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News

Article

May 18, 2024

Derm In The News: May 12-18

Author(s):

Keep up with the latest headlines in dermatology from the past week, including Johnson & Johnson's acquisition of Proteologix, a review of sunscreen approvals and efficacy, and more.

Reuters: Johnson & Johnson to acquire Proteologix for $850 million

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) recently announced its plan to acquire Proteologix for $850 million. This acquisition aims to bolster J&J's portfolio with Proteologix's experimental treatments for atopic dermatitis and asthma. Proteologix's PX128 antibody is set to begin early-stage development for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and asthma, while PX130 is in preclinical development for the same skin condition. J&J's own experimental drug for this condition is in mid-stage development. The acquisition is expected to finalize in the coming months, pending antitrust clearance and other conditions, and includes potential additional milestone payments.

USA Today: Why the U.S. is behind on sunscreen

American sunscreens often fail to meet higher UVA protection standards found elsewhere, according to reports. Sunscreen misinformation, categorizing products as "chemical" or "physical," complicates public understanding. Despite some safety concerns, experts assert that existing sunscreen ingredients have been used safely for decades.

As a result, many Americans import sunscreens from abroad, despite risks. A bipartisan bill aims to speed up FDA approvals by allowing non-animal testing methods.

Patient-Forward Rundown

Top headlines from this week to share with your patients:

NBC News: California bill that aimed to combat tween skin care overuse fails to move forward

A California bill aiming to ban the sale of anti-aging skin products to children under 13 failed to advance in the state Assembly. Introduced by Democratic Assembly member Alex Lee, AB 2491 sought to address the trend of young children influenced by social media using potent skin care products. The bill proposed banning sales of over-the-counter products containing ingredients such as retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids to children under 13. Despite passing the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, it did not advance past the Appropriations Committee.

DVIDS: Army Scientist Uses Seed Money Grant to Launch Skin Printing Research

At Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, Priscilla Lee, a researcher at the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), pursued the idea of 3D printing skin for research on chemical agent effects. Lee used a Rastrum 3D printer to create tissue with skin-like properties, which, when exposed to chemical agents, could provide valuable data.

Reuters: Merck stops testing combo drug for skin cancer as more patients discontinue

Merck recently announced it has discontinued a late-stage trial of an experimental combination treatment for high-risk melanoma due to adverse effects leading to high discontinuation rates. The trial involved vibostolimab, a new anti-TIGIT immunotherapy, combined with Keytruda, Merck's top cancer drug. Analysis revealed that the combination did not significantly improve recurrence-free survival compared to Keytruda alone, prompting Merck to recommend switching patients to Keytruda monotherapy.

Dermatology Times covered this news! Read more here.

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