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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. 

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Explore the top headlines of the week including insights on recalls, expert pearls, and more. 

Journal Digest: April 30

Catch up on dermatology news, highlights, and insights from the past 24 hours.

Daily Derm Times: April 29, 2025

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Acting upstream of cytokines may hold the key to improving biologic efficacy and itch relief in AD.

Understanding the Role of OX40 in Next-Generation Eczema Therapies

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Tony Berberabe, MPH, is the Editor for Targeted Oncology. Berberabe received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Rutgers University and his Master of Public Health from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey.

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

Video Series

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.

In fact, they note that the amount of people living with chronic, excessive sweating is even higher than the amount of people living with other dermatologic conditions like psoriasis.

Just how common is hyperhidrosis in real-world comparisons?

The prevalence of hyperhidrosis is much higher in younger populations than in the general population, with 8.8% of individuals between the ages of 18 to 39 years old living with the condition. 

When comparing these statistics to everyday, common occurrences like hair color, the number of people with hyperhidrosis is greater than the 1% of individuals with natural red hair and 2% of individuals with natural blond hair. 

Despite how common hyperhidrosis is, it is estimated that 27% of those with the condition never receive a diagnosis.

 wants to hear from you. What percentage of the global population is estimated to have hyperhidrosis?

 to share your hyperhidrosis insights or research.

Albert. Fact check: Hyperhidrosis - International Hyperhidrosis Society: Official site. Home - International Hyperhidrosis Society. October 24, 1970. Accessed November 16, 2023. 

https://www.sweathelp.org/home/news-blog/542-fact-check-hyperhidrosis.html

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.

Polls 

POLL: What Percent of the Global Population is Estimated to Have Hyperhidrosis?

 has asked our readers to share with us what conferences and meetings they are looking forward to or planning to attend in 2025.

Using these responses, we have compiled a list of dermatological meetings taking place this year.

Interested in sharing what conferences you are interested in or planning to attend this year? 

2025

The compilation of dermatological meetings for 2025 is based on reader responses about anticipated conferences. Dermatology professionals have shared their plans and interests regarding upcoming events. This list serves as a resource for those in the field to identify key gatherings in the dermatology community. Readers are encouraged to contribute their own conference interests by contacting the editorial team. This engagement helps to ensure a comprehensive overview of significant dermatological meetings, fostering a collaborative and informed professional community.

Dermatology Times asked our readers to share what conferences they are looking forward to in 2025.

Dermatology Conferences and Meetings Calendar: 2025

“Chronic hand eczema can be a tricky diagnosis and a tricky thing to treat, in part because we don't always agree on what the diagnosis is. As long as you've had multiple bouts of eczema on your hands in one year, or a particular symptom of patterns that have been going on for at least 3 months, you really fit the bill for chronic hand eczema,” said Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, in an interview with 

Chovatiya, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School, founder and director of the Center for Medical Dermatology and Immunology Research in Chicago, and a 

 Editorial Advisory Board member, recently discussed his approach to diagnosing and treating chronic hand eczema (CHE).

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, discusses his approach to diagnosing and treating chronic hand eczema.  

Addressing Diagnostic Ambiguity and Expanding Therapeutic Options in CHE 

CHE is a heterogeneous skin condition characterized mainly by 3 main etiologies: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and atopic hand eczema. Each etiology has its own unique immune signature, and the condition can be overall difficult to treat, particularly in moderate to severe cases.

As Chovatiya noted, CHE can be difficult to diagnose due to the 3 etiologies not always predicting the way the condition will present on the hands. Generally, CHE can be defined by recurrent episodes of hand eczema over the span of a year or a persistent pattern lasting at least 3 months, according to Chovatiya.

He also noted that clinicians frequently face uncertainty about whether to treat CHE as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, or a combination, and how extensively to pursue diagnostics. Chovatiya’s approach recommends starting with foundational strategies: barrier care with emollients, trigger avoidance, and limiting wet-to-dry exposure.

For initial pharmacologic treatment, topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors are appropriate. If patients show insufficient response after a few weeks of consistent use, escalation should be considered. Chovatiya anticipates delgocitinib, a topical pan-JAK inhibitor, will be a valuable next-line therapeutic given its ability to target multiple inflammatory pathways involved in CHE.

Regarding diagnostics, Chovatiya supports a selective approach to patch testing, particularly for patients with occupational exposures, refractory disease, or unclear clinical patterns. However, he cautioned against withholding treatment while awaiting diagnostic results.

In refractory cases, advanced therapies such as systemic immunosuppressants, phototherapy, or oral retinoids (e.g., alitretinoin, outside the US) may be warranted. While clinicians often turn to atopic dermatitis treatments such as biologics and oral JAK inhibitors, their efficacy in CHE is variable, demonstrating the need for therapies specifically approved for CHE.

To learn more about CHE and atopic dermatitis from Dr Chovatiya, 

register to attend Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD)

 in Nashville, Tennessee, June 6-7. Use code DT40 for 40% off your RAD 2025 registration.

Dubin C, Del Duca E, Guttman-Yassky E. Drugs for the treatment of chronic hand eczema: successes and key challenges. 

. 2020 Dec 31;16:1319-1332. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S292504

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, discusses his approach to diagnosing and treating chronic hand eczema. 

Addressing Diagnostic Ambiguity and Expanding Therapeutic Options in CHE

“RAD is one-stop shop for everything happening in education, clinical practice, and research for atopic dermatitis,” said Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, in an interview with 

 Editorial Advisory Board member, recently discussed the upcoming Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) meeting in Nashville, Tennesse, June 6-7. Chovatiya will present numerous sessions on biologics, topicals, IL-31 vs IL-13, and more.

One-Stop Shop: RAD Offers Comprehensive Insights Into AD Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research

In his interview, Chovatiya highlighted the benefits of RAD as a premier destination for education, research, and clinical insights in atopic dermatitis (AD).

“Even if atopic dermatitis specifically isn't your primary interest as far as research or education… You're going to hear all about not only the approved items that are in your therapeutic repertoire, but also the emerging items that are coming out there. They're going to change your therapy,” Chovatiya noted.

The meeting, he explained, offers in-depth coverage of current FDA-approved therapies as well as investigational agents set to expand the treatment paradigm. Beyond pharmacologic updates, RAD provides an opportunity to explore disease burden, comorbidities, and adjacent eczematous conditions such as chronic hand eczema—areas often underrepresented in traditional AD education.

Chovatiya discussed RAD's role not only as an educational forum but also as a multidisciplinary networking opportunity. “RAD is a great place to not only meet people… but also a chance to catch up on research. There’s going to be a lot of great abstracts, posters, and late breakers that can allow you to see what's happening on the cutting edge,” he said, pointing to the emerging data that enable clinicians to stay at the forefront of innovation.

Positioned as a one-stop resource, RAD aims to elevate clinical care, offering clinicians the tools to optimize outcomes across the AD spectrum.

JAK Inhibitors in AD; June 6 - 9:10 am ET

Topicals and Biologics - When and Why; June 6 - 2:00 pm ET

Medical Crossfire: IL-31 and IL-13; June 7 - 11:40 am ET

To attend Chovatiya’s sessions and hear from other experts in AD, 

register for Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, reviews the benefits of Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis as a disease-specific conference.

Tony Berberabe, MPH

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