Top 5 Articles of the Week: May 25-31

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1. Q&A: Pelage's Novel PP405 Advances to Phase 2a for Androgenetic Alopecia

Pelage Pharmaceuticals recently announced its novel topical agent, PP405, has advanced to a phase 2a study for androgenetic alopecia, with enrollment currently underway at sites across the US.

Dermatology Times recently spoke with Qing Yu Christina Weng, MD, chief medical officer of Pelage. Weng is a physician scientist and board-certified dermatologist seeing patients at Massachusetts General Hospital and is a member of Harvard Medical School faculty. She is also on the boards of Advancing Innovation in Dermatology and Immunis, Inc.

2. Cutibacterium acnes Dominates the Post-Laser Skin Microbiome

Researchers recently presented a pilot study at the Music City SCALE meeting (May 14-18, Nashville, TN), highlighting the resilience and potentially beneficial roles of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) in the skin microbiome following laser resurfacing and topical therapy.

The study evaluated patients undergoing fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing paired with topical carboxytherapy (CO₂ Lift Mask). Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, researchers collected and analyzed skin swabs from the malar cheeks at baseline and 4 weeks post-procedure. Findings showed C. acnes remained the predominant microorganism post-treatment, with a slight decrease in mean relative abundance from 80% to 74%. In 83% of samples, C. acnes levels actually increased after treatment. Other genera, such as Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus, showed minor shifts in relative abundance.

3. The Unprecedented Phase 1 Results of ET-02 for the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

Eirion Therapeutics has reported promising first-in-human trial results for ET-02, a topical treatment for androgenic alopecia. The drug showed exceptional safety with no local or systemic adverse effects and delivered unprecedented hair regrowth in just 5 weeks—6 times more than placebo and even outperforming minoxidil’s four-month results. Unlike current treatments that stimulate the hair follicle or stem cell, ET-02 targets a correction in defective stem cell biology to restore normal hair growth. With this novel mechanism, ET-02 could reshape the hair loss treatment landscape and potentially play a role in future prevention strategies.

4. Suicide Risk Management Crucial in Dermatological Care

A recent review published in JAAD Reviews emphasizes the importance of suicide risk management in dermatologic care, especially for patients living with chronic or stigmatizing skin conditions.

The authors highlight that visible skin diseases can significantly impact mental health, with depression and anxiety commonly affecting patients with acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. Among these groups, rates of depression and anxiety were found to be as high as 27.2% and 28.8%, respectively, with suicidal ideation present in up to 67% of patients in some studies. Adolescents and young adults with noticeable skin disorders are particularly vulnerable, facing social rejection and bullying, while adults often experience long-term stigma and isolation due to chronic conditions.

5. Azathioprine: A Potential Long-Term Treatment for Alopecia Areata

A 10-year study published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that azathioprine led to an average 92.7% hair regrowth in patients with moderate to severe recalcitrant alopecia areata. The prospective, nonblinded study followed 63 patients, showing significant and sustained improvements in scalp, eyelash, and eyebrow hair, with minimal and manageable adverse effects. While azathioprine is not FDA-approved for alopecia areata, researchers concluded it may be an effective long-term treatment option worth further investigation.