The therapeutic effect of artesunate on rosacea through the inhibition of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway

Acne rosacea is a type of chronic dermatosis with the characteristics of erubescence, angiotelectasis and pustule formation. However, current treatment methods are limited due to the side effects. Artesunate demonstrated a promising therapeutic efficacy with a high safety margin. HaCaT cells were treated with antibacterial peptide LL‑37 to simulate rosacea caused by Demodex folliculorum (D. folliculorum) infection. Cell Counting kit 8 and flow cytometry assays were performed to measure cellular proliferation, apoptosis, the stage of the cell cycle and reactive oxygen species generation in order to determine the level of cell damage. Then the damaged cells were treated with different concentrations of artesunate and doxycycline to determine the therapeutic effect of artesunate. Pro‑inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), interleukin (IL)‑6, IL‑8 and C‑C motif chemokine 2 (MCP‑1) were measured using an ELISA, while western blotting was used to detect the expression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and transcription activator (STAT3). As a result, LL‑37 treated HaCaT cells decreased in cell viability, had an increased apoptotic rate and cell cycle arrest, indicating that cell damage caused by rosacea was simulated. In addition, upregulated concentrations of the pro‑inflammatory cytokines TNF‑α, IL‑6, IL‑8 and MCP‑1 were attenuated in the artesunate group in a dose‑dependent fashion, indicating the therapeutic effect of artesunate. Furthermore, higher concentrations of artesunate exhibited an improved effect compared with the doxycycline group. In addition, increased expression levels of JAK2 and STAT3 following treatment with LL‑37 suggested that rosacea caused by D. folliculorum infection may lead to inflammation through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. In conclusion, the potential mechanism by which damage occurs in rosacea was revealed and a promising therapeutic method against rosacea was demonstrated.

A Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Study Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of a Topical Minocycline Foam, FMX103, for the Treatment of Facial Papulopustular Rosacea

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to demonstrate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a minocycline foam, FMX103, in the treatment of moderate-to-severe facial papulopustular rosacea.

METHODS

This was a phase II, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study. Healthy subjects aged ≥ 18 years with moderate-to-severe rosacea that had been diagnosed ≥ 6 months previously and with ≥ 12 inflammatory facial lesions were randomized (1:1:1) to receive once-daily 1.5% FMX103, 3% FMX103, or vehicle for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the absolute change in inflammatory lesion count at week 12. Other assessments included grade 2 or higher Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) improvement, IGA "clear" or "almost clear" (IGA 0/1), clinical erythema, and safety/tolerability. Safety and efficacy were evaluated at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12, with a safety follow-up at week 16.

RESULTS

A total of 232 subjects were randomized; 213 completed the study. At week 12, inflammatory lesion count reduction was significantly greater for the 1.5 and 3% FMX103 doses than for vehicle (21.1 and 19.1 vs. 7.8, respectively; both p < 0.001). Both doses were significantly better than vehicle for achieving grade 2 or higher IGA improvement and assessment of "clear" or "almost clear." Both doses appeared generally safe and well tolerated. In total, 11 (4.7%) subjects reported treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs); all but one (eye discharge) were dermal related, and all resolved by study end. No treatment-related systemic TEAEs were reported. Four subjects discontinued the study because of TEAEs (3% FMX103, n = 3; vehicle, n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Topical minocycline foam, FMX103, appeared to be an effective, safe, and well tolerated treatment for moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea. These results support further investigation in larger clinical trials. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02601963.

[Time to limit the use of antibiotics in rosacea!]

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease with facial erythema and papulopustules. It is common in middle-aged/elderly persons and often affects self-perception and social well-being. It is generally classified into four subtypes. Improved understanding of pathophysiology has resulted in novel treatment approaches, but routine management in health care usually follows old trails. Most patients are managed in primary care. Greater attention to the reduced skin barrier, avoidance of exacerbating factors, better topicals and encouragement to topical maintenance treatment should reduce the use of oral tetracyclines. Low-dose isotretinoin is reserved for treatment-resistant patients, but relapses are frequent unlike its use in acne. In order to reduce antibiotic use, we propose that patients should be referred to a dermatologist for optimization of therapy including consideration of isotretinoin following tetracycline treatment of a maximum of 4-6 months.

Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Oxymetazoline Cream Following Topical Facial Administration for the Treatment of Erythema Associated With Rosacea

BACKGROUND

Oxymetazoline cream 1.0% is FDA-approved for the topical treatment of persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults. This phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study assessed the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of oxymetazoline in patients with moderate to severe erythema associated with rosacea.

METHODS

Eligible patients were randomized to 1 of 8 treatment groups (oxymetazoline cream 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% or vehicle applied topically either once or twice daily for 28 days). Pharmacokinetic analyses were conducted in patients receiving oxymetazoline. Plasma samples for pharmacokinetic assessments were collected prior to dosing and 6 times postdose on days 1 and 28.

RESULTS

A total of 356 patients were included in the safety population (oxymetazoline, n=268; vehicle, n=88). Thirty patients (11.2%) in the oxymetazoline group reported treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events, most of which were mild to moderate application-site reactions. Oxymetazoline, at all concentrations, was generally safe and well tolerated. Mean maximum observed plasma concentrations were ≤115 pg/mL across all groups; the highest mean values for area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to 24 hours following once- and twice-daily administration of oxymetazoline 1.5% were 1680 pg•h/mL and 2660 pg•h/mL, respectively. Systemic exposure to oxymetazoline increased dose proportionally with once- and twice-daily administration.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the use of oxymetazoline for the treatment of persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(2):213-220.

Skin and Diet: An Update on the Role of Dietary Change as a Treatment Strategy for Skin Disease

An increasing body of research indicates that dietary change may serve as a component of therapy for certain skin conditions. This includes conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, aging skin, psoriasis, and rosacea. Certain nutrients, foods, or dietary patterns may act as disease "triggers", while others may prove beneficial. Avoidance or elimination diets may be helpful in some conditions, although testing may be recommended first. In terms of beneficial effects, an eating pattern that emphasizes the consumption of whole foods over highly processed foods may help in the treatment of certain skin conditions, and will certainly help in the prevention of associated co-morbidities.

Pivotal Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Oxymetazoline Cream 1.0% for the Treatment of Persistent Facial Erythema Associated With Rosacea: Findings from the First REVEAL Trial

An unmet need exists for a safe, tolerable, effective treatment for moderate to severe persistent facial erythema in patients with rosacea. This pivotal phase 3, multicenter, double-blind study evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical oxymetazoline in patients with facial erythema associated with moderate to severe rosacea. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with oxymetazoline hydrochloride cream 1.0% or vehicle applied once daily for 29 days, and were followed for 28 days posttreatment. The primary efficacy outcome was having at least a 2-grade decrease from baseline on both the Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) and the Subject Self-Assessment for rosacea facial redness (SSA) scales (composite success) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours postdose on day 29. Safety assessments included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and posttreatment worsening of erythema (composite CEA/SSA increase of 1-grade severity from baseline; rebound effect). A total of 440 patients (mean age, 49.5 years; 78.9% females) were randomized (oxymetazoline, n=222; vehicle, n=218); most had moderate erythema. On day 29, significantly greater proportions of oxymetazoline recipients achieved the primary efficacy outcome at each time point (P less than 0.02) and overall (P less than 0.001) compared with vehicle recipients. The incidence of discontinuation due to TEAEs was low in both groups (oxymetazoline group, 1.8%; vehicle group, 0.5%). The most common TEAEs reported during the entire study period were application-site dermatitis, application-site erythema, and headache in the oxymetazoline group (1.4% each), and headache (0.9%) in the vehicle group. Following cessation of treatment, low proportions of patients experienced rebound effect (oxymetazoline group, 2.2%; vehicle group, 1.1%). Oxymetazoline applied to the face once daily for 29 days was effective, safe, and well tolerated in patients with moderate to severe persistent facial erythema of rosacea. <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(1):97-105.</em></p>.

