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General Dermatology
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Chronic Hand Eczema
Alopecia
Aesthetics
Vitiligo
COVID-19
Actinic Keratosis
Precision Medicine and Biologics
Rare Disease
Wound Care
Rosacea
Psoriasis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Atopic Dermatitis
Melasma
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Hidradenitis Suppurativa
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Pigmentary Disorders
Acne
Pediatric Dermatology
Practice Management
Prurigo Nodularis
Buy-and-Bill

News

Article

January 29, 2025

Interview Intersection: Expert Interviews From January 2025

Author(s):

Emma Andrus, Editor

Key Takeaways

Ionic liquids significantly enhance transdermal drug delivery, offering new therapeutic possibilities in dermatology.
CAGE Bio is advancing treatments for skin diseases, reflecting innovation in dermatological therapeutics.
Eirion's ET-02 demonstrates promising Phase 1 results for androgenic alopecia, with Phase 2 trials planned.
Cytrellis' Ellacor 2.0 micro-coring technology is transforming skin treatment approaches.
The Skin Smart Campus Initiative and Galderma's regenerative aesthetics innovations highlight ongoing efforts in skin health and aesthetics.

Dermatology Times is recapping our top expert interviews from the month of January.

Advancements in Dermatology and Therapeutic Innovation

Ionic Liquids Boost Skin Drug Delivery

Samir Mitragotri, PhD, discussed the use of ionic liquids in dermatological therapeutics, highlighting their potential to enhance drug delivery through the skin. CAGE Bio's innovation, CGB-500, demonstrated impressive results in a phase 2a trial for atopic dermatitis, showing a 98% improvement in patients compared to placebo.

MORE INSIGHTS FROM MITRAGOTRI: Bridging Therapeutic Innovation and Dermatology; CAGE Bio Advances Skin Disease Treatment

James Del Rosso, DO, on What’s New in the Medicine Chest

James Del Rosso, DO, shared key insights from his presentation at the 2025 Winter Clinical Miami Meeting, focusing on the latest innovations in dermatology. He highlighted advancements in acne treatment, including the combination of clascoterone and a triple-combination gel, as well as off-label treatments for refractory pediatric vitiligo, seborrheic dermatitis, and granuloma annulare. Del Rosso also discussed the importance of addressing ocular complications in atopic dermatitis and the growing role of emerging therapies like JAK inhibitors and IL inhibitors in expanding treatment options for various dermatologic conditions.

Clinical Developments and Future Directions

The Unprecedented Phase 1 Results of ET-02 for the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

Eirion Therapeutics announced promising results from its first-in-man clinical trial of ET-02, a topical treatment for androgenic alopecia. The drug demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy, with participants showing significant hair growth in just 5 weeks—6 times more than the placebo group. Jon Edelson, MD, CEO of Eirion, explained that ET-02 targets the underlying stem cell defect in hair follicles, offering a novel approach that differs from current treatments like minoxidil.

MORE INSIGHTS FROM EDELSON: What’s Next for ET-02? CEO of Eirion, Jon Edelson, MD, Shares Phase 2 Plans

Clinicians to Watch for Recalled Supplement That May Cause Solar Purpura

Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, highlighted concerns about the risk of bruising and solar purpura in patients taking both prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements. While solar purpura is commonly linked to blood thinners, Miranti points out that many affected patients aren't using prescribed anticoagulants, suggesting other factors are at play. She also cautioned about Umary hyaluronic acid tablets, a supplement recalled for contamination with prescription drugs like naproxen and omeprazole. Miranti urges dermatology clinicians to carefully screen patients for these products during exams to prevent and manage skin thinning and bruising.

Topics and Pearls

Disease states such as atopic dermatitis, alopecia, urticaria, and more
Pearls for aesthetics, including treating wrinkles and improving facial volume
Conference insights
Emerging data and pharmaceutical developments

The Evolving Role of NPs and PAs in Dermatology

Reflecting on the Growth of NPs and PAs in Dermatology

Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, emphasized the evolving role of NPs and PAs in dermatology, highlighting their impact on patient care. The meeting underscored challenges in accessing innovative treatments and bridging gaps between patients’ perceptions and clinical assessments. Aldredge also recognized the vital role of industry partners in supporting dermatology teams and expressed optimism for 2025, urging clinicians to contribute their expertise through case studies and articles.

Expanding NP and PA Opportunities in Dermatology Practice

Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C, advocates for expanding opportunities for dermatology NPs and PAs, calling for greater inclusion in activities like ad boards, publishing, and poster creation to ensure equal professional growth alongside MD counterparts. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, case-based learning, and industry support in advancing the dermatology field.

