NEWS — JULY 2004
DERMATOLOGY
Basilea's First-In-Class Antibiotic...
A second fast track designation was granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Rockville MD) for BAL5788, a first-in-class, broad-spectrum antibiotic from Basilea Pharmaceutica AG (Basel, Switzerland). In March 2003, BAL5788 was fast-tracked for treatment of methicillin-resistant Staph skin infections. Phase III clinical trials are expected to begin during the second half of 2004.
Identification Of Scalp Fungus As Cause Of Dandruff...
During the past 40 years, researchers have known that Malassezia fungus was linked with dandruff. Now, a causal relationship has been proven by scientists at Proctor & Gamble (Cincinnati OH). An obvious treatment option is to add anti-fungal medications to shampoos, but it may take years to develop products that target the fungus but don't damage the scalp.
New European Initiative Focuses on Skin Cancer...
In mid-June, a photodynamic therapy training package was launched to improve skin care treatment standards throughout Europe. The movement is being led by the European Society for Photodynamic Therapy in Dermatology (EURO-PDT) to promote this "newer" technology for treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous skin lesions.
The Rise Of Cosmetic Procedures In Dermatology Practices...
Because many dermatology clinics have added cosmetic procedures to service offerings, patients with skin problems may wait a month or more for their appointments. As noted in June 2004 by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Reporter, a recent survey conducted by Merritt, Hawkins & Associates (Texas) estimated average appointment waiting times of 27 days in Seattle and 50 days in Boston. Patients with freckles and moles who are worried about or have a history of skin cancer are usually able to be seen promptly. The perception that most dermatologists have switched from skin care to aesthetics is apparently false. Surveys suggest that dermatologists may spend 10% of their time doing cosmetic procedures. In the long run, extra training could enable primary care physicians to initially diagnose and treat common dermatology problems in a more timely way.
