Top 5 Articles of the Week: March 30-April 4

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1. Q&A: Pelage's Novel PP405 Advances to Phase 2a for Androgenetic Alopecia

Pelage Pharmaceuticals recently announced its novel topical agent, PP405, has advanced to a phase 2a study for androgenetic alopecia, with enrollment currently underway at sites across the US.

Dermatology Times recently spoke with Qing Yu Christina Weng, MD, chief medical officer of Pelage. Weng is a physician scientist and board-certified dermatologist seeing patients at Massachusetts General Hospital and is a member of Harvard Medical School faculty. She is also on the boards of Advancing Innovation in Dermatology and Immunis, Inc.

2. Patients with DIMIDs and Pandemic Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (DIMIDs), including atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and vitiligo. The fear of morbidity, mortality, and vaccine hesitancy contributed to disruptions in their daily lives. Patients with immunodeficiency diseases, older individuals, males, and those of non-White ethnicity were at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Interestingly, vaccination, a healthy diet, and atopic conditions were considered protective factors against COVID-19. A recent prospective observational, multicenter, multidisciplinary cohort substudy explored the impact of COVID-19 disease and vaccination on DIMIDs, specifically AD, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

3. The Role of Medication in Effective Weight Loss

The management of obesity and overweight conditions through medication-driven approaches has gained increasing recognition as an essential component of comprehensive weight management. Recent research reviewed consensus statements on integrating prescription-based weight loss strategies with lifestyle modifications. It examines evidence-based guidelines for the safe and effective use of pharmacologic interventions in weight management while addressing patient adherence, safety concerns, and long-term outcomes.

4. Patients with Vitiligo Have a Lower Risk of Developing Serious Infections, New Poster Finds

In a poster by AbbVie presented at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, real-world data was used to determine the prevalence of safety concerns and risk factors for patients with vitiligo. Compared to matched controls, patients with rheumatoid arthritis and patients with atopic dermatitis, patients with vitiligo had a lower incidence of major adverse effects.

5. Machine Learning Enhances Laser Treatment Planning

The assessment of skin characteristics such as Fitzpatrick skin type, hyperpigmentation, redness, and wrinkle severity is crucial in determining the appropriate laser therapy for patients. With the rising demand for laser procedures, accurate evaluation of these characteristics is essential. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Consumer Survey, the percentage of consumers considering cosmetic procedures increased from 30% in 2013 to 70% in 2023, with laser treatments emerging as the most sought-after option. However, the increasing popularity of these procedures has highlighted concerns regarding the quality of care, particularly in non-physician-operated settings such as medical spas.