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Kaitlyn Bader is the assistant managing editor of 

 and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in June 2022. She attended Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in literary studies with minors in creative writing and film studies. Prior to health care news, Kaitlyn worked in industrial marketing. She enjoys cooking, reading, and tending to her house plants.

Articles

In a recent Dermatology Times Case-Based Roundtable event, Lisa Swanson, MD, discussed 3 diverse atopic dermatitis patient cases.

Optimizing Atopic Dermatitis Care With Emerging Topical Therapeutics

Marie Bosslett is the assistant editor of 

 and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in October 2024. She attended Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with minors in marketing and writing. When she’s not writing, Marie enjoys going to concerts, reading on the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

The developement of bempikibart offers hope for effective treatment of severe alopecia areata amid unmet medical needs.

Q32 Bio’s Bempikibart Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for Alopecia Areata

Maddi Hebebrand is an associate editor of 

and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in May 2024. She attended Baldwin Wallace University, studying Media Production and Film, and received her Masters in Digital Media from Ohio University. When she's not writing, Maddi loves to read, attend concerts and spend time with her family. 

New research reveals JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis do not increase cardiovascular or cancer risks compared to IL-4/-13 inhibitors, offering reassurance for patients.

JAKi and IL-4/-13i Show Similar Safety Profiles in AD

Explore the latest insights, strategies, and treatments for patients with rosacea as Dermatology Times looks back on Rosacea Awareness Month.

Celebrating Rosacea Awareness Month 2025 with Dermatology Times

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James Spencer, MD, is the director of Spencer Dermatology and a professor of clinical dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. 

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Comparative Studies in AD

Panelists offer concluding insights and emphasize the critical role of comparative studies in advancing atopic dermatitis treatment strategies.

clinical

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“Dr Kwatra has built an impressive career. He has contributed invaluably to our understanding of complex dermatology conditions. His leadership in his field inspires his colleagues and is a beacon of hope for the families he serves,” said William F. Regine, MD, in an investiture ceremony honoring Shawn Kwatra, MD, as the newly endowed Dr. Joseph Warren Burnett Professor of Dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Also holding the title of chair of the department of dermatology, Kwatra was recognized on April 15th at 4:30 pm ET at the university. Colleagues, mentors, and patients gathered to discuss Kwatra’s immense achievements throughout his career and the milestones that led to his endowed position.

Regine, professor and chair of radiation oncology and senior associate dean for clinical affairs at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, was followed by Mark Gladwin, MD, who highlighted Kwatra’s achievements in dermatology. Gladwin, the dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs at the University of Maryland, paid respects to the late Dr Joseph Warren Burnett, who established the department of dermatology at the University of Maryland in 1992.

"Today, we express our deepest gratitude for his extraordinary generosity and foresight. Through his philanthropy, he ensured that exceptional individuals and leaders like Dr Kwatra have the resources and the recognition to continue groundbreaking work,” said Gladwin.

Gladwin noted that the University of Maryland’s endowed professorships began in 1929 and have continued to honor leaders such as Kwatra almost a century later.

“Dr Kwatra’s path has been a relentless bench-to-bedside journey focused on unraveling the mysteries of skin conditions, particularly in the field of chronic itch, which we call in science pruritus. He's a pioneer physician-scientist in this emerging field of pruritus, or itch research. He excels at the highest level of all aspects of the tripartite mission of education, clinical care, and research,” said Gladwin.

During his career, Kwatra was the founding director of the Johns Hopkins Itch Center. He developed unique strategies and therapies such as occipital nerve blocks, ketamine infusions, cannabinoid therapy, and now the application of new biologics for chronic itch, offering relief to patients without effective options. As Gladwin noted, Kwatra maintains an active translational and clinical research program with over 300 publications in top dermatologic journals. He has research funding for pioneer studies through the National Institute of Health, the Society for Investigative Dermatology, the Dermatology Foundation, the Skin of Color Society, and numerous industry-sponsored clinical trial programs.

“He’s the only NIH-funded investigator in the country studying a fibrotic and intensely pruritic disease called prurigo nodularis, which affects the most vulnerable in our community. His work in this disease led to the first comprehensive immune phenotyping of the disease. He's been a leader in several multi-center clinical trials, including the 

, which is an interleukin 31 receptor blocker that's based on an antibody, and he served as first author on the New England Journal of Medicine study showing that this therapy worked, which was published in 2023. This drug received 

 for prurigo nodularis in 2024,” Gladwin added.

