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ODAC Dermatology Conference

Aug 18
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Biologic Access Made Easier

By ODAC Sessions

biologic access

Accessing biologics is a process that can be complicated for both the dermatology office staff and patients. Next Steps in Derm, in partnership with the ODAC Dermatology Conference, interviewed Heather Sawrey, biologic coordinator for the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences Department of Dermatology. With more than 15 years of experience as a biologic coordinator in dermatology, she knows what’s needed for speedy biologic access. Watch and learn what you need to know about the approval timeline and fulfillment steps. Find out the biggest barrier in getting patients on biologics and the value of a “beefy note.” Feeling overwhelmed already? Hear how adding a biologic coordinator to your staff can help ease the burden and improve access.

Further Reading

If you want to read more about biologic access, check out the following articles published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology:

No Racial Differences Found in Access to Biologics: A Population-Based Study of Psoriasis Patients in the United States

ABSTRACT

Background: Conflicting evidence exists regarding the role of race in access to biologics for patients with psoriasis. Objective: To compare biologic use among adult and pediatric United States psoriasis patients of different racial backgrounds.

Methods: Population-based study of US psoriasis patients using the 2003 to 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

Results: Among 31,525,500 adults and children with psoriasis (weighted), 3,026,578 (9.6%) were on biologics. Among psoriasis patients, 27,464,864 (87.1%) self-identified as white, 2,033,802 (6.5%) self-identified as Black, 1,173,435 (3.7%) self-identified as Asian or Pacific Islander, and 853,399 (2.7%) self-identified as other races. Among those on biologics, 2,778,239 (91.8%) self-identified as white, 84,971 (2.8%) identified as Black, 89,452 (3.0%) self-identified as Asian or Pacific Islander, and 73,917 (2.4%) self-identified as other races. Multivariate logistic regression revealed no significant differences in biologic access between whites and non-whites after adjusting for sociodemographic factors including insurance status (OR for Blacks: 0.347 [0.118, 1.021], P=0.055; OR for Asians: 0.616 [0.240, 1.579], P=0.311; OR for other races: 0.850 [0.216, 3.336], P=0.814.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that race alone is not independently associated with access to biologics among adult US psoriasis patients. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate factors independently associated with biologics access among adults and children with psoriasis in the US.

Evaluating Sentiment, Engagement, and Perception of Biologics Among Patients with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis on Reddit

ABSTRACT

Background: Limited analyses of social media content among psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients exist. These patients may turn to social media to gain insight into treatments such as biologics.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the content, sentiment, and engagement of social media posts regarding biologics for PsO and PsA.

Methods: Posts and comments discussing biologics were extracted from publicly accessible PsO and PsA Reddit groups. Posts were assigned higher (HOT) and lower order (LOT) themes, sentiments, and engagement scores.

Results: Of 1141 posts extracted, 705 posts were classified under the HOT general/efficacy. Twelve lower order themes (LOTs) were identified: general advice/experience (10.2%), symptoms improved (36.6%), switching biologics (10.5%), and time to results (13.4%). 61.3% of content was of positive sentiment, 24.0% was neutral, and 14.7% was of negative sentiment. The mean sentiment score, defined as the average of all posts’ sentiment scores (where negative=-1, neutral=0, and positive=1), was overall positive at 0.47, 95% CI [.41-.52]. Mean sentiment scores between LOTs were significantly different (P<0.001). Information regarding biologics on Reddit is mostly positive; however, there remains a significant number of users expressing dissatisfaction with their efficacy or with biologics in general. Many users sought anecdotal advice.

Conclusion: These findings can help guide educational efforts to anticipate concerns and appease hesitancy regarding biologics and their efficacy.

Did you enjoy this video interview? Find more here.

Jul 31
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GLP-1 Agonists in Cutaneous Medicine: Rapid-Fire Insights

By ODAC Sessions

GLP-1 agonists in dermatology

At the ODAC Dermatology Conference, Drs. Jennifer Soung, Steven Daveluy, and Sarah Jackson joined moderator Dr. Adam Friedman for a rapid-fire discussion on GLP-1 receptor agonists in dermatology. “You honestly have to be living under a rock not to see the excitement around GLP-1s,” Dr. Friedman opened, noting their transformative impact across chronic disease management and weight loss.

Psoriasis highlights the link between obesity and systemic inflammation. “Psoriasis is intimately related to obesity,” Dr. Soung emphasized. “The higher the BMI, the higher the PASI score. GLP-1s aren’t just powerful for weight loss—they also improve blood pressure, glycemic control, cardiovascular outcomes.” She added, “Obesity is not a matter of choice; it is a neurohormonal disease.”

