Latest news with #atopicdermatitis
Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
AAD Updates AD Guidelines With Four New Treatment Picks
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recently issued a focused update to its guidelines on the management of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults, strongly recommending four recently approved therapies: tapinarof cream, roflumilast cream, lebrikizumab, and nemolizumab (in combination with topical therapy). These additions reflect high-certainty evidence supporting both efficacy and safety, according to the workgroup's systematic review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology . Robert Sidbury, MD Asked to comment on the updates, one of the authors, Robert Sidbury, MD, cochair of the guideline committee and chief of dermatology at Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, called the rapid need for a guideline update 'a reflection of the extraordinary progress in AD care that is ongoing and is indeed revolutionizing care.' Having 'two new nonsteroidal topical therapies is quite significant,' he added in an interview with Medscape Dermatology . 'Patients have long been dissatisfied with topical options, which have been shackled by safety concerns, some real, some not, and intolerance, such as application site stinging.' The update comes just over a year after the release of AAD's 2023-2024 adult AD guidelines on treatment with topical and systemic therapies, underscoring the rapid pace of therapeutic development for AD. The update was initiated following the FDA approval of multiple new therapies and newly published high-certainty evidence supporting their use, prompting the AAD to incorporate this data into its existing guidance, according to the authors. Strong Recommendations for Four New Agents The guideline workgroup applied the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) framework to assess new data and formulate treatment recommendations. According to the authors, all four therapies received 'strong' recommendations based on high-certainty evidence: Tapinarof cream 1% : A nonsteroidal aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist approved in 2024 for moderate to severe AD. In four trials (n = 1169), once-daily use over 8-12 weeks resulted in statistically and clinically significant improvements in investigator's global assessment (IGA), eczema area and severity index (EASI)-75, and itch scores. : A nonsteroidal aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist approved in 2024 for moderate to severe AD. In four trials (n = 1169), once-daily use over 8-12 weeks resulted in statistically and clinically significant improvements in investigator's global assessment (IGA), eczema area and severity index (EASI)-75, and itch scores. Roflumilast cream 0.15% : A phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved in 2024 for mild to moderate AD. Clinical trials (n = 1427) demonstrated significant improvements in IGA and EASI-75 after 4 weeks. : A phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved in 2024 for mild to moderate AD. Clinical trials (n = 1427) demonstrated significant improvements in IGA and EASI-75 after 4 weeks. Lebrikizumab : An interleukin (IL)-13-targeting monoclonal antibody approved in 2024 for moderate to severe AD. In over 1700 patients, treatment with or without topical corticosteroids led to marked improvements in clinical and patient-reported outcomes. : An interleukin (IL)-13-targeting monoclonal antibody approved in 2024 for moderate to severe AD. In over 1700 patients, treatment with or without topical corticosteroids led to marked improvements in clinical and patient-reported outcomes. Nemolizumab (with topical therapy): An IL-31 receptor inhibitor approved in 2024 for patients aged 12 years or older inadequately controlled with topical therapies. In three trials (n = 1256), nemolizumab plus topical corticosteroids (with or without topical calcineurin inhibitor) led to significant reductions in itch and improvements in EASI-75 and Dermatology Life Quality Index. Updated Treatment Algorithm The guideline includes an updated treatment algorithm to help clinicians integrate these agents into clinical practice. It emphasizes: All four newly recommended therapies are indicated with strong recommendation symbols in the updated algorithm figure. Real-World Considerations Sidbury emphasized that having multiple high-certainty options creates new opportunities but also new challenges in decision-making. 'Such choice is a lovely problem to have,' he said, but he urged clinicians to look beyond efficacy. For example, 'a patient with baseline ocular difficulties would want to be aware that IL-4/13 or IL-13 biologics can cause or exacerbate conjunctivitis,' he explained. 'Nemolizumab or a JAK inhibitor, neither of which carries ocular risk, might be a good choice. Similarly, patients with cardiovascular risk may want to avoid JAK inhibitors due to their boxed warning.' Treatment selection, he said, should be rooted in shared decision-making: 'It's important to weigh evidence alongside a patient's comorbidities, preferences, and tolerability history.' Remaining Gaps and Considerations Despite the promising data, the authors acknowledged important limitations. Most trials were short-term (≤ 24 weeks), and the long-term safety, durability of response, and comparative effectiveness of these agents remain unknown. Cost is another factor. The authors noted, 'costs for the considered therapies may be prohibitive without adequate insurance coverage.' As such, they stressed the importance of a shared decision-making process that weighs efficacy, safety, and affordability. Clinical Impact and Future Directions The update is expected to have an immediate impact in clinical settings. 