To further highlight Kwatra’s dedication to improving lives, 2 of his patients spoke about the impact he has had on their lives. One patient described her prurigo nodularis as painful and debilitating. She drove hours from Virginia to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore just to see Kwatra.

“The medication I’ve taken for several years, dupixent, has really turned my prurigo nodularis around from what I described as a nightmare.... I feel as if I got my life back,” she added.

A second patient who was first referred to Kwatra early in his career described Kwatra as “the most gregarious person” he’s ever met, with an infectious personality and an unmistakable laugh.

“You are not only a great doctor, but you are a wonderful human being,” he added.

Finally, the honoree of the evening took to the podium to accept his endowment medal and position, and to thank many of his closest family, friends, and mentors.

“I want to say I'm here today because I was blessed to be born in a family that believed in love, learning, and possibility. My parents, my mom and dad, who are here today, you raised me with the unshakable belief that there is no dream too big and no challenge too daunting if you approach it with purpose,” said Kwatra.

He noted that to this day, his father still runs his own lab, continuing the legacy of research and learning.

Kwatra also thanked his sister, lifelong friends, mentors and colleagues from Johns Hopkins, current University of Maryland colleagues, students, patients, pharmaceutical partners, and his wife, Shivani Patel, MD, a pediatric dermatologist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

“Before I came, our department of dermatology faced a lot of headwinds during the first few months. But today, we are not just rebuilding, we are reimagining what's possible. We are becoming a department that pushes seriously into our future,” said Kwatra.

In concluding his speech and the ceremony, Kwatra highlighted the achievements of the department of dermatology and future milestones to come.

“We are very excited that we're standing at the threshold of a new chapter. This year, we've recruited 8 new faculty. We're opening 2 new state-of-the-art sites. And again, we're not just rebuilding, we are reimagining what's possible. So, this professorship belongs to all of us who believe that progress is made together with purpose, perseverance, and a shared vision. Thank you all for your belief, your partnership, and your presence here today,” Kwatra concluded.

Investiture ceremony: Dr. Joseph Warren Burnett Professor of Dermatology. University of Maryland School of Medicine. April 15, 2025. Baltimore, MD. 

https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/endowments/investiture-ceremonies/

Shawn Kwatra, MD, was honored as the Dr. Joseph Warren Burnett Professor of Dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His career achievements include pioneering work in pruritus research and developing innovative therapies for chronic itch. Kwatra's contributions have significantly advanced dermatology, particularly in prurigo nodularis treatment, leading to FDA approval of nemolizumab. His leadership has revitalized the department of dermatology, with new faculty and facilities. Kwatra's dedication to research, education, and patient care continues to inspire colleagues and improve patient outcomes.

Colleagues, mentors, and patients gathered to discuss Kwatra’s immense achievements throughout his career and the milestones that led to his endowed position. 

Shawn Kwatra, MD, Endowed as Dr. Joseph Warren Burnett Professor of Dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Click through our slideshow to get a peek into the topics being discussed at the pre-AAD events.

SLIDESHOW: 2025 Pre-AAD Meetings

Pigmentary disorders, notably melasma and hyperpigmentation, disproportionately affect women, particularly those with skin of color.

 Melasma is estimated to affect women 9 times more than men and has a prevalence rate of 15% to 50% in pregnant women,

 whereas postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) affects approximately 56% of women.

 Women with higher Fitzpatrick skin types are at a greater risk of developing melasma

 particularly Asian, Latina, and Black women.

Valerie Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in pigmentary disorders and dermatologic conditions in patients with skin of color, shared key insights for clinicians on the diagnosis, treatment, and broader impact of these conditions in women and patients with darker skin types. Harvey is an active member of several boards and committees of the American Academy of Dermatology, a past president of the Skin of Color Society, and a 

Q: In your opinion, what is the prevalence and impact of pigmentary disorders such as melasma among women, particularly those with skin of color?

The prevalence of melasma varies significantly depending on the population studied. For example, a population-based study in São Paulo, Brazil, which included 515 adult employees of the University Campus of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University, found that melasma affected 34% of women and 6% of men.

 In a US-based study focusing on the Latino population in Texas, the prevalence was approximately 8%.

Q: How do hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause, and other transitions impact the onset or progression of melasma in women?

