Autoimmune Diseases
An Introduction to Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmunity and deregulation of the immune system contribute to many skin diseases, including systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata and lichen sclerosus; inflammatory diseases such as hidradenitis suppurativa, allergic contact dermatitis and atopic eczema; and autoimmune blistering diseases, including pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and dermatitis herpetiformis. Established treatments for autoimmune diseases include systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapies, while new therapies in development include biologic therapies targeting cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukins (ILs) IL-23 and IL-17; enzymes such as Janus kinase-1 (JAK-1); and the regulatory protein-retinoic acid receptor-related-orphan-receptor-gamma t (RORγt).
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Physician burnout is at a critical point. In this episode, Nicky speaks with Dr Alfred Atanda about why so many physicians are burning out and what can be done to change the trend. From personal experience to system-wide solutions, Dr Atanda shares valuable insights on improving physician well-being and building a more effective healthcare culture.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Benjamin Kaffenberger, Associate Professor of Dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, to the touchDERMATOLOGY Expert Faculty. A leading expert in complex skin conditions such as pyoderma gangrenosum, DRESS syndrome, and SJS/TEN, Kaffenberger brings extensive clinical and research experience in drug reactions, wound care, and hospital dermatology.
Dr Raj Chovatiya presents key late-breaking data from AAD 2025 in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, focusing on ESK001, icotrokinra, and rocatinlimab. He offers expert insights into the clinical relevance of these findings and explores what they could mean for future treatment approaches in dermatological practice.
Vilobelimab, a monoclonal anti-C5a antibody, is emerging as a promising treatment for pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), a rare and chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by painful ulcerations. With no approved therapies in the USA or Europe, there remains a significant unmet need for effective treatment.
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, painful and complex autoimmune skin condition that can present significant diagnostic and treatment challenges.1 Â To provide expert insights into this challenging disease, we spoke with Dr Benjamin Kaffenberger, a dermatologist at The Ohio State ...
With a career that spans continents, Prof. Dedee Murrell stands out as a global leader in dermatology and a passionate advocate for women in medicine. In this episode, we sit down together to explore her inspiring journey—from her early years in the UK and medical training in the USA to pioneering therapies for some of dermatology’s rarest and underserved conditions in Australia. We also reflect on her recent MDS Lifetime Achievement Award and discuss the value of mentorship, strategies for advancing a career in dermatology and academic medicine, and how to stay at the cutting edge of medical innovation.
We are delighted to announce that Professor Luis FC Ensina has joined the Expert Faculty of touchDERMATOLOGY. A distinguished allergologist, Professor Ensina is renowned for his expertise in urticaria, drug allergies and angioedema. His extensive contributions to clinical care, research ...
Briquilimab, an anti-c-Kit monoclonal antibody, is being investigated for its ability to selectively deplete mast cells and alleviate the symptoms of CSU. At this year’s American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)/World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Congress (San Diego, CA, USA; 28 February–3 March 2025), the initial results from BEACON (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06162728), a phase Ib/IIa dose-escalation study of briquilimab in adults with CSU, were presented.3,4
Renowned for his work in urticaria, drug allergies and angioedema, Professor Luis FC Ensina is a distinguished allergologist. As a Professor of the Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil and ...
Current treatment options for flares of symptomatic oral lichen planus primarily include topical corticosteroids as the first-line therapy. Second- and third-line treatments range from topical calcineurin inhibitors to systemic corticosteroids, systemic retinoids and topical or systemic immunomodulators.5
Ruxolitinib cream is showing promise as a potential treatment for lichen planus, a chronic autoimmune skin disease with no FDA-approved options. Characterized by itchy, purple lesions, lichen planus can significantly impact patients' quality of life. A recent phase 2 trial highlights the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib cream in clearing lesions and providing symptom relief. As research continues, ruxolitinib could become a transformative therapy in managing lichen planus for those suffering from this debilitating condition.
Dr. Shari Lipner is a leading expert in dermatology, best known for her specialization in nail disorders. As an Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology and Director of the Nail Division at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, her work bridges ...
Recent advancements made in understanding the pathology of inflammatory skin conditions have enabled JAK inhibitors, initially developed for haematology over 20 years ago, to be investigated for dermatological use. In this episode, Dr William (Bill) Damsky discusses JAK inhibitors’ journey from proof-of-concept to treating a wide range of skin conditions, their future impact on rare diseases and the debate around safety.
