Top five articles read on Healio.com/Dermatology in June

The use of Xeljanz as a possibly effective treatment for vitiligo was the most read article in June on Healio.com/Dermatology.

Other widely read articles included psoriasis research presented at the World Congress of Dermatology and the FDA granting orphan drug status to Humira for treating hidradenitis suppurativa:

1. Xeljanz might be effective as vitiligo treatment

Xeljanz (tofacitinib citrate, Pfizer) was effective as treatment in a patient with vitiligo, according to recently published study results.

Brett A. King, MD, PhD, and colleague Brittany G. Craiglow, MD, reported on a woman in her 50s who had widespread and progressive vitiligo for approximately 1 year. Read more

2. Ixekizumab leads to plaque psoriasis resolution, improves quality of life

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Patients who achieved near complete resolution of plaque psoriasis with ixekizumab (Eli Lilly) treatment had greater improvement in quality of life, according to research presented at the World Congress of Dermatology.

Chris Griffiths

Chris Griffiths, BSc, MD, foundation professor and chair of dermatology at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, reported that while “currently [Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)] score 75 is considered a good treatment goal for psoriasis symptoms,” individuals not achieving complete resolution of skin may have continued impairment of health-related quality of life. Read more

3. FDA grants orphan drug status to Humira for treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

AbbVie announced that the FDA has granted orphan drug designation to Humira for treating moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa.

The supplemental biologic license application by Abbvie seeking the agency’s approval for the use of Humira (adalimumab) in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (Hurley Stage II and Hurley Stage III disease) is being reviewed by the FDA, according to a press release. Read more

4. VIDEO: Patients with psoriasis report touch avoidance

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — In this video, April W. Armstrong, MD, MPH, discusses her research presentation on touch avoidance in patients with psoriasis at the World Congress of Dermatology.

Armstrong, associate dean of clinical research and associate professor of dermatology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, and colleagues surveyed 1,109 patients with psoriasis, with the survey administered by the National Psoriasis Foundation. Watch video

5. FDA: Risk of soft tissue filler injection into blood vessels in face

The FDA issued a warning to health care providers about the possibility of rare, but serious injuries that can occur due to unintentional injection of soft tissue filler into blood vessels in the face.

Unintentional injection can block blood vessels and restrict blood supply to tissues, according to the announcement. This could result in embolization, which may cause vision impairment, blindness, stroke and skin damage and/or necrosis. Read more