Melasma has a complex etiology and is considered a pancutaneous disease, resulting from an interplay of both endogenous and exogenous factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, the dermal microenvironment, and photodamage. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause, and other transitions can significantly impact the onset or progression of melasma in women, as hormonal fluctuations are key contributors to its development.

Women make up 80% of melasma patients, with the typical age of onset occurring in the second to fourth decades of life. Approximately 10% of cases arise during the postmenopausal years. Notably, patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types, or darker skin, tend to experience a later onset of melasma compared to those with lower Fitzpatrick skin types, presumably due to the protective effects of melanin.

Q: Are there specific challenges or considerations in diagnosing or treating melasma or other pigmentary disorders in patients with skin of color compared with lighter skin types?

Melasma is typically diagnosed clinically, based on the classic appearance of well-demarcated hyperpigmented brown patches, commonly located on the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper cutaneous lip, and chin. Extrafacial involvement, such as on the cervical area, sternum, and forearms, can occur in 10% to 14% of cases. For patients with darker skin tones, diagnosing and assessing the depth of pigmentation can be more complex. A Wood’s lamp examination can be useful in identifying subclinical disease, while color intensity and network regularity on dermoscopy may indicate pigment depth. These tools can be useful for determining the appropriate treatment approach, as the treatment response may vary based on the pigmentation depth and skin type.

Q: Could you discuss current safe and effective treatment options for pregnant patients with pigmentary disorders, and what gaps exist in this area?

 Pregnancy is a known risk factor for the development of melasma, with approximately one-half to two-thirds of women experiencing it during pregnancy. However, many conventional therapies for melasma, such as topical retinoids and hydroquinone, are contraindicated due to concerns about their potential impact on pregnancy.

A recent review by Ahuja and Lio highlights several safe alternatives for treating melasma in pregnant patients.

 These include topical kojic acid, nicotinamide, turmeric, ascorbic acid, and azelaic acid, which have been shown to be effective and safe during pregnancy. In addition to these treatments, sun protection along with the use of mineral-based sunscreens remain a critical component of a melasma treatment regimen.

Despite these alternatives, there are still gaps in research regarding the optimal long-term safety and efficacy of these treatments during pregnancy. More studies are needed to further refine therapeutic recommendations.

Q: How do pigmentary disorders such as melasma affect women’s mental health and quality of life, and what strategies can clinicians use to address
these challenges?

Pigmentary disorders such as melasma, due to their frequent involvement of the face, can have a significant impact on women’s quality of life, affecting physical, social, and emotional well-being. Quality-of-life studies for melasma patients reveal that the condition often negatively impacts their social interactions and causes emotional distress.

Dermatologists can address these challenges by providing a supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood. Additionally, dermatologists should consider a multidisciplinary approach and refer patients to support groups or mental health professionals when needed to help patients cope with the psychological impact of their condition.

Q: What would you say are the most critical gaps in health care access and outcomes for women of color with pigmentary disorders?

In my opinion, some of the most pressing gaps in health care access and outcomes for women of color with pigmentary disorders include the lack of evidence-based clinical care guidelines and treatment algorithms for both clearance and long-term management. There is also a need for more rigorous randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials focused on non–hydroquinone-based alternatives, as these options may offer safer, more accessible treatments.

Another critical gap is treatment access. Many of the medications commonly prescribed for pigmentary disorders are not covered by health insurance plans, leaving patients to bear the high out-of-pocket costs. This financial burden can be a significant barrier to consistent and effective treatment, especially for women of color who may already face systemic health care disparities. Addressing these gaps is essential to improving both the access and outcomes of care.

Q: What areas of research do you believe are crucial for improving clinicians’ understanding and management of pigmentary disorders in women?

 One of the most critical areas of research for improving our understanding and management of pigmentary disorders in women is quality-of-life studies. These studies can help us better understand the emotional, social, and psychological impact of these conditions across different patient populations, including among women of color. Gaining deeper insights into how pigmentary disorders affect daily life, mental health, and overall well-being has the potential to help guide more tailored and effective treatment approaches.

Q: How can dermatologists play a larger role in advocating for women’s health, particularly for conditions such as melasma that disproportionately affect women?

