Healio published several articles about recent Journal of Drugs in Dermatology studies including “Broadalumab Bests Other Biologics in Onset of Action in Psoriasis.” The article is based on “Onset of Plaque Psoriasis Treatment Responses With Anti-IL-17/IL-23 Biologic Therapies” by Richard G. Fried, MD, PhD, and colleagues, who looked at results of previous studies. Brodalumab was associated with the most rapid times to achieve PASI 90 and PASI 100 compared with other therapies. The mean time for 50% of patients receiving brodalumab 210 mg Q2W to achieve PASI 90 was 6.2 weeks, yet for other biologics, mean times for 50% of patients to achieve PASI 90 ranged from 7.4 weeks to 16.3 weeks. The authors note that it’s essential for clinicians to balance the patient’s preferences and expectations regarding onset of action with other factors, such as side effects.
“Biologics May Not Increase Respiratory Infection Risk in Hidradenitis Suppurativa” is a Healio article based on the study, “The Incidence and Risk of Respiratory Tract Infections in Patients Using Biologics for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” by Michael M. Mehta, BMS, and colleagues. Since patients treated with biological therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are at an increased risk of infectious complications, the researchers sought to review the risk and incidence rate of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), nasopharyngitis and influenza in patients treated with biologics for HS. Using a literature search and research from clinical trials, the authors found the risk to be not significantly different in patients taking biological therapy when compared to placebo. The authors recommend future studies on this topic.
“Psoriasis Patients Want More Research in Lifestyle Interventions, Cheaper Therapies” is a Healio article based on the study, “Unmet Needs in Psoriasis Patients,” by Caroline Porter, MD, and other researchers from the Wake Forest University Department of Dermatology. Authors surveyed adults with an Amazon Mechanical Turk account who reported a diagnosis of psoriasis. Half of respondents under treatment (52%) were mostly or completely satisfied, while one quarter (25%) were slightly or not at all satisfied. Only 15% of all respondents reported being completely satisfied with their treatment. When asked what is missing from their current psoriasis treatment, participants reported better or more effective topical agents (37%), faster-acting agents (35%), and more effective oral medications (32%). A majority also indicated a need for treatments requiring less frequent use (66%) and more cost-effective treatment options (79%). The authors maintain that, despite advances in treatment, a desire remains for more effective, faster, longer acting, and less costly and more accessible treatments.
Healio also wrote about a JDD study in its article, “Branded Tretinoin Cream Bests Generic Lotion in Adult Women with Acne,” which is based on, “Vehicle Formulation Impacts Tolerability and Patient Preference: Comparison of Tretinoin Branded Lotion and Generic Cream,” by Zoe D. Draelos, MD, and colleagues. In this single-center, double-blind, split-face study, 25 adult women with acne were randomized to apply lotion and cream to opposite cheeks once daily for 2 weeks. Researchers found less irritation and superior skin appearance and sensation with the branded lotion versus generic cream. The branded lotion was formulated using polymeric emulsion technology for uniform delivery of micronized tretinoin and moisturizing/hydrating excipients. The authors note that the results demonstrate the importance of a well-designed vehicle formulation.
