥ 16, IGA ≥ 3, and BSA ≥ 10%) and associated pruritus with baseline average daily peak pruritus numeric rating scale (PP-NRS) intensity of at least 4. Nemolizumab was administered subcutaneously as a loading dose of 60 mg at baseline, followed by 30 mg every 4 weeks until week 12 with background topical corticosteroids (TCS) or calcineurin inhibitors (TCI). Subsequently patients were followed for 8 weeks more. Stratum corneum (SC) and plasma samples were collected for biomarker assessments. RESULTS: Twenty patients participated, with a mean age of 14.8 ± 1.6 years. The PK of nemolizumab was described by a one-compartment model with linear elimination, a first-order absorption, and a mean half-life of 16.7 ± 4.1 days. Mean trough concentrations ranged from 2935 ± 1029 ng/mL to 3292 ± 2018 ng/mL over the 16-week treatment period. There was a marked improvement in rash, itch, and sleep with a decrease from baseline to week 16 in EASI by 66.5 ± 32.5%, in PP-NRS by 43.2 ± 37%, and in sleep disturbance numeric rating scale by 53.5 ± 47.8%. The popPK and PK/PD analyses confirmed that model-predicted exposure and efficacy of nemolizumab were similar in adolescents compared to adults receiving the same dosing regimens. Age did not impact PK parameters, while the main source of PK variability was body weight. Analyses of SC samples identified a panel of AD-related pro-inflammatory biomarkers that were upregulated in lesional skin (compared to non-lesional skin) and correspondingly downregulated in clinical responders to nemolizumab (based on EASI75 and PP-NRS ≥ 4). Four biomarkers (CCL20, CCL22, CCL27, and VEGF) had changes that were 1.9-3.5-fold higher in EASI responders than in EASI non-responders (all p < 0.05). Analysis showed no significant correlation between plasma biomarkers and clinical scores. Adverse events were experienced by 33.3% of subjects (n = 6) and were primarily mild or moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS: Nemolizumab PK and safety profiles in adolescents with moderate to severe AD are consistent with previous nemolizumab studies in adults. PK/PD models demonstrate similar exposure-response profiles in 12- to 17-year-old adolescents and adults for three clinical endpoints (EASI, IGA, and PP-NRS). Nemolizumab treatment reversed AD-related pro-inflammatory biomarkers in skin, indicating that the neuroimmune cytokine IL-31 is an important mediator of multiple pathways in AD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03921411.

Evaluation of self-treatment of mild-to-moderate facial acne with a blue light treatment system.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of treating mild-to-moderate facial acne using a new, hand-held, light-emitting diode blue light device in conjunction with a foam cleanser containing 5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid plus a skin rebuilding serum containing 1.25% salicylic acid, 0.5% niacinamide, 0.08% liposomal-based azelaic acid and superoxide dismutase. METHODS: Volunteers with mild-to-moderate facial inflammatory acne used the blue light device twice daily for eight weeks, plus the cleanser before treatments and the serum after each evening treatment. RESULTS: Among 33 subjects aged 25-45 years old, 28 completed. In a 3 cm x 5 cm target area receiving a daily dose of ~29 J/cm2, treatment was associated with significant reductions from baseline in the inflammatory lesion count from week 1 onward (P≤ .01) and in the non-inflammatory lesion count from week 4 onward (P≤ .05). The number of flares was significantly reduced from baseline from week 2 onward (P≤ .05), and flare severity and flare redness were significantly reduced from baseline from week 4 onward (P≤ .01 and P≤ .05, respectively). At week 8, more than 90 percent of subjects reported improvements in their skin's overall appearance, clarity, radiance, tone, texture and smoothness. In addition, 82 percent were satisfied, very satisfied, or extremely satisfied with the blue light treatment system and 86 percent agreed the treatment system was much gentler than traditional acne treatments. CONCLUSION: The blue light treatment system offers effective, rapid, convenient and well tolerated treatment of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. The majority of subjects consider it much gentler than traditional acne treatments and it facilitates effective treatment without the need for antibiotic exposure. The blue light treatment system and blue light therapy alone are attractive treatment options for acne vulgaris, both as alternatives to traditional acne treatments and as adjunctive treatments to complement existing therapies.

Clinical evidence for the role of a topical anti-inflammatory agent in comedonal acne: findings from a randomized study of dapsone gel 5% in combination with tazarotene cream 0.1% in patients with acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Acne pathogenesis is multifactorial and includes inflammation. Combining drugs targeting multiple components of acne pathogenesis is standard practice. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of dapsone gel 5%, an anti-inflammatory agent, in combination with tazarotene cream 0.1% for treatment of acne vulgaris. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive combination therapy (dapsone gel 5% twice-daily plus tazarotene cream 0.1% daily) or monotherapy (tazarotene cream 0.1% daily). Efficacy and safety data were collected after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Patients in both arms (n=86, dapsone + tazarotene; n=85, tazarotene) showed significant reductions from baseline in inflammatory, noninflammatory and total lesion counts (P is less than .001 for all). At 12 weeks, patients treated with dapsone plus tazarotene showed a greater reduction from baseline in noninflammatory (comedonal) and total lesion counts than tazarotene-treated patients (noninflammatory, 59.7 percent vs. 46.5 percent, P=.01; total, 63.3% vs. 53.6%, P=.02). The percentage of patients achieving treatment success (an investigator subjective score of 0 [none] or 1 [minimal]) was greater in dapsone plus tazarotene?treated patients (42.2%) than in tazarotene-treated patients (21.8%;P=.01). Both treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with dapsone gel 5% plus tazarotene cream 0.1% was more effective than tazarotene monotherapy for treatment of comedonal acne. The results suggest that anti-inflammatory agents such as dapsone can effectively treat early stages of acne (both comedonal and noncomedonal) when used in combination with a retinoid.

