FDA approval of Humira for hidradenitis suppurativa tops dermatology reads for week

The FDA’s approval of Humira for treating adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa was the most-read article of the past week on Healio.com/Dermatology.

Other widely read articles included Solta Medical’s launch of a new laser hair removal device in the United States and Janssen’s introduction of Stelara in the United Kingdom for treating psoriasis in adolescents:

FDA approves Humira for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa

The FDA has approved Humira (adalimumab) for treating adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, according to a press release from AbbVie.

Alexa Kimball

“Hidradenitis suppurativa is an under recognized and often devastating disease affecting women and men in their early adulthood and for years to follow,” Alexa Kimball, MD, MPH, director of the Clinical Unit for Research Trials and Outcomes in Skin at Massachusetts General Hospital, professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and a principal trial investigator, told Healio.com/Dermatology. “Having a validated treatment option with rigorous data to support its use is a major step forward for our patients.” Read more

Solta Medical launches laser hair removal device

Solta Medical announced in a press release the introduction of the Clear + Brilliant pélo laser in the United States for permanent hair reduction.

Sabrina Fabi

“The 808nm wavelength allows me to treat a range of Fitzpatrick skin types, and the cooling crystal protects the epidermis while doing so,” Sabrina Fabi, MD, a San Diego-based dermatologist, stated in the release. Read more

Psoriasis, acne respond to seasonal variations

Symptoms of psoriasis and acne significantly cleared during the summer and worsened in the winter, according to recently published study results.

Researchers used physician’s global assessment (PGA) scores to determine seasonal variation in psoriasis and acne. Data were collected between June 2011 and May 2014 in New England. Read more

Xeomin demonstrates efficacy in treatment of upper facial lines

Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA; Merz Aesthetics) demonstrated significant efficacy in treating three areas of upper facial lines, according to recently published study results.

Researchers studied 156 healthy adults with moderate-to-severe glabellar frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and lateral periorbital lines. Read more

Janssen launches Stelara in the UK for treating psoriasis in adolescents

Janssen-Cilag Ltd. announced the availability of Stelara in the United Kingdom for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adolescents age 12 years and older who have not responded to or are intolerant to other systemic therapies or phototherapies.

The European Commission approved this indication for Stelara (ustekinumab) in June, and the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency issued a positive opinion in May, according to a press release. Read more