by Allison Sit
Dermatology Advisor, Dermatology Times and Healio all covered recent articles in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. One study, “Cysteamine Isobionic-Amide Complex Versus Kligman’s Formula for the Treatment of Melasma: Equal Efficacy and Rapid Onset of Action,” by Mukta Sachdev, MD, and colleagues, received coverage in Dermatology Times and Healio. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy of cysteamine isobionic-amide for melasma in comparison with modified Klingman’s formula, which is not recommended for prolonged use. Researchers found a comparable efficacy between the two treatments at week 16. Additionally, patients in the cysteamine isobionic-amide group reported a significantly improved quality of life compared to those in the modified Klingman’s formula group at week 8 and even further at week 16. Patient feedback and satisfaction were also higher with the cysteamine isobionic-amide product. The authors wrote that cysteamine isobionic-amide could potentially be an acceptable alternative for the long-term treatment of melasma, but longer-term, larger studies are needed.
Healio also wrote about a JDD study on a novel approach to treating atopic dermatitis.
The study, “Targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor to Address the Challenges of Atopic Dermatitis,” by Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, and colleagues, addressed the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in AD. The authors wrote that the clinical trials of tapinarof – an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist – validate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a therapeutic target for atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases. The authors also explained the distinctiveness of this treatment from other currently available treatments. In addition, the authors outlined the safety profile and noted that the treatment is being evaluated in clinical trials in adults and children as young as 2 years old.
Finally, Dermatology Advisor wrote about a JDD study evaluating Sculptra injectable poly-l-lactic acid for cheek wrinkles. The study, “Effectiveness and Safety of Sculptra Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injectable Implant in the Correction of Cheek Wrinkles,” was conducted by Sabrina Fabi, MD, and colleagues. Researchers recruited adults older than 21 who had moderate/severe cheek wrinkles as graded using the Galderma Cheek Wrinkle Scale. Participants were randomized 2:1 to receive injections of Sculptra poly-l-lactic acid (150 mg; 8 mL reconstitution) or to receive no treatment at all. In the treatment group, up to three treatments were given at monthly intervals. Researchers found the Galderma Cheek Wrinkle Scale at rest responder rate was significantly higher in those who were treated with Sculptra poly-l-lactic acid compared with those who received no treatment over the course of 12 months. Investigators also noticed improvements in skin radiance, tightness and jawline contour in those who received the injections. In addition, Sculptra poly-l-lactic acid recipients reported higher satisfaction levels regarding improvements in skin radiance, sagging, firmness, natural-looking results and a desire for repeat treatment. Researchers reported mostly mild adverse events and no serious events related to the injections.
