Initial treatment with twice weekly etanercept (Enbrel), a tumour necrosis factor antagonist, achieves more rapid clearance of skin lesions than once weekly treatment in patients with active psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, according to results from the PRESTA study reported recently in the British Medical Journal. The international study randomised 752 patients with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to etanercept 50mg twice weekly or 50mg once weekly for 12 weeks, given by subcutaneous injection. All patients were then given etanercept 50mg once weekly for an additional 12 weeks…

Eczema in early childhood may influence behavior and mental health later in life. This is a key finding of a prospective birth cohort study to which scientists of Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen contributed. In cooperation with colleagues of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat (LMU), Technische Universitat Munchen (TUM) and Marien-Hospital in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia this study followed 5,991 children who were born between 1995 and 1998. The study has been published in the current issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 125 (2010); 404-410…

VBL Therapeutics announced the initiation of a Phase 2 efficacy and safety study evaluating lead compound VB-201 for the treatment of patients with psoriasis. VB-201 is poised to be a first-in-class, orally-administered immune response modifier expected to reduce inflammation in a broad range of conditions such as psoriasis. The Phase 2 double-blind, randomized, dose-ranging, placebo-controlled study will enroll approximately 180 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

InNexus Biotechnology Inc. (TSX.V: IXS) , a drug development company commercializing the next generation of antibodies based on its groundbreaking Dynamic Cross Linking (DXL™) technology, announced the development of a new psoriasis product based on its proprietary dermal permeating Transmab™ technology. Scientists at InNexus have designed and produced by recombinant technology, a novel antibody product directed at treatment of psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease…

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SWISS: BSLN) announces that Toctino® (alitretinoin) was recommended for regulatory approval under the Repeat-use Procedure in 13 additional European Union (EU) Member States as well as in Norway and Iceland. Toctino® is a new once-daily oral treatment for adults with severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. announces that Toctino® (alitretinoin), a new once-daily oral treatment for adults with severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids, has obtained regulatory approval from Health Canada.

A first-of-its-kind symposium has convened today that brings together U.S. and Latin American dermatologists in an effort to elevate the global understanding of psoriasis and its treatment.

PhotoMedex, Inc. (Nasdaq: PHMD) a leading provider of advanced dermatology, clinical skincare and medical laser products, is hosting a free seminar in Indianapolis, IN on November 17, 2009.

Provectus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC BB: PVCT), a development stage oncology and dermatology biopharmaceutical company, has completed patient accrual and initial treatment in its Phase 2 trial of PH-10 for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. This milestone marks the third Phase 2 clinical trial for which Provectus has completed patient accrual since May 2009.

Can-Fite BioPharma (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, an Israeli Biopharmaceutical company, announced today the initiation of preparatory work for a Phase III trial with CF101 in Psoriasis.