Veradermics has announced positive topline results from its open-label phase 2 clinical trial (Study ‘207’) evaluating VDPHL01, an oral minoxidil formulation, for women with mild-to-moderate pattern hair loss.

VDPHL01, a novel orally-administered extended-release minoxidil formulation, achieved fast onset of hair growth, with the majority of study participants reporting improvement in hair coverage as early as Month 2 and consistent treatment effect with approximately 88.9% (once daily) and 90.0% (twice-daily dosing) of patients reporting ‘improved’ or ‘much improved’ outcomes at Month 6.

The formulation utilises a gel matrix designed to deliver long-lasting, steady release of minoxidil for sustained absorption. VDPHL01 has been shown to avoid the high peak concentrations of immediate-release oral minoxidil, while extending time above the minimum hair growth threshold to increase time for hair to grow.

Veradermics anticipates topline results of ‘Study 306’, a phase 2/3 clinical trial evaluating VDPHL01 in female pattern hair loss, in the first half of 2027. If approved, VDPHL01 would be the only FDA-approved oral non-hormonal treatment for pattern hair loss in both male and female patients.

Almirall’s submission to extend its Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents aged six months to <18 years has been accepted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The application is supported by interim results from the paediatric clinical programme for lebrikizumab, including the pivotal study ADorable-1, evaluating efficacy and safety in children and adolescents aged 6 months to <18 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, and the ADorable-2 long-term extension (LTE) study evaluating safety and efficacy during maintenance phase.

In ADorable-1, lebrikizumab met both co-primary and key secondary endpoints compared to placebo, demonstrating meaningful improvements in skin clearance, disease severity, itch and quality of life.

Atopic dermatitis is more prevalent in childhood than adulthood and typically begins early in life, with most cases appearing by the first year of life (60%) or before five years of age (85%). Given its potential to have a lasting impact on patients and their families, effective disease control is increasingly recognised as an important opportunity to reduce long-term disease burden and support healthier life trajectories.

Takeda has announced new data from the two pivotal phase 3 studies of zasocitinib (TAK-279) in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO). The treatment, a next-generation, highly selective and potent oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, is taken as a once-daily pill.

Presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Innovation Academy, the data shows that zasocitinib demonstrated consistent and high rates of skin clearance across hard-to-treat, high-impact sites, including the scalp, nails, palms and soles, compared with placebo.

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterised by itchy, painful, disfiguring and disabling skin lesions that impact one’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

Globally, an estimated 64 million people are living with psoriasis, and about 80-90% of those have plaque psoriasis. Persistent itch, the appearance and location of skin lesions – especially in highly visible or sensitive areas – and related comorbidities, like psoriatic arthritis, play a major role in reducing quality of life and can lead to significant impacts on daily living.

Takeda plans to submit a New Drug Application for plaque psoriasis with the US FDA and other regulatory authorities.