Innovative Dermatology Solutions

Innovating Scalp Care: How Research and Education Drive Solutions

Erica Ramos, PA-C, CEO of Raven Innovations, created RestoraScalp dry shampoo after noticing patients' frustration with conventional scalp treatments for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, which often required leaving the medication on too long to be effective. Ramos discussed the challenges of bringing the product to market, including FDA regulations and formulation work, while emphasizing the value of advanced education in driving innovation in dermatology.

WATCH ANOTHER COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION FEATURING RAMOS AND RENATA BLOCK, MMS, PA-C: Developing an OTC Dermatology Product

When and How to Employ the Buy and Bill Model

Omar Noor, MD, FAAD, explains the buy-and-bill process, where dermatologists purchase medications, administer them in-office, and seek reimbursement directly from insurance. Noor highlights the benefits of this approach, which allows faster access to biologics and bypasses the Specialty Pharmacy route, though it requires careful billing and reimbursement management. He emphasizes the importance of safety measures and a biologic coordinator to ensure financial viability and mitigate risks.

Managing Chronic Skin Conditions

Insights from a Dermatologist with Urticaria

Jason Hawkes, MD, MS, shared his personal and professional journey with urticaria. Hawkes' experience with cold urticaria began during his second year of medical school, sparking his ongoing interest in the condition. He emphasizes the distinction between chronic inducible urticaria, like cold urticaria, and chronic spontaneous urticaria, which lacks identifiable triggers. Hawkes discusses the challenges in diagnosis, including the use of provocation testing like the ice cube test, and highlights the complexity of managing patients who may have multiple types of urticaria.

WATCH MORE FROM HAWKES: Advances in Urticaria Care with Jason Hawkes, MD, MS; Optimizing Care for Patients with Urticaria

Exploring Oral Therapies for Hyperhidrosis: Current and Future Perspectives

Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, discussed the evolving landscape of hyperhidrosis treatment. He highlighted emerging systemic therapies that complement existing options, noting that although many systemic treatments are off-label, dermatologists are adept at combining therapies for improved results. Looking ahead, Friedman expressed excitement for new treatments, including the recently approved topical sofpironium bromide, which reduces the risk of anticholinergic side effects.

WATCH MORE FROM FRIEDMAN: Pearls for Treatment Selection and Managing Adverse Effects in Hyperhidrosis

Aesthetic Innovations and Trends

Micro-Coring Revolutionized: Cytrellis' Denise Dajles, DEng, MSc, on Evolving Skin Treatments with Ellacor 2.0

Denise Dajles, DEng, MSc, discusses Cytrellis Biosystems' newly launched ellacor 2.0 system, which features improved Micro-Coring technology to target moderate to severe wrinkles with minimal downtime. The updated device, incorporating practitioner and patient feedback, offers faster coring, enhanced software for guided procedures, and improved patient outcomes. Clinical studies have shown up to 90% improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, making it a promising minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatments.

WATCH MORE FROM DAJLES: Denise Dajles, DEng, MSc, Ushers in a New Era at Cytrellis Biosystems, Looks to Future of Aesthetics Industry

Exploring Facial Aesthetic Trends and Innovations Following Medication-Driven Weight Loss

Galderma recently shared positive interim results from a phase 4 trial evaluating the combination of Sculptra with Restylane Lyft or Contour for facial volume loss due to medication-driven weight loss. The study showed significant improvements in mid-face contour, skin quality, and hydration, with nearly 90% of patients reporting increased confidence three months post-treatment. Gerry Muhle notes that Galderma is responding to the growing demand for aesthetic solutions for patients using weight-loss medications, with exciting innovations like RelabotulinumtoxinA on the horizon.

WATCH MORE FROM MUHLE AND STUDY INVESTIGATOR MICHAEL SOMENEK, MD: Galderma’s Innovations in Regenerative Aesthetics: Insights from Gerry Muhle; Optimizing Aesthetic Outcomes for Patients on Medication-Driven Weight Loss Journeys

Public Health and Awareness

2025 Goals and Priorities of The Skin Cancer Foundation: An Interview with Executive Director, Becky Kamowitz

Becky Kamowitz, the new Executive Director of the Skin Cancer Foundation, is focusing on the continued success of the Foundation's "Destination Healthy Skin" program, which provides free skin cancer screenings across the US. The program’s RV, which has served communities since 2008, is being replaced due to rising maintenance costs, with a $500,000 fundraising campaign underway to purchase a new, more accessible vehicle. Kamowitz also aims to expand early detection efforts by strengthening partnerships with dermatologists, particularly in underserved areas, to enhance community outreach.

The Skin Smart Campus Initiative: Promoting Skin Health and Public Awareness at GW

George Washington University has been designated a Skin Smart Campus by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, marking its commitment to skin health through education and proactive measures. The initiative, led by faculty and students, includes eliminating indoor tanning facilities, installing free sunscreen dispensers across campus, and launching an educational website on skin health.

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