Dermatologists, as experts in skin diseases, are uniquely positioned to diagnose and treat pigmentary disorders, including melasma, which disproportionately affect women. We must continue to advocate for our patients, ensuring they have access to timely, effective treatments. Additionally, raising awareness about the emotional and physical impact of pigmentary disorders can help remove stigmas and empower women to seek treatment and support without hesitation.

Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud AM. Melasma. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2025-. Updated August 8, 2023. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459271

Morgado-Carrasco D, Piquero-Casals J, Granger C, Trullàs C, Passeron T. Melasma: the need for tailored photoprotection to improve clinical outcomes. 

. 2022;38(6):515-521. doi:10.1111/phpp.12783

Kerob D, Passeron T, Dreno B, et al. Prevalence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, impact on quality of life and social stigmatization: results of the first large international survey. 

Handel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. 

2014;89(5):771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063

Ahuja K, Lio P. An integrative approach to treating hyperpigmentation in pregnancy. 

. Published online February 1, 2024. https://www.jintegrativederm.org/article/92164-an-integrative-approach-to-treating-hyperpigmentation-in-pregnancy

Pigmentary disorders like melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) predominantly affect women, especially those with darker skin types. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and other life stages significantly influence melasma onset. Diagnosis in patients with skin of color can be complex, requiring specific tools. Safe treatment options for pregnant women include topical agents like kojic acid and azelaic acid, though research gaps remain. These disorders impact mental health and quality of life, necessitating a supportive clinical approach. Critical gaps in healthcare access and treatment affordability for women of color need addressing.

Valerie Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, discusses pigmentary disorders like melasma and hyperpigmentation, highlighting their disproportionate impact on women, particularly those with skin of color.

Addressing the Challenges of Pigmentary Disorders in Women Across the Fitzpatrick Skin Spectrum

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved prademagene zamikeracel (pz-cel)

 (Zevaskyn; Abeona Therapeutics), marking a significant advancement for individuals living with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Developed by Abeona Therapeutics, pz-cel is the first autologous, cell-based gene therapy specifically designed to address the genetic cause of RDEB, offering a new therapeutic option for a disease with historically limited treatment choices.

“The past 2 years have transformed EB management, with 3 distinct FDA approvals reflecting different topical strategies—topical gene delivery, botanical pharmacologic therapy, and now autologous cell sheet-based gene therapy," said Dermatology Times Editor and Chief Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD. "Pz-cel, the first FDA-approved autologous cell sheet-based gene therapy for RDEB, expands our therapeutic toolkit, allowing dermatologists to better tailor care to EB subtype and individual patient needs.”

“Today’s approval of [pz-cel] represents a pivotal moment in the treatment of RDEB, answering the call of people living with the clinical, economic, and human impact of this devastating disease,” said Vish Seshadri, PhD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Abeona, in a news release. “We have heard from the RDEB community that there is a persistent unmet need to reliably address RDEB wounds, especially those that are chronic and prone to infection. Through a single surgical application, [pz-cel] can now offer people with RDEB the opportunity for wound healing and pain reduction in even the most severe wounds, as evidenced by the results from our pivotal phase 3 study.”

RDEB is a rare, inherited skin disorder characterized by mutations in the COL7A1 gene. This mutation disrupts the production of functional collagen VII, a critical protein needed to anchor the layers of the skin together. As a result, patients suffer from severe skin fragility, leading to chronic blistering, persistent wounds, debilitating pain, risk of life-threatening infections, and a heightened susceptibility to aggressive squamous cell carcinoma.

"In terms of diseases that require greater research and attention, conditions such as congenital melanocytic nevi, genetic skin diseases like epidermolysis bullosa and ichthyosis, and vascular anomalies associated with genetic syndromes remain areas of critical need," Mercedes E. Gonzalez, MD, co-chair of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) Conference, said in a 

. "These rare disorders currently have no definitive cure, and increased research efforts could lead to improved treatments and better outcomes for affected children."

Pz-cel represents a novel therapeutic approach. It is created by harvesting a patient’s own skin cells, correcting the genetic defect ex vivo with a functional COL7A1 gene, and then expanding these corrected cells into sheets of keratinocytes. These gene-corrected cell sheets are surgically applied to chronic wound sites in a one-time procedure, where they express collagen VII locally, promoting more durable skin adhesion and wound healing.