'Atopic dermatitis care has long been an 'off-label' affair,' Sidbury said. 'Prior to 2017, the only FDA-approved systemic therapy for AD was systemic steroids. Since then, we've seen numerous novel topical and systemic therapies approved with many more on the way. Better evidence plus more choices equals improved outcomes.' Still, more research is needed. Sidbury pointed to the importance of identifying which therapies may work best for specific patient subtypes — by age, race, gender, or AD phenotype. 'We don't know yet, but the answer is likely yes. This gets at personalized medicine — and that's where we're headed,' he said, noting that future treatment may be guided by inflammatory signatures or genotyping. While this focused update offers valuable clarity on incorporating new treatment options for adult AD, further research is needed, according to the authors. The workgroup called for real-world data, head-to-head trials, and longer-term outcome studies. The authors also noted pediatric guideline updates are expected in a future publication. This study was funded in total by internal funds from the American Academy of Dermatology. Sidbury disclosed he serves as an advisory board member for Pfizer, receiving honoraria; as a principal investigator for Regeneron, receiving grants and research funding; as an investigator for Brickell Biotech, and Galderma USA, receiving grants and research funding; and as a consultant for Galderma Global and Microes, receiving fees or no compensation. Other authors reported having financial disclosures with many pharmaceutical companies. : Biologics, JAK inhibitors, and immunosuppressants remain key choices for refractory disease.
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Novel Herbal Emollients Plus Benefit Patients With AD
TOPLINE: A novel herbal emollient plus combination containing ginger extract and cannabidiol was effective and provided sustained relief of itch, progressive improvement of objective symptoms, and stabilisation of the skin barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) over a period of 12 weeks. METHODOLOGY: Researchers analysed 94 adults and children with AD (adults ≥ 18 years; children < 18 years) in a 12-week prospective interventional monocentric trial. Participants applied BNO 3732 body lotion twice daily and BNO 3731 intensive care product as needed. Both products contained ginger extract and cannabidiol as active cosmetic ingredients. Researchers evaluated outcomes using the peak pruritus numerical rating scale, Recap of atopic eczema (RECAP), Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), children's DLQI (CDLQI), and validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD). In adult subgroups, researchers assessed the epidermal barrier integrity via intercellular lipid levels, lamellar organisation, and corneocyte maturity. TAKEAWAY: A significant improvement was observed in mean RECAP sum scores (P < .001), with a 54% reduction seen in the first 4 weeks, and peak pruritus significantly decreased by 53% after 4 weeks (P < .001); the outcomes were sustained over 12 weeks. Mean vIGA-AD scores decreased by 63% over 12 weeks, with 88% of participants classified as responders and 59% achieved clearance by week 12. The skin-related quality of life for adults and children (4-15 years) significantly increased in the first 4 weeks according to the DLQI and CDLQI, respectively, followed by a progressive improvement over the remaining 8 weeks. An instrumental analysis revealed significant increases in ceramide EOS, ceramide NP, free fatty acids, and cholesterol contents after 12 weeks of product application (P ≤ .05). The mean length of lipid lamellae significantly increased from 61.08 to 196.23 nm/1000 nm2 (P < .001), reaching levels comparable with those of the healthy skin. The ratio of mature to immature corneocytes was significantly increased after 12 weeks (P < .001), indicating enhanced barrier integrity. IN PRACTICE: "Oil-in-water emulsions BNO 3732 and BNO 3731 containing the ACIs [active cosmetic ingredients] ginger extract and cannabidiol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative in vitroactivities are efficacious beyond mere moisturizing and occlusive properties by providing sustained relief of itch, long-lasting improvement of objective AD symptoms, and stabilization of the epidermal permeability barrier," the authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Lars Herrmann, Bionorica SE, Neumarkt, Germany. It was published online on June 18, 2025, in Acta Dermato-Venereologica. LIMITATIONS: This study had several limitations, including the absence of a dedicated control group. Additionally, the subpanel for instrumental skin barrier analysis was reduced compared to the complete study population. The researchers also noted that no instructions were available regarding the amount of products to be used, preventing the correlation analysis between the magnitude of effects and product usage amounts. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Bionorica SE in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Germany. Eight authors reported being employees of Bionorica SE. One author is named as an inventor on a patent application for compositions containing cannabidiol and an extract from ginger. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Nektar Therapeutics Is Up 150%: What's Happening With NKTR Stock?