The Latest Drugs and Small Molecule Inhibitors for Skin and Hair

Biologic drugs, a novel class of agents engineered to target specific mediators of inflammation, and small-molecule inhibitors that penetrate the cell membrane to interact with targets inside a cell represent the cutting-edge of pharmacological biomedical therapeutics. Clinical studies have already demonstrated the effectiveness of this new generation of drugs in treating a variety of medical illnesses and conditions that were refractory to traditional treatments. This review aims to describe the latest available or currently in-development drugs, biologic agents, and small molecule inhibitors for treatment of psoriasis, rosacea, alopecia areata, and atopic dermatitis.

Real-World Efficacy of Azelaic Acid 15% Gel for the Reduction of Inflammatory Lesions of Rosacea

Approximately 16 million Americans have rosacea, an inflammatory cutaneous disorder with central facial erythema, papules, pustules, telangiectasia, flushing, and swelling being among the more commonly recognized features. Overexpression of cathelicidin peptide LL-37 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of rosacea. Azelaic acid has been found to inhibit the pathologic expression of cathelicidin, as well as the hyperactive protease activity that cleaves cathelicidin into LL-37. Given these findings, a small prospective, open-label, interventional trial was undertaken to assess the effects of azelaic acid 15% gel on inflammatory lesions of papulopustular rosacea in a real-world setting. Use of azelaic acid was associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory lesions, which persisted beyond the active treatment phase. Overall, azelaic acid 15% gel is an appropriate initial topical therapy for the treatment of moderate facial rosacea.

Treatment of erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea with brimonidine alone or combined with vascular laser based on preliminary instrumental evaluation of the vascular component

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of a series of patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) affected by persistent erythema and varying degree of telangiectasias being treated with brimonidine alone or combined with a vascular laser based on the type of vascular components preliminarily evaluated by clinical and instrumental observation. Ten patients affected by ETR were enrolled in a pilot, open study. Instrumental evaluation included erythema-directed digital photography by VISIA-CR™ system and X10 dermoscopy. Those patients showing marked background erythema and minimal telangiectasias (group A) were treated with a single application of brimonidine 0.33% gel, while patients showing both marked background erythema and marked telangiectasias (group B) were treated with a session of Nd:YAG laser and reevaluated 1 month later after a single application of brimonidine. An Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) of treatment outcome was performed at the end of treatment in both groups. In group A, 6 h after brimonidine application, a marked reduction of the background erythema was observed in all patients, and IGA was rated as excellent. In group B, 6 h following the application of brimonidine, a marked reduction of the background erythema was observed in all cases, while telangiectasias remained unchanged. A further treatment with brimonidine 1 month after the Nd:YAG laser session determined complete clearing of facial erythema, and IGA was rated as excellent. In conclusion, a preliminary evaluation of the vascular component by erythema-directed digital photography and dermoscopy in ETR may be helpful to select the most appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Treatment of Rosacea With Concomitant Use of Topical Ivermectin 1% Cream and Brimonidine 0.33% Gel: A Randomized, Vehicle-controlled Study

BACKGROUND

There is currently a lack of data on the simultaneous treatment of different features of rosacea. Individually, ivermectin 1% (IVM) cream and brimonidine 0.33% (BR) gel have demonstrated efficacy on inflammatory lesions and persistent erythema, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy, safety, patient satisfaction, and optimal timing of administration of IVM associated with BR (IVM+BR) versus their vehicles in rosacea (investigator global assessment [IGA] ≥3).

METHODS

Multicenter, randomized, double-blind study including subjects with rosacea characterized by moderate to severe persistent erythema and inflammatory lesions. The active treatment group included the IVM+BR/12 weeks subgroup (once-daily BR and once-daily IVM for 12 weeks), and the IVM+BR/8 weeks subgroup (once-daily BR vehicle for 4 weeks followed by once-daily BR for the remaining 8 weeks and once-daily IVM for 12 weeks). The vehicle group received once-daily BR vehicle and once-daily IVM vehicle for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The association showed superior efficacy (IGA success [clear/almost clear]) for erythema and inflammatory lesions in the total active group (combined active subgroups) compared to vehicle (55.8% vs. 36.8%, P=0.007) at week 12. The success rate increased from 32.7% to 61.2% at hour 0 and hour 3, respectively, in the IVM+BR/12 weeks subgroup, and from 28.3% to 50% in the IVM+BR/8 weeks subgroup. Reductions in erythema and inflammatory lesion counts confirmed the additive effect of BR to IVM treatment. Subjects reported greater improvement in the active subgroups than in the vehicle group, and similar rates for facial appearance satisfaction after the first 4 weeks of treatment in both active subgroups. All groups showed similar tolerability profiles.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant administration of IVM cream with BR gel demonstrated good efficacy and safety, endorsing the comprehensive approach to this complex disease. Early introduction of BR, along with a complete daily skin care regimen may accelerate treatment success without impairing tolerability. <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(9):909-916.</em></p>.

Lack of significant anti-inflammatory activity with clindamycin in the treatment of rosacea: results of 2 randomized, vehicle-controlled trials

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the face. The objective of the studies described here was to evaluate the efficacy of clindamycin in the treatment of rosacea. Two multicenter, randomized, vehicle-controlled, phase 2 studies were conducted in participants with moderate to severe rosacea. Study A was a 12-week dose-comparison, 5-arm, parallel group comparison of clindamycin cream 1% or vehicle once or twice daily and clindamycin cream 0.3% once daily. Study B was a 2-arm comparison of twice daily clindamycin gel 1% versus vehicle gel. A total of 629 participants (study A, N=416; study B, N=213) were randomized. The results of these studies indicated that clindamycin cream 0.3% and 1% and clindamycin gel 1% were no more effective than the vehicle in the treatment of moderate to severe rosacea, suggesting clindamycin has no intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity in rosacea.

Prescription patterns and costs of acne/rosacea medications in Medicare patients vary by prescriber specialty

BACKGROUND

Prescription patterns for acne/rosacea medications have not been described in the Medicare population, and comparisons across specialties are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the medications used for treating acne/rosacea in the Medicare population and evaluate differences in costs between specialties.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed of the 2008 and 2010 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Prescription Drug Profiles, which contains 100% of Medicare part D claims.

RESULTS

Topical antibiotics accounted for 63% of all prescriptions. Patients ≥65 years utilized more oral tetracycline-class antibiotics and less topical retinoids. Specialists prescribed brand name drugs for the most common topical retinoids and most common topical antibiotics more frequently than family medicine/internal medicine (FM/IM) physicians by 6%-7%. Topical retinoids prescribed by specialists were, on average, $18-$20 more in total cost and $2-$3 more in patient cost than the same types of prescriptions from FM/IM physicians per 30-day supply. Specialists (60%) and IM physicians (56%) prescribed over twice the rate of branded doxycycline than FM doctors did (27%). The total and patient costs for tetracycline-class antibiotics were higher from specialists ($18 and $4 more, respectively) and IM physicians ($3 and $1 more, respectively) than they were from FM physicians.

LIMITATIONS

The data might contain rare prescriptions used for conditions other than acne/rosacea, and suppression algorithms might underestimate the number of specialist brand name prescriptions.

CONCLUSION

Costs of prescriptions for acne/rosacea from specialists are higher than those from primary care physicians and could be reduced by choosing generic and less expensive options.

A Pilot, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of IncobotulinumtoxinA Injections in the Treatment of Rosacea

<p>BACKGROUND: Rosacea has a variable presentation. Whereas the pathophysiology may differ, erythema, and flushing are the most consistent findings in all patients.</p> <p>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA in reducing the severity of rosacea symptoms.</p> <p>METHODS: Nine subjects with erythematotelangiectactic or papulopustular rosacea were randomized in 2 groups. Subjects in Group 1 (n=4) received up to a total of 20 U of incobotulinumtoxinA in the affected area (across both cheeks). Subjects in Group 2 (n=5) were injected with equal volumes of a saline solution. Rosacea Clinical Scores and subject satisfaction were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 4, 12, and 16 weeks post-treatment. At week 16, both groups were injected with incobotulinumtoxinA. Follow-up visits were performed at 1 and 4 weeks post-retreatment.</p> <p>RESULTS: Patients in Group 1 exhibited reduction in the primary features of rosacea within 4 weeks of treatment with incobotulinumtoxinA. Consistent with this observation, patients in Group 2 (who had received the placebo in the first arm without significant changes to their symptoms) exhibited reductions in all of the primary and some of the secondary features upon treatment with incobotulinumtoxinA.</p> <p>CONCLUSIONS: IncobotulinumtoxinA may be a safe and effective agent to reduce the severity of rosacea symptoms and increase patient satisfaction.</p> <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(6):549-554.</em></p>.

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Cosmetic Skin Care Product With Trans-4-t-butylcyclohexanol and Licochalcone A in Subjects With Sensitive Skin Prone to Redness and Rosacea

<p>BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin and rosacea are skin conditions, which may affect the quality of life of the patients considerably. In vitro and in vivo data indicated that the combination of trans-t-butylcyclohexanol and licochalcone A is an effective combination for alleviating the increased sensitivity of rosacea subtype I.</p> <p>OBJECTIVE: Objective of this open dermocosmetic study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a skin care product containing the anti-inflammatory licochalcone A and the TRPV1 antagonist trans-t-butylcyclohexanol in subjects with sensitive skin prone to redness and rosacea.</p> <p>METHODS: 1221 subjects with sensitive skin and rosacea stage 0-II applied the test product twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical assessment of sensitive skin and rosacea symptoms were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Additionally, at treatment end the test subjects filled a self-assessment questionnaire.</p> <p>RESULTS: After 4 weeks of application, both, clinical and subjective assessment have shown improvement of all symptoms of sensitive skin and rosacea in a significant number of subjects (P less than 0.001). The test product was efficacious and very well tolerated also when used in conjunction with pharmacological treatments of the skin condition under scrutiny.</p> <p>Conclusions: The study confirmed the good tolerability and efficacy of the skin care product in the management of sensitive skin prone to redness and rosacea when used alone or in combination with other therapies.</p> <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(6):605-611.</em></p>.

New Uses of AbobotulinumtoxinA in Aesthetics

BotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) is now widely established for the main approved indication of reducing glabellar lines, and is also widely used off-label to improve the appearance of wrinkles and lines in other parts of the face. The number of aesthetic procedures continues to increase as the patient population becomes more diverse, in particular with increasing numbers of people of color and men. Further developments in treatment may continue to expand the audience for BoNT-A by making procedures more comfortable and by delivering a more natural, less static appearance. These may be achieved through use of combinations of BoNT-A with other aesthetic procedures, tailoring the dose of toxin to the patient's muscle mass or by using novel injection and application techniques. Beyond amelioration of facial lines, encouraging results have been seen with the use of BoNT-A to improve the appearance of hypertrophic and keloid scars and even to prevent them. Studies have been conducted with scars in various parts of the body and further research is ongoing. Dermatological and other medical uses for BoNT-A are also active areas of research. Injections of BoNT-A have been shown to reduce signs and symptoms of acne, rosacea, and psoriasis, to reduce neuromuscular pain, and to bring about significant improvements in a number of rare diseases that are caused or exacerbated by hyperhidrosis. This paper reviews these new uses for BoNT-A, looking at the rationale for their use and discussing the results of published case studies and clinical trials. These areas have shown great promise to date, but more and larger clinical studies will be required before these treatments become a clinical reality. To this end details are also provided of clinical trials currently listed in the main clinical trials database to highlight research areas of particular interest.