Psoriasis survey tops dermatology reads for September

Survey findings that Humira was the biologic most prescribed for moderate-to-severe psoriasis when compared with Enbrel, was the most-read article in September on Healio.com/Dermatology.

Other widely read articles during the month included the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommendations regarding tests and treatments that are not always necessary and the FDA granting orphan drug status to Humira for treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa:

Survey finds Humira most prescribed biologic for treating psoriasis compared with Enbrel

A survey by Decision Resources Group found that Humira was the biologic most prescribed for moderate-to-severe psoriasis when compared with Enbrel, according to a press release.

However, Enbrel (etanercept, Amgen/Pfizer) had a more favorable reimbursement environment compared with Humira (adalimumab, AbbVie), according to the release. Read more

AAD identifies procedures that may be unnecessary as part of Choosing Wisely campaign

The American Academy of Dermatology released recommendations regarding dermatologic tests and treatments it recommends are not always necessary.

It is the second list developed by the AAD as part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, an ABIM Foundation initiative designed to help patients avoid care that may be unnecessary for them, according to a press release. Read more

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

“While it’s one case, we anticipated the successful treatment of this patient based on our current understanding of the disease and how the drug works,” researcher Brett A. King, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, said in a press release. Read more

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

Psoriasis, herpes labialis highly stigmatizing, image-based survey reports

Participants of an image-based survey found images of psoriasis to be as bothersome as those of herpes labialis in some categories, according to recently published study results.

Researchers used an image-based questionnaire to study and compare the public’s attitude toward psoriasis, to identify factors that contribute to its stigmatization and to compare perceptions of psoriasis against other common dermatological conditions including atopic dermatitis, acne, vitiligo, rosacea, herpes labialis, warts and tinea versicolor. Read more