The edition · Dermatology
A topical JAK inhibitor calmed cutaneous lichen planus and its itch
Plus sustained skin response to a novel anti-interferon antibody in dermatomyositis, biosimilar ustekinumab matching the originator, and what the data say about pausing systemic eczema therapy.
The edition in brief
Today's dermatology edition leads on a new topical option for cutaneous lichen planus, a chronic, intensely itchy disease with few good treatments. In a phase 2 vehicle-controlled trial, ruxolitinib 1.5% cream roughly doubled the proportion reaching clear or almost-clear skin and markedly improved itch, with no serious adverse events over 16 weeks. From the connective-tissue-disease skin desk, a small phase 2 open-label extension of dazukibart, a novel anti-interferon-β antibody, showed sustained improvement in cutaneous dermatomyositis through 92 weeks, with mostly mild adverse events — promising but very early. A meta-analysis of nine randomised trials found ustekinumab biosimilars clinically indistinguishable from the originator in plaque psoriasis, strengthening the case for cheaper access, a point that matters in India. A pearl reaffirms screening for latent tuberculosis and viral hepatitis before any systemic immunomodulator. The practice-changer comes from a network meta-analysis of maintaining remission in atopic dermatitis: stopping oral therapies risked early relapse, while biologics sustained remission even after withdrawal or longer dosing intervals — useful when therapy must be paused for pregnancy, vaccination or cost.
Ruxolitinib cream reduced lesions and itch in cutaneous lichen planus
For limited cutaneous lichen planus where topical steroids are undesirable, ruxolitinib cream is worth considering as a steroid-free topical option.
A novel anti-interferon antibody sustained skin response in dermatomyositis
Note dazukibart as a promising targeted option for refractory cutaneous dermatomyositis, pending larger controlled trials — it is not yet a treatment to use.
Ustekinumab biosimilars matched the originator in plaque psoriasis
Biosimilar ustekinumab performs comparably to the originator in plaque psoriasis and is a sound, lower-cost choice where access is the limiting factor.
Screen for latent TB and viral hepatitis before any systemic immunomodulator
Screen for latent tuberculosis and viral hepatitis, with baseline bloods, before starting any systemic immunomodulator for skin disease.
When eczema therapy must be paused, biologics tolerate it better than oral drugs
When systemic atopic dermatitis therapy must be paused, expect early relapse after oral drugs and plan cover; biologics generally tolerate a withdrawal or longer interval.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this one is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for dermatology, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free