Recent developments in dermatology span new drug approvals, promising clinical trial results, and updated treatment guidelines, marking significant progress in patient care.
Regulatory Approvals and Designations
The FDA approved bimekizumab-bkzx (Bimzelx) for adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody is the first treatment designed to selectively inhibit both interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F cytokines. According to Alexa B. Kimball, MD, MPH, investigator and professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, bimekizumab-bkzx achieved "deep and sustained clinical responses up to 48 weeks" in Phase 3 clinical studies, addressing a substantial unmet need.
Journey Medical’s DFD-29 (minocycline hydrochloride extended-release capsules, 40 mg) was also approved by the FDA for rosacea, representing a new standard of care. Additionally, the FDA accepted Regeneron and Sanofi's resubmitted supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for dupilumab (Dupixent) in treating chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) for adults and adolescents aged 12 and older inadequately managed by H1 antihistamines, with a target action date of April 18, 2025. Abeona Therapeutics Inc. announced the resubmission of its Biologics License Application (BLA) for prademagene zamikeracel (pz-cel), an investigational gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), with a PDUFA date set for April 29, 2025.
Clinical Trial Outcomes
Innovent Biologics’ IBI363, a PD-1/IL-2α bispecific antibody fusion protein therapy, received fast track designation from the FDA for unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic melanoma. In a study, 29.7% of patients treated with IBI363 at 1 mg/kg demonstrated objective responses, with a disease control rate of 73.0%.
Moderna and Merck announced three-year data from the Phase 2b KEYNOTE-942 clinical trial, evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940) combined with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in patients with resected high-risk stage III/IV melanoma. The combination reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 49% (HR, 0.510; 95% CI, 0.288-0.906) compared to pembrolizumab alone. The risk of distant metastasis or death was reduced by 62% (HR, 0.384; 95% CI, 0.172-0.858).
Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. announced positive findings from Phase 3 ICONIC-LEAD and ICONIC-TOTAL studies for psoriasis patients treated with the oral peptide JNJ-2113 (icotrokinra). According to Dinesh V. Patel, PhD, president and CEO of Protagonist, these results highlight JNJ-2113’s “potential as a best-in-class oral agent providing an ideal combination of significant skin clearance with demonstrated tolerability in a once-daily pill for treating plaque psoriasis.”
Updated Treatment Guidelines
The Dermatology Association of Radiation Therapy (DART) published new clinical guidelines for treating nonmelanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The guidelines emphasize image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IGSRT), which combines high-resolution dermal ultrasound imaging with superficial radiation therapy for precise targeting of cancerous tissues.
Other Notable Findings
A study indicated that rosacea has one of the highest associations with obesity among inflammatory skin conditions, while morbid obesity showed the strongest link with plaque psoriasis and lichen simplex chronicus. Research also suggests chronic psychological stress significantly affects skin homeostasis, potentially leading to premature skin aging through stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. Additionally, diagnostic wandering in hidradenitis suppurativa is associated with being female, being over 40, having a lower income, and lower educational attainment.
