The 58th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology proved to have very interesting information and products available to the dermatologists. Tens of thousands of dermatologists were in attendance to update themselves on the latest and greatest. More than 400 exhibitors of products and services are present in what is known as the Technical Exhibits.

No Academy meeting is complete without the POSTER EXHIBITS, a forum for concisely formated information for Dermatologists. These poster boards contain condensed information that is often helpful or pivotal for furthering our understanding of the skin. Typically these are related to research outcomes which have not yet made their way into publication, or are perhaps too short and focused to allow for a full article. I'd like to share some that I thought would be of interest to all of my readers.

HAIR GROWTH PREVENTION

PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION, PHARMACOKINETICS AND DERMAL SAFETY OF EFLORNITHINE 15% CREAM IN HIRSUTE WOMEN

By Bimal Malhotra, Ph.D., Maria Palmisano, M.D., Kathy Schrode, Ph.D., Ferdinand Huber, BS., David Altman, M.D., Ph.D., Gurpreet Ahluwalia, Ph.D., and the Eflornithine Study Group. Bristol Meyers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Princeton, NJ. And Gillette Research Institute, Gaithersburg, MD.

Eflornithine 15% is the generic name for the product Vaniqa, currently under study as a drug to prevent facial hair growth in women. Here the study looks at the absorption and safety of the use of this product. I receive numerous emails and phone calls daily about this product. Just to remind you, Vaniqa is not yet available for use, and will be a prescription product if approved by the FDA. DERMAdoctor.com will keep you updated on the progress of this drug.

The mechanism of action for this drug is irreversible inhibition of an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase which is located within hair follicles and is important in how hair growth is regulated.

This study showed that less than 1% of the cream was absorbed through the skin. Volunteers were required to shave to remove the unwanted hair prior to using the product. The product was radiolabeled and testing was performed upon the blood, urine and feces to determine absorption of the active ingredient. The study was performed upon 10 women who's average age was 43. Eflornithine 15% Cream showed no sensitizing or phototoxic problems (no problems when exposed to the sun). Eflornithine 15% Cream reached steady state levels after 4 days of use.

Conclusions: Eflornithine 15% shows a good clinical safety profile and does not appear to be absorbed into the system in any significant amounts.

AGING SKIN:

EFFECT OF 10% 20% AND 25%ALPHA-HYDROXYACID (CITRIC ACID) FORMULATIONS ON SKIN MORHOLOGY.

By Barbara A. Green, R.Ph, Richard Wildnauer, PhD. And Neostrata Company, Inc., Princeton, N.J.

Basically it looked at Citric Acid which they felt was a separate entity little used in commercial cosmetics. Citric acid was felt to have properties that made it span both the alpha and beta hydroxyacid categories as it contains 3 different chemical "attachments" known as carboxylic acid groups. Their project was looking to see if it would provide anti-aging properties which would be expected from a compound of this nature.

They worked with 3 strengths, 10, 20 and 25%. What they found was that both, the higher percentages, 20% and 25% caused significant changes within the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. 10% showed much more modest results.

The changes included increased epidermal thickness, increased hyaluronic acid within both the epidermis and dermis, and an incrase in chondroitin sulfate within the dermis and an significant increase of a skin cell known as Langerhans Cells which help with our immune system.

Conclusion: Citric Acid may prove to be an ingredient helpful in cosmetic products aimed at improving the appearance of aging skin changes, similar to AHAs. As the epidermis did not thin as is seen with the use of AHAs, increased sun sensitivity would not be probable with the use of Citric Acid.

LACTOBIONIC ACID-A NOVEL POLYHYDROXY BIONIC ACID FOR SKINCARE.

By Barbara A. Green, R.Ph, Richard Wildnauer, Ph.D., Brