Patient-Forward Rundown
Top headlines from this week to share with your patients:
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Keep up with the latest headlines in dermatology from the past week, including regulatory updates for bimekizumab and roflumilast, semaglutide and HS, and more.
Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) was approved by the US FDA for 3 new indications: active psoriatic arthritis, active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with inflammation, and active ankylosing spondylitis, making it the first IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor approved for 4 chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in the US. The approvals are based on phase 3 trials demonstrating significant improvements in joint and skin symptoms at 16 weeks, which were sustained through 52 weeks.
The FDA accepted Arcutis Biotherapeutics' supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Zoryve (roflumilast) foam 0.3%, targeting scalp and body psoriasis in patients aged 12 and older, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target date of May 22, 2025. The sNDA is backed by positive data from phase 2b and phase 3 trials, showing significant improvements in scalp and body psoriasis symptoms compared to placebo, along with favorable safety results.
Top headlines from this week to share with your patients:
The 7th annual Rock4EB! concert, hosted by the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF) on September 21 in Malibu, raised over $1 million for research into epidermolysis bullosa (EB). EBMRF, founded by Andrea and Paul Joseph after their son was born with EB, has become best known for its concerts aimed at raising awareness and funding for the debilitating disease.
Semaglutide, known for its weight loss benefits, may also help reduce flare-ups in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Early findings suggest that even at lower doses, semaglutide improves patients' quality of life by managing both weight and HS symptoms. Researchers emphasized the need for larger trials to confirm these results and encouraged dermatologists to consider weight loss medications alongside existing HS treatments.
Scientists have successfully transformed giant panda skin cells into pluripotent stem cells for the first time, potentially advancing conservation efforts for the endangered species. These stem cells can become any type of cell, offering possibilities for breeding pandas and treating diseases. The breakthrough may also help create sperm and egg cells, increasing genetic diversity among pandas without invasive methods. The approach, which has been applied to other endangered species, could offer new hope for giant pandas and other vulnerable animals.
Have you seen any dermatology headlines this week that we may have missed? Share with us by emailing our team at DTEditor@mmhgroup.com.