Low-angle view of a logo on a facade at the headquarters of Nektar Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical ... More company located on 3rd Street, in the Mission Bay District of San Francisco, California, October 29, 2018. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR) stock is up around 150% in today's trading session following the recently announced positive results from its Phase 2b REZOLVE-AD study of rezpegaldesleukin for treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema), marking a pivotal moment for the cash-strapped biotech company. The study met both primary and secondary endpoints, validating the company's novel regulatory T-cell approach to treating inflammatory skin conditions. The Eczema Market Opportunity Atopic dermatitis represents a substantial market opportunity in the United States. Around 31.6 million people (roughly 10% of the population) have some form of eczema, according to the National Eczema Association. More than 30 million Americans live with atopic dermatitis--the skin condition commonly called eczema. While several FDA-approved treatments exist, including biologics like Dupixent, Ebglyss, Adbry, and Nemluvio, significant unmet medical need remains for patients who don't respond adequately to current therapies or experience side effects. The REZOLVE-AD Phase 2b study evaluated rezpegaldesleukin in 393 patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The study achieved its primary endpoint with improvements measured by the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score after a 16-week treatment period. The drug also met key secondary endpoints, including the proportion of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin. Financial Implications The positive results carry profound financial implications for Nektar, a company currently valued at just $250 million market capitalization. The company generates minimal revenue of approximately $87 million, derived mainly from royalty payments rather than product sales. If approved, rezpegaldesleukin could become a blockbuster treatment with peak sales projections exceeding $2 billion. This potential represents a dramatic transformation from Nektar's current royalty-dependent business model to a product-driven revenue structure. Acquisition Target Potential Nektar's successful Phase 2b results position the company as an attractive acquisition target for larger pharmaceutical companies seeking to expand their dermatology portfolios. The stark contrast between the company's current sub $300 million valuation and the multi-billion-dollar market potential for rezpegaldesleukin creates compelling acquisition economics. The stock's dramatic 100% single-day surge following the announcement reflects investor recognition of this treatment and the acquisition potential. Early-stage pharmaceutical companies with promising late-stage assets frequently become takeover targets, particularly when their market valuations appear disconnected from their pipeline potential. Investment Consideration Nektar represents a pure speculative play on future pipeline success and regulatory approval. The company's significant value proposition hinges on rezpegaldesleukin's ability to navigate remaining clinical hurdles and secure FDA approval. While the Phase 2b success significantly de-risks the program, investors must still contend with the inherent uncertainties of pharmaceutical development. While NKTR stock is on the rise, there always remains a meaningful risk when investing in a single, or just a handful of stocks. Consider Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio which, with a collection of 30 stocks, has a track record of comfortably outperforming the S&P 500 over the last 4-year period. Why is that? As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
WebMD
5 days ago
- Health
- WebMD
Itchy Summers and Empowered Campers: A Guide for Navigating Camp with Atopic Dermatitis
'Good Morning, Everybody,' screamed Kevin, the energetic camp director at Sports & Games, now renamed The FunPlex. 'Good Morning, Kevin,' all the sleepy campers would scream back. I can still hear the echo of dodgeballs bouncing on the hot asphalt and the thick chlorine scent that hit me every time I skipped around what felt like an Olympic-sized pool. On the surface, the camp was every kid's dream: action-packed days filled with games, activities, bonfires, and friends with endless energy. But for me, camp was always a complicated experience. I had a deep love-hate relationship with it. I wanted to enjoy every moment of it without worrying about my skin being covered in the unforgiving rashes. My atopic dermatitis was so severe that it held me back from truly enjoying the experience. Looking back, it felt like no one around me seemed to fully understand how hard it was just to be there, because they didn't. There wasn't a ton of information on this skin condition, so if I didn't know much about it, why could they? While most campers raced toward a portal of freedom, also known as the pool, I hesitated, as chlorine was a personal nightmare. The moment I entered, I felt the sting ripple across my rashes. It wasn't just uncomfortable, it was unbearable, but I didn't want to miss out. The worst part was always after swimming. My body would instantly turn ashy and erupt into rashes with a grayish, purplish hue. Unfortunately, these breakouts didn't fade after a shower or ointment with passing time. They caused