"This is a very exciting therapy for patients with RDEB," Bernard Cohen, MD, professor of pediatrics and dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told 

. "There have been few ways to effectively treat the skin erosions in these patients that may cover more than 30% of their skin surface at one time. Pz-cel allows for the patient's own skin cells to be genetically modified to produce functional Type VII collagen sheets that allow for rapid healing of ulcerated areas of skin. This allows for a dramatic improvement in the quality of life for these patients starting in early childhood," added Cohen.

The FDA’s approval decision was supported by a 

, including results from the pivotal phase 3 VIITAL study (

). Clinical findings demonstrated significant and sustained wound healing after a single application of pz-cel. In some cases, benefits were observed for up to 8 years following treatment. Safety data from these trials indicated a favorable profile, with no new safety signals emerging during the long-term follow-up periods.

“After many years of work, it is great to see this FDA approval of [pz-cel]. The EB patients deserve all that we can do for them,” said M. Peter Marinkovich, MD, associate professor of dermatology and co-principal investigator of the VIITAL study, in the release.

Seshadri added, “We are grateful to the patients, their families, and caregivers for their support of [pz-cel]. We express our gratitude to debra of America for their unwavering support throughout the development journey, in particular, for their interactions with the FDA in support of [pz-cel] and on behalf of the EB community that have helped make today’s regulatory approval possible. We are also thankful for the clinical study investigators, study site personnel, and the entire Abeona team for their collective commitment and determination through the development process, and contribution to this milestone achievement. We look forward to providing the RDEB community access to now-approved [pz-cel].”

The approval of pz-cell represents a historic step for RDEB patients and for the field of regenerative medicine. As the first autologous gene-corrected cell therapy approved for this indication, pz-cel may not only transform the clinical management of RDEB but also pave the way for future innovations in personalized, gene-targeted treatments.

In addition to its clinical promise, pz-cel has been recognized through multiple FDA designations, including Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), Breakthrough Therapy, Orphan Drug, and Rare Pediatric Disease designations. These designations not only highlight the therapy’s potential but also underscore the urgent, unmet medical need for more effective RDEB treatments.

With the approval of pz-cel, Abeona Therapeutics may also be eligible to receive a Priority Review Voucher (PRV), a regulatory incentive designed to encourage the development of therapies for rare pediatric diseases.

Beyond pz-cel, Abeona Therapeutics is advancing a pipeline of gene therapies, including adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based programs targeting severe ophthalmic diseases. Their ongoing research and development efforts continue to focus on addressing unmet needs in rare, life-threatening conditions.

US FDA approves zevaskyn (prademagene zamikeracel), the first and only cell-based gene therapy for patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). News release. Abeona Therapeutics. Published April 29, 2025. Accessed April 29, 2025. 

https://investors.abeonatherapeutics.com/press-releases/detail/303/u-s-fda-approves-zevaskyn-prademagene-zamikeracel 

Abeona Therapeutics announces FDA acceptance of BLA resubmission of pz-cel for the treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. News release. Abeona Therapeutics. Published November 12, 2024. Accessed April 29, 2025. 

https://investors.abeonatherapeutics.com/press-releases/detail/294/abeona-therapeutics-announces-fda-acceptance-of-bla

The FDA has approved prademagene zamikeracel (pz-cel), a groundbreaking autologous, cell-based gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Developed by Abeona Therapeutics, pz-cel addresses the genetic cause of RDEB by correcting the COL7A1 gene defect in a patient's skin cells, promoting wound healing and pain reduction. Clinical trials demonstrated significant and sustained benefits, with no new safety concerns. This approval marks a significant advancement in regenerative medicine and offers hope for future personalized gene-targeted treatments for rare genetic disorders.

The FDA approved pz-cel, a groundbreaking gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, transforming treatment options for patients.

FDA Approves First Gene Therapy for RDEB

Hyperhidrosis is not rare. According to the 

, approximately 385 million people worldwide live with hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 385 million people globally, surpassing the prevalence of other dermatologic conditions like psoriasis. It is notably more common in younger populations, with 8.8% of individuals aged 18 to 39 experiencing the condition. Comparatively, hyperhidrosis is more prevalent than natural red or blond hair, which affects 1% and 2% of the population, respectively. Despite its prevalence, 27% of those with hyperhidrosis remain undiagnosed. The article encourages engagement during Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month to share insights and research on the condition.

Click here to answer this week's poll for Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month.

James Spencer, MD

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