Clinical translation of choline and geranic acid deep eutectic solvent.

Choline geranate deep eutectic solvent/ionic liquid (CAGE) has shown several desirable therapeutic properties including antimicrobial activity and ability to deliver drugs transdermally in research laboratories. Here, we describe the first report of clinical translation of CAGE from the lab into the clinic for the treatment of rosacea, a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects the face. We describe the seven steps of clinical translation including (a) scale-up, (b) characterization, (c) stability analysis, (d) mechanism of action, (e) dose determination, (f) GLP toxicity study, and (g) human clinical study. We describe the challenges and outcomes in these steps, especially those that uniquely arise from the deep eutectic nature of CAGE. Our translational efforts led to a 12-week open-label phase 1b cosmetic study with CAGE1:2 gel (CGB400) in mild-moderate facial rosacea in 26 patients where CGB400 exhibited a marked reduction in the number of inflammatory lesions. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of CGB400 for treating rosacea as well as it provides insights into the translational journey of deep eutectic solvents, in particular CAGE, for dermatological applications.

Randomized comparison of the safety and efficacy of tazarotene 0.1% cream and adapalene 0.3% gel in the treatment of patients with at least moderate facial acne vulgaris.

This 16-week study evaluated once-daily tazarotene 0.1% cream and adapalene 0.3% gel in patients with moderate-to-severe acne. Patients treated with tazarotene 0.1% cream performed better in many acne efficacy measures (reduction in lesion counts, percentage of patients achieving a 50 percent lesion count reduction, overall disease severity, investigator's global assessment) than did patients treated with adapalene 0.3% gel. Reduction in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was also significantly greater with tazarotene 0.1% cream than with adapalene 0.3% gel (P < or = 0.018). Irritation was infrequent, generally mild and similar between treatment groups. In conclusion, both tazarotene 0.1% cream and adapalene 0.3% gel were effective and well tolerated in patients with at least moderate acne. Tazarotene 0.1% cream appeared to be more effective and nearly as well tolerated as adapalene 0.3% gel in reducing acne lesions and was more effective than adapalene 0.3% gel in reducing PIH.

Comparing a novel solubilized benzoyl peroxide gel with benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin: final data from a multicenter, investigator-blind, randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: A solubilized 5% BPO gel has been developed to enhance the bioavailability, follicular penetration, and efficacy of BPO. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with moderate facial acne vulgaris were randomly assigned to apply solubilized 5% BPO gel to one facial side and 5% BPO/1% clindamycin to the contralateral side, twice daily for four or 12 weeks. RESULTS: The solubilized BPO gel resulted in significantly greater reductions in non-inflammatory lesion count than BPO/clindamycin at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 12 and comparable reductions in inflammatory lesion count at all time points. Mean values for patient satisfaction with acne improvement were comparable and mean levels of erythema, dryness, peeling, stinging/burning and itching were consistently less than mild. CONCLUSION: Compared with BPO/clindamycin, the solubilized BPO gel offers significantly greater reductions in non-inflammatory lesion count and comparable reductions in inflammatory lesion count in the absence of an antibiotic.

Comparison of 2 clindamycin 1%-benzoyl peroxide 5% topical gels used once daily in the management of acne vulgaris.

Combination therapy for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and an antibiotic is more efficacious and better tolerated than treatment with either component alone. Moreover, the addition of BPO to antibiotic therapy is recommended as a means of preventing the development of Propionibacterium acnes antibiotic resistance. However, BPO is an irritant, and the dryness and irritation experienced by some patients using topical therapy containing BPO can negatively impact compliance. Historically, once-daily treatment application has enhanced compliance versus twice daily. The current 12-week study aimed to compare the efficacy of a clindamycin 1%-BPO 5% topical gel with the hydrating excipients dimethicone and glycerin (C/BPO HE) and a clindamycin 1%-BPO 5% topical gel that does not contain hydrating excipients (C/BPO) applied once daily for the treatment of 20 participants with facial acne vulgaris and to determine if there were differences in product preference and participant acceptability between the treatments. Both C/BPO HE and C/BPO were effective in the treatment of acne, with substantive reductions (-60.8% and -61.3%, respectively) in total inflammatory lesions at week 4 in both treatment groups. Participants receiving C/BPO HE demonstrated a more consistent treatment response than with C/BPO, with incremental reductions in total inflammatory lesions at each time point, whereas the response to C/BPO waned at week 8. As a result, greater percentage reductions in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions were observed with C/BPO HE treatment than C/BPO treatment at week 8 (papules: -71.9% vs -49.4%, P=.053; pustules: -64.8% vs -28.0%, P=.134; open comedones: -44.5% vs 2.6%, P=.480; closed comedones: -35.5% vs -26.3%, P=.501). With the exception of papules, greater reductions in all lesion subtypes also were observed at week 12. None of the between-group differences reached statistical significance. Both treatment groups displayed similar disease signs and symptoms throughout the study period. However, scaling, erythema, dryness, and pruritus occurred more frequently in participants using C/BPO. Treatment satisfaction was greatest with C/BPO HE; participants reported that this formulation was easy to apply and 100% (9/9) of participants reported that they would continue using C/BPO HE compared with 80% (8/10) of participants using C/BPO. Both treatments were well-tolerated. In this pilot study, both formulations were effective in the treatment of inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions, but C/BPO HE produced a more consistent reduction in total inflammatory lesions over 12 weeks. The addition of hydrating excipients in the C/BPO HE formulation appears to improve patient tolerance and acceptance, which will likely help patients to comply with therapy.