Derm In The News: March 3-9

Bloomberg: Chemical Linked to Cancer Found in Acne Creams Including Proactiv, Clearasil

Popular acne treatment products from various brands, including Proactiv, Target's Up & Up, and Clinique, have been found to contain elevated levels of benzene, a carcinogen. Independent testing by Valisure LLC revealed benzene levels up to 9 times the FDA's limit in some treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient. The FDA is reviewing the data before taking action. Companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble have previously recalled products found to contain benzene.

Dermatology Times has covered this issue. Please view our own coverage here.

Financial Times: Dermatology giant Galderma aims to raise $2.3bn in Swiss IPO

Galderma, a leading skin care company, has announced plans for a $2.3 billion IPO on the Swiss stock exchange, expected to be one of Europe's largest in 2024. The company, founded in 1981 as a joint venture between Nestle and L’Oreal, aims to utilize the funds to reduce debt. CEO Flemming Ørnskov highlights this IPO as a significant milestone in Galderma's growth journey. The offering, slated for April, will consist mainly of newly created shares, with EQT, Galderma's current shareholder, selling a smaller portion. Leading financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are involved in coordinating the IPO.

American Academy of Dermatology: Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, assumes presidency of The American Academy of Dermatology

Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, will assume the presidency of the American Academy of Dermatology, succeeding the position at the conclusion of the AAD's Annual Meeting. Desai, a board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas, will lead the organization, representing nearly 21,000 dermatologists specializing in skin, hair, and nail conditions. He will also hold the same role for the American Academy of Dermatology Association, focusing on government affairs and health policy. Desai emphasized the importance of unity among physicians in addressing challenges and advancing dermatology. Desai brings extensive experience in leadership roles within the dermatology community and serves on various advisory committees, including the United States Food and Drug Administration's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee.

Allure: Inside the DEI Battle in Dermatology

The American Academy of Dermatology's annual meeting in San Diego will feature discussions on various topics, including "Biopsies in Challenging Locations" and "Critical Gaps and Controversies in Laser Treatment of Port Wine Birthmarks and Other Vascular Abnormalities." However, significant attention is likely to be drawn to the passionate debate surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the dermatology community, sparked by a proposal to eliminate all DEI programs and adopt a different approach. The proposal has triggered emotional discussions among dermatologists and prompted the drafting of opposing resolutions.

Have you seen any dermatology headlines this week that we may have missed? Share with us by emailing our team at DTEditor@mmhgroup.com.