Weight loss may also enhance treatment outcomes. “One recent study showed that obesity can reduce the efficacy of biologics,” Soung noted. She highlighted that GLP-1–induced weight loss parallels benefits seen in low-calorie diets but without the extreme patient burden. “Patients can now lose more than 10% of their weight besides bariatric surgery,” she said, underscoring the systemic and potential anti-inflammatory benefits of GLP-1 agonists.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) reflects similar comorbidity patterns. Dr. Daveluy stated, “Obesity is a pro-inflammatory state. The interplay of inflammation and adipocytes can flare chronic skin disease.” He cited early studies showing that GLP-1 agonists improved HS outcomes, including modified Hurley stage and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores, sometimes independent of weight loss. “These agonists activate parts of the immune system and can decrease TNF, IL-17, and IL-23,” Daveluy explained.

The panel also explored aesthetic implications. “Massive weight loss impacts dermal white adipose tissue and facial structure,” said Dr. Jackson. She emphasized early intervention with fillers and biostimulatory treatments: “Start early—inject before patients experience facial volume loss. Target not only the skin but adipocytes and volume.” She also stressed patient counseling: “Set expectations—this isn’t a one-tube-of-filler journey. Go low and slow on GLP-1 doses, and support protein intake for hair and muscle.”

Hair loss emerged as a frequently reported adverse effect. “We see initial telogen effluvium and, surprisingly, early androgenic-like thinning,” noted Dr. Friedman. He recommended proactive measures: “Start oral or topical minoxidil early. Anti-androgen therapy can be considered, but increased blood flow through minoxidil is a great first step.”

Dr. Friedman concluded by summarizing one key takeaway: “Obesity and adipocyte dysfunction create a pro-inflammatory state that worsens chronic dermatologic disease. Removing that burden can have a positive impact, but everything has a cost.” The panel emphasized vigilance, early intervention, and coordinated care to maximize benefits while mitigating adverse effects such as lipoatrophy or hair thinning.

This information was presented at the 2026 ODAC conference by Steven Daveluy, MD, FAAD; Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD; Sarah Jackson, MD, FAAD; and Jennifer Soung, MD, FAAD. The above highlights from this lecture were written and compiled by Samip Sheth, MD.

Jul 23
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Skin Barrier Repair in Acne with Cosmeceuticals

By ODAC Sessions

skin barrier repair in acne

Acne is a barrier deficiency disorder, according to Brooklyn, N.Y., dermatologist Dr. Hilary Baldwin. Next Steps in Derm, in partnership with the ODAC Dermatology Conference, interviewed Dr. Baldwin, who addresses the role of skin care in acne improvement. Find out why better products and vehicles could be the reason for the increasing placebo effect in acne studies. Find out the impact of acne treatments on the skin barrier and how this affects non-compliance. Hear what Dr. Baldwin says must happen in every acne visit. Plus learn the origin of the new term “acneceuticals” and what the latest research shows on the role of non-prescription active ingredients in acne care.

 

Further Reading

If you want to read more about cosmeceuticals for acne, check out the following articles published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology:

The Use of Acneceuticals to Improve Acne Care: Introduction of a New Term and Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT

Background: Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory skin condition that commonly presents to the dermatology clinic. Treatment generally involves the use of pharmaceutical agents and procedural techniques. Recently, the importance of over-the-counter skin care in acne

has been recognized in many studies. This paper introduces the term acneceuticals to encompass a wide range of FDA monographed, yet non-prescription ingredients proven to alter the structure and function of acneic skin.

Methods: A panel of 8 dermatologists with an interest in acne and skin care performed a literature review of active skin care in acne. The role of acneceuticals in the treatment of acne — as monotherapy, adjunctive, and maintenance therapy — was evaluated using a modified Delphi approach. Studies were limited to in vivo human trials involving acne. Individual actives were assessed separately.

Results: The quality of evidence was moderate-to-low for many of the ingredients. Most of the actives included in the final assessment had been studied in vehicle-controlled, blinded, often comparative studies but enrolled a small number of subjects. In these studies, the acneceuticals were found to reduce lesion count, reduce sebum production, and improve efficacy of existing pharmacologic therapies.

Conclusion: Acneceuticals have demonstrated benefits in treating acne, alone or in conjunction with established pharmaceutical agents. These data allow us to make quality recommendations for our patients that should be a part of every patient encounter. The recommendations also serve as a guide for patients searching the internet for beneficial self-care products.

Real-World Clinical Case Series Utilizing Acneceuticals as Monotherapy, Adjunctive, or Maintenance Therapy for Acne Vulgaris

ABSTRACT

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common, multifactorial inflammatory skin disease for which there are many pharmacologic and procedural interventions. Recent publications have stressed the importance of quality skin care containing non-prescription actives (acneceuticals) in the treatment of this chronic disorder. Acne therapy is made more complicated by the diversity of presentation that includes age, gender, race, underlying skin type, product adherence, lesion morphology, and severity.

