FDA action on Merkel cell carcinoma, psoriasis drug studies top dermatology reads for week

The American Academy of Dermatology’s list of dermatologic tests and treatments it recommends as not always necessary was again the most-read article of the week on Healio.com/Dermatology.

Other widely read articles included the FDA granting fast track designation to avelumab for treating metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and Phase 2 study results showing that an investigational biologic compound had superior efficacy compared with Stelara in treating patients with psoriasis after 9 months:

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 as 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

FDA grants avelumab fast track designation for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma

Merck KGaA and Pfizer announced in a press release that the FDA has granted avelumab fast track designation for treating metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.

Avelumab, an investigational fully human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, had received orphan drug designation for treating Merkel cell carcinoma on Sept. 21. Read more

Xeljanz might be effective as vitiligo treatment

Xeljanz was effective as treatment in a patient with vitiligo, according to recently published study results.

“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

Baxalta, Momenta announce trial of Humira biosimilar for psoriasis

Baxalta and Momenta Pharmaceuticals announced the beginning of a clinical trial of M923, a proposed biosimilar of Humira, in treating patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.

The randomized, double blind, active-control, multicenter global study will compare safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of M923 with Humira (adalimumab, AbbVie) for patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, according to a press release. Read more

Investigational biologic displayed higher efficacy compared with Stelara in treating psoriasis

Phase 2 study results showed that the Boehringer Ingelheim’s investigational biologic compound BI 655066 had superior efficacy compared with Stelara in treating patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis after 9 months, according to a press release.

Kim A. Papp

Researcher Kim A. Papp, MD, PhD, reported at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, that 69% of patients in the higher-dose group of BI 655066 maintained clear or almost clear skin compared with 30% of patients in the Stelara (ustekinumab, Janssen) treatment cohort. Read more