itching and burning for weeks on end, turning what should've been a fun game of Marco Polo or a diving competition into another physical and emotional battle. And then there was the heat! Summers in the Mid-Atlantic are famously humid, so the constant contrast between being sweaty from outdoor sports and freezing in air-conditioned rooms made things worse. Sweat would drip into open patches of skin, causing them to inflame and crack. The AC offered no relief. Instead, it dried my skin out even further. I often felt trapped in my own body, silently suffering while trying to keep up appearances. My camp counselors were kind but often overwhelmed. I was often ignored, but it wasn't anyone's fault entirely. There just wasn't enough awareness or training on skin conditions in the '90s. Although this was an isolating experience, I'm grateful for it. It helped me grow into someone who advocates for myself. I like to say I went through those difficult summers so today's kids don't have to. Whether you're a parent, a camper, or a counselor, preparing for camp with eczema doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, awareness, and compassion, kids with atopic dermatitis can have the same joyful, adventurous summer experience as everyone else. And here's how we make sure of that. Choosing the Right Camp For a child with severe atopic dermatitis, it is essential to ensure their medical needs are understood and supported. Look for camps that are willing to accommodate health plans, offer flexible routines, and have staff trained in chronic conditions. A camp that prioritizes inclusivity and communication can make all the difference between a stressful experience and a joyful, empowering summer. Meeting With Camp Counselors and Staff Camp counselors and owners play a key role in creating a safe and supportive space for campers with eczema. It's essential for staff to review the care plans in advance and participate in a training session that covers the basics. This includes learning how to recognize signs of a flare-up, knowing when and how to assist with medications or wet wraps, and understanding which common ingredients or materials to avoid in products or camp gear. A little awareness and flexibility go a long way in preventing unnecessary suffering and making campers feel seen and cared for. Preparation Preparation is key to making camp a safe and enjoyable experience for kids with atopic dermatitis. As a parent, you should work with your child's dermatologist or allergist to create a detailed care plan that outlines medications, triggers like chlorine or sweat, and emergency steps. Share this plan with camp owners, staff, and counselors before the first day to ensure everyone is on the same page. Also, plan to pack a care kit with essentials like fragrance-free moisturizers, prescriptions, cotton clothing, gentle sunscreen, ice packs, and anything your child needs to help them enjoy their camp experience. Lastly, Have a Heartfelt Discussion With Your Child(ren) No one knows your child better than you do. Before camp starts, empower them to speak up about their needs. Simple phrases like, 'My skin is itchy, can I take a break?' or 'I need my cream' can help them take ownership of their condition and get the help they need when they need it. You might have to engage in what bullying from other campers might look like, and how to recognize it, then immediately tell them to contact a staffer, and tell them about anything that might occur, so you can address it properly. Teaching self-advocacy skills before camp builds confidence, strengthens independence, and lays the groundwork for lifelong self-care. When everyone involved – parents, staff, and kids – work together, the itch of eczema doesn't have to stand in the way of adventure. Happy Camping!
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zai Lab (ZLAB) Delivers Positive ZL-1503 Trial Results in Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ:ZLAB) is one of the 10 biotech stocks screaming a buy. On June 17, the company delivered positive trial results from a preclinical study of ZL-1503, a promising IL-13/IL-31R bispecific antibody. Chemists in a laboratory studying beakers of liquid as they work to develop biopharmaceuticals for chronic inflammation and asthma. In the study, the IL-13/IL-31R bispecific antibody demonstrated the ability to suppress the inflammatory and pruritogenic (itch-causing) pathways in atopic dermatitis (AD). The trial results underscore the potential of ZL-1503 to act as a novel treatment option for moderate-to-severe AD. Some key findings include a single dose of ZL-1503 (10 mg/kg, iv) completely inhibiting IL-13-mediated pSTAT6 and IL-31-induced scratching for at least 76 days. In addition, two out of three subjects exhibited prolonged IL-13-mediated pSTAT6 inhibition over 118 days. Following the positive preclinical study, Zai Lab plans to file an IND for ZL-1503 for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis by the end of the year. Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ:ZLAB) is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative products that address medical conditions with significant unmet needs in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease. While we acknowledge the potential of ZLAB as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Best Software Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Must-Buy AI Stocks Analysts Are Betting On. Disclosure: None.