Methods: A panel of 6 dermatologists with expertise in the treatment of acne met twice for consensus conferences in March and November 2024. Discussion included the generation of 13 common disease presentations, the identification of potential cases to illustrate the presentations, and the design of 2-month case studies utilizing acneceuticals. Panelists chose new or established patients in their care who fit into the predetermined categories, provided them with the agreed-upon acneceuticals, and followed them for 2 months.

Results: Ten cases were chosen to comprise the most common therapeutic crossroads where pharmacologic or procedural interventions were not providing satisfactory control. This case study series included patients who were medication-intolerant, failing internet cures, not fully responsive to their current regimen, adult female acne patients with concomitant aging concerns, those needing maintenance therapy, and patients with issues regarding access to care.

Conclusions: Acneceuticals were found to play an important role as monotherapy, adjunctive therapy, and maintenance therapy for acne patients. The 10 cases elucidated the ability of these over-the-counter (OTC) actives to improve patient care under several clinical scenarios.

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Jul 07
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Prurigo Nodularis: How to Treat

By Medical Dermatology

prurigo nodularis

With two FDA-approved therapies now available, it’s hard to believe that prurigo nodularis (PN) was only recently considered a unique dermatologic condition. In this Next Steps in Derm video interview, in partnership with the ODAC Dermatology Conference, ODAC Conference Co-Chair Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, shares both the history and current state of PN treatment. Watch and learn if using dupilumab or nemolizumab is a slam dunk or if combination therapy may be needed for full clearance. Learn if there’s still a role for topical therapies in the age of systemics. Plus find out what’s coming down the PN pipeline.

Further Reading

If you want to read more about prurigo nodularis, check out the following articles published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology:

New Horizons in Our Understanding of Prurigo Nodularis and Its Management

ABSTRACT

Prurigo nodularis (PN) was first accurately described more than a century ago by Hyde and Montgomery as chronic itchy nodules commonly noted in symmetric distribution on extensor sites of limbs, upper back, and abdomen.1 For decades PN patients were among the most challenging to treat as they suffer from intractable itch that affects their sleep dominates their daily life activities and causes many psychological comorbidities such as mood disorders including anxiety, stress, and depression. In the last decade, significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of PN have been achieved suggesting this condition involves mainly type 2 immune dysregulation and abnormal neural sensitization, which led to the development of new targeted treatments.

Management of Prurigo Nodularis

ABSTRACT

Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic disease characterized by intense pruritus and nodular lesions associated with reduced quality of life. Until recently, no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies have been available for the management of PN. Treatment regimens have been highly variable and clinical management guidelines are lacking overall; formal treatment guidelines do not exist within the US. In 2022, dupilumab became the first FDA-approved medication for PN. Multiple novel agents that target the neuroimmune underpinnings of the disease are currently in development and show promise for this challenging disorder.

Objective: To review current treatments and emerging therapies for effective management of patients with PN.

Methods: We reviewed publications on PN management identified from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. We also included publicly available data on clinical trials for PN therapies reported on the US National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov, the International Conference on Harmonisation-Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) Database, and the European Clinical Trials (EudraCT) Database.

Results: The recommended management of PN begins with an assessment of disease severity, including disease burden and pruritus intensity, and evaluation of comorbid medical disorders. Treatment goals include resolution of itch, improvement in nodules or cutaneous lesions, and improvement in quality of life. Therapies should be selected based on a patient’s clinical presentation and comorbidities. Treatment should simultaneously address the neural and immunologic components of PN. Combination therapy, particularly with conventional agents, may be beneficial.

Limitations: Data on most conventional PN treatments are limited to anecdotal reports, small clinical trials, or expert consensus recommendations. No head-to-head comparative trials have evaluated the relative efficacy of conventional and/or emerging agents, or combination therapy.

Conclusion: An effective treatment approach for patients with PN should reduce pruritus, allow nodular lesions to heal, and improve individual quality of life. The treatment landscape for PN is rapidly evolving with one FDA-approved agent and several new promising therapies on the horizon.

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Jun 22
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Launching a Dermatology Practice: ODAC in the News

By Media Coverage

starting a dermatology practice

For many dermatologists, transitioning from an academic medical center or an employed position to owning a private practice is the ultimate career milestone. Yet trading a clinical template for an entrepreneurial business plan can feel like entering uncharted territory.

At the 2026 ODAC Dermatology Conference, Ronda Farah, MD, FAAD, associate professor at the University of Minnesota and founder of Alluma Dermatology, shared a roadmap for clinicians looking to make the leap.

In a recent The Dermatology Digest article, Dr. Farah outlines the foundational pillars required to successfully build a dermatology practice from the ground up. From developing a business plan and securing financing to reviewing your current employment contract, Dr. Farah tells future practice owners what steps to take and what consultants to contact. With an interest in marketing and branding, Dr. Farah also details effective strategies to promote a practice and build a referral network.

Feb 17
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AD and Regional Eczemas: ODAC in the News

By ODAC Sessions

AD and regional eczemas

At the ODAC Dermatology Conference, Peter Lio, MD, FAAD, shared an updated, patient-centered overview of atopic dermatitis (AD) and regional eczemas, integrating emerging science with real-world clinical strategies.

As noted in an article by The Dermatology Digest, Dr. Lio emphasized AD and regional eczemas are self-perpetuating disorders involving the skin barrier, immune system, microbiome, and sensory nerves. He outlined the epithelial barrier hypothesis and the concept of epicutaneous sensitization. Early, proactive intervention was framed as essential to preventing chronic inflammation, infections, and subsequent disease.

On therapy, Dr. Lio reviewed the expanding role of non-steroidal topical agents, noting their usefulness in sensitive areas and for patients who want a non-steroidal option. He also reinforced the value of adjunctive strategies such as wet wrap therapy. For systemic treatment, he discussed biologics and oral JAK inhibitors, highlighting evidence that dupilumab can uniquely improve the skin microbiome in moderate-to-severe AD. Shared decision-making was a central theme, with Dr. Lio presenting his ESTAR framework to help align treatment choices with patient priorities, and sharing the importance of written action plans.

Finally, Dr. Lio addressed topical steroid withdrawal as a legitimate and evolving diagnosis. He noted that formal diagnostic criteria are forthcoming, signaling progress toward clearer guidance for clinicians.

Jan 28
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Vulvar Dermatology Lessons: ODAC in the News

By ODAC Sessions

vulvar dermatology

Vulvar disease demands careful exams, patient education, and thoughtful, individualized management. This article by The Dermatology Digest encapsulates Dr. Emily Murphy’s ODAC session on lessons from the vulvar dermatology clinic. Dr. Murphy is a dermatologist and director of the Vulvar Health Program at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

In the session, Dr. Murphy shared practical, high-yield pearls, addressing vulvar health topics, including lichen sclerosus, underlying infections, and the effects of low estrogen. She outlined six lessons for dermatology clinicians in treating vulvar disease.

Additional news coverage of ODAC is forthcoming. Stay tuned!

Jan 12
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Mastering Biologic Access in Dermatology: ODAC Preview

By ODAC Sessions

biologic access

Biologics are effective, but getting access can be a challenge. For smoother starts and fewer insurance roadblocks, attend this 30-minute ODAC CME workshop, “Mastering Biologic Access in Dermatology: What Your Biologics Coordinator Wants You to Know,” on Saturday, January 17, from 5:15-5:45 p.m.

Heather Sawrey, biologics coordinator for the GWU Department of Dermatology, brings 17 years of real-world experience helping patients access biologic therapies. She’ll cover best practices for prior authorizations, patient education, pharma support programs, and how clinical teams can work together to reduce delays. Practical, actionable, and time-efficient — perfect for dermatologists, nurses, and clinic staff. (Aren’t yet registered for ODAC? Register today!)

Jan 09
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Dermoscopy Beyond the Basics: ODAC Preview

By ODAC Sessions

dermoscopy

Ready to decode the toughest dermoscopic cases?

Join Jennifer Stein, MD, PhD, FAAD, for “Dermoscopy Beyond the Basics: Identifying Challenging and Atypical Lesions” on Sunday, January 18, from 3:45–4:30 p.m. at ODAC 2026.

This focused CME workshop will highlight real-world, high-yield approaches to recognizing atypical presentations and improving diagnostic confidence. Perfect for dermatologists and trainees who want practical, clinic-ready strategies. You won’t want to miss it!

Dec 26
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Improving Surgical Scars: ODAC Interview

By ODAC Sessions

surgical scars

Surgical scars are an unwanted consequence from dermatologic surgery, and one that dermatologists seek to avoid if at all possible. Dermatologic surgeon C. William Hanke, MD, MPH, FAAD, has plenty of experience in preventing and treating surgical scars, and he shared pearls from his session at ODAC 2025 with Next Steps in Derm. Check out this video interview where Dr. Hanke outlines the good surgical technique that’s required to help prevent scars.

Watch as he shares:

  • prevention and treatment techniques in the surgical scar tool kit
  • therapies to consider for different types of scars
  • when excision is the best treatment option

Want more insights from Dr. Hanke? Register for ODAC 2026 and attend his sessions:

  • Dermatologic Surgery for the General Dermatologist: Case-Based Pearls & Techniques – Expert Panel
  • Hedgehog Inhibitors for Basal Cell Carcinoma: Optimizing Use and Overcoming Challenges – Expert Panel
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