Explore some of the key insights from EADV 2023: Prof. Thierry Passeron illuminates pigmentary disorders breakthroughs, Dr Raj Chovatiya unveils atopic dermatitis innovations, Prof. Leonardo Marini sheds light on aesthetic medicine developments, and Prof. Dedee Murrell reveals treatment progress exciting clinical trials and key discoveries in blistering and autoimmune diseases. Filmed in coverage of the EADV Annual Meeting. This content was developed by Touch Medical Media and is not affiliated with the  European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology  (EADV) or the congress.Â
There are a number of cutaneous manifestations associated with lupus erythematosus, pushing forward for innovative approaches and emerging investigational therapeutics in clinical trials. touchDERMATOLOGY were delighted to speak with Dr. Victoria P. Werth (University Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA) to discuss the key developments, novel insights and future directions in the field of lupus erythematosus. This information is provided solely by Touch Medical Media and is independent of any sponsorship or affiliation with the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (EADV). The presentation 'New insights and therapeutic approaches in Lupus Erythematosus' (Presentation ID PLB-03) was presented at EADV 2023, Berlin, 11-14 October 2023 #EADVCongress. Questions Could you tell us a little about lupus erythematosus and the unmet needs in its treatment? (0:18) What cutaneous manifestations are associated with lupus erythematosus? (1:45) What novel therapeutic approaches are changing the way that lupus is treated? (2:16) What investigational therapeutics show promise for lupus erythematosus in clinical trials? (3:10) What are the key developments and future directions in the field of lupus erythematosus? (5:00) Disclosures: Victoria Werth has received grants from Celgene, Amgen, Janssen, Biogen, Gilead, Viela; Horizon therapeutics, and Ventus; and is/has been a consultant (and received honorarium) for Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer, Biogen, Celgene, Resolve, Janssen, Gilead, Lilly, BMS, Nektar, Abbvie, Viela, GSK, EMD Serona, Sanofi, Anaptysbio, Amgen, Merck Kyowa Kirin, Rome Therapeutics, and Xencor; and is on the Lupus Foundation of America advisory board. Support: Interview and filming supported by Touch Medical Media Ltd. Interview conducted by Victoria Jones and Katey Gabrysch. Filmed in coverage of the EADV Annual Meeting. This content was developed by Touch Medical Media and is not affiliated with the  European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology  (EADV) or the congress.Â
Current treatment options for autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs) remain limited, with effective treatments associated with adverse events or issues with long-term use. Insights into the pathogenesis of AIBDs are providing promise for potential therapeutic targets. In this interview touchDERMATOLOGY spoke with Expert Faculty member Prof. Dedee F. Murrell (UNSW Medical School, Sydney, Australia) around the challenges in the current treatment landscape for AIBDs, advances in therapeutics in recent years, and the importance of understanding the pathogenesis of AIBDs in guiding future therapeutic targets. Questions Could you describe the current treatment landscape for autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs) and the unmet needs that exist? (0:37) What issues are associated with high level immunosuppression when treating AIBDs? (2:31) What have been the most important recent advances in treatments for AIBDs? (3:39) How will advances in the understanding of AIBD pathogenesis guide future therapeutic targets? (6:04) How important will translational medicine be for improving outcomes in patients with AIBDs? (8:19) Disclosures: Dedee Murrell discloses serving on advisory boards for Argenx, Sanofi, Principia, Janssen, Lilly, Almirall, Roche, Cocreator PDAI, BPDAI, MMPDAI, Abbvie, Novartis, Kineska, Amryt, Castle Creek, Rheacell, and Shire. Support: Interview and filming supported by Touch Medical Media Ltd. Interview conducted by Victoria Jones and Katey Gabrysch. Filmed in coverage of the EADV Annual Meeting. This content was developed by Touch Medical Media and is not affiliated with the  European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology  (EADV) or the congress.Â
DeterMine (NCT03813160) was a phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating the efficacy and safety of lenabasum for the treatment of dermatomyositis. It was a pleasure to talk with Prof. Victoria P. Werth (University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA) to discuss ...
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