Dermatology Month in Review: July 2025

Many different disease states and newly developed medications in the field of dermatology were explored by trial investigators during the month of July 2025. In this iteration of the Month in Review series, the HCPLive editorial team spotlights a series of the most notable news coverage in skin health.

New studies and recent interviews related to diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, and others are included in this review, though recent conference coverage can be accessed elsewhere. The following summary provides an overview of stories from July 2025, prior to the recent Dermatology Education Foundation DERM NP/PA CME Conference.

Atopic Dermatitis News:

Delgocitinib (Anzupgo) Scores FDA Approval for Chronic Hand Eczema

One notable story from July 2025 was the approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of delgocitinib (Anzupgo) cream for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema. LEO Pharma announced this approval on July 23, with delgocitinib cream being indicated for the topical treatment of chronic hand eczema in adults who have had an inadequate response to, or for whom topical corticosteroids are not advisable based on data from the DELTA 1 and DELTA 2 clinical program.

Ruxolitinib Cream Shows Long-Term Safety in Children, Adults With AD, Vitiligo

These data were also highlighted in July, with findings from 7 phase 3 clinical trials demonstrating a low risk of adverse events with ruxolitinib cream in both children and adults with atopic dermatitis and nonsegmental vitiligo. David Rosemarin, MD, chair of the department of dermatology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, led a team of investigators in exploring the long-term safety of ruxolitinib (JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor) cream in pediatric and adult atopic dermatitis and nonsegmental vitiligo. They concluded that JAK inhibitors, despite class warnings for serious infections, thromboembolic events, MAC, and mortality, adverse events were uncommon, even in those as young as 2 years.

Psoriasis News:

Roflumilast Foam 0.3% Effective for Scalp, Body Psoriasis in Phase 3 Trial

In another phase 3 study covered in July, the efficacy of once-daily roflumilast foam 0.3% over 8 weeks for psoriasis of the scalp and body was demonstrated in a study led by such researchers as Melinda J. Gooderham, MD, from SKiN Centre for Dermatology in Canada. The ARRECTOR study was a phase 3, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, multicenter trial that assessed once-per-day roflumilast foam 0.3% for 8 weeks in children aged ≥ 12 years and adult patients with psoriasis of the scalp and body. The drug, a PDE4 inhibitor designed as a water-based foam or cream, does not include skin-irritating ethanol, propylene glycol, or fragrances.

Psoriasis Flare Associated with Withdrawal from Biologics Prior to Pregnancy

Another study covered in July demonstrated that the discontinuation of biologics before the end of the first trimester and not prior to conception may limit psoriasis flares during pregnancy, given the high risk of flares seen when biologics are discontinued pre-conception. These findings resulted from a retrospective multicentric study by such investigators as E. Burle, from the Toulouse University Hospital Department of Dermatology and Allergology in France. Burle et al had noted that psoriasis was previously linked to increased risk for preterm birth as well as low birth weight.

Alopecia News:

Alopecia Areata May be Correlated with Several Immune-Mediated Disorders

A systematic review from July found that alopecia areata exhibits a significant link with several immune-mediated disorders, some of which include gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune thyroiditis, and atopic conditions. Meta-analysis of 18 clinical trials demonstrated that there was an increase in the odds of comorbidities among those with the hair loss disorder. The investigators did note, however, that methodological heterogeneity and study design limitations point to a need for standardized research to better understand alopecia areata’s associations.

Study Compares Safety Findings of Oral Versus Topical Finasteride for Alopecia

Topical and oral finasteride were both shown to be effective as therapies for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in another July study, as adverse events that have been associated with their use were attributed to confounding variables. Common adverse events had been previously shown to be linked to finasteride use, many of which have been labeled as 'post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). These had included persistent sexual and neuropsychiatric adverse events following finasteride cessation. Aditya K. Gupta, MD, PhD, of Mediprobe Research Inc. in Ontario, led a team of investigators in this analysis of oral versus topical finasteride.

Other News:

Berdazimer Topical Gel 10.3% Launched as Treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum

Berdazimer topical gel, 10.3%, was launched in July, as it is the first FDA-approved at-home therapy for molluscum contagiosum. The drug was indicated for patients aged 1 year and older with molluscum. The July 10 announcement was released by Pelthos Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, with a note that caregivers can apply berdazimer topical gel at home without the need for in-office healthcare supervision.

Review Highlights Most Effective HS Therapies Based on HiSCR-50 Responses

In another systematic review from July, 26 analyses, 5,767 participants, and 39 therapeutic agents for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) were examined by investigators in terms of their efficacy and safety. The highest ranking HS therapies based on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR)-50 response were shown to be adalimumab, sonelokimab, lutikizumab, sonelokimab, and bimekizumab. The analysis was written by such authors as Amit Garg, MD, from the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Department of Dermatology in New York.