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Almost half of new molecular entities approved in 2011 considered significant therapeutic advances

New molecular entities (NMEs) for calendar year 2011 number 30, considerably above the average of 23 during the past 10 years. Notably among this list are 8 drugs for cancer; 10 targeting orphan diseases; 2 each for hepatitis C and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and 3 anticoagulants.

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Topical PDT highly effective for primary axillary hyperhidrosis

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a topically applied liposomal eosin hydrogel is an effective treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis, according to a study reported at the 31st annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Biologic agents relieve chronic skin conditions where other treatments fail

Biologic therapies can help patients with dermatologic conditions, providing anti-inflammatory benefits without significant effects on other organ systems, says Steven R. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology, pathology and public health sciences, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Safety profile of biologics evolves, but long-term risk concerns remain

New safety profile data continues to emerge on biologics used in psoriasis. Among the findings: Today's biologics do not appear to increase serious infection risk; the drugs' short-term cancer risk profile is promising; but concerns remain about long-term cancer risk with all biologics and cardiovascular risk with interleukin-12/23, ustekinumab (Stelara, Janssen Biotech).

Biologics' potential for side effects calls for thorough patient medical history, prescreening

Biologics may provide excellent relief from psoriasis, but that relief comes with the potential for serious side effects, mainly associated with an altered immune system. As a result, Kevin Cooper, M.D., emphasizes the importance of making sure patients are physically and mentally prepared for undergoing biologic therapies.

Clinicians concerned about safety, efficacy of biosimilar drugs

Biosimilars are designed to mimic biologic agents, but they are not precise duplicates of these drugs. Biosimilars may prove useful for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, but clinicians are waiting for guidance on the drugs from the Food and Drug Administration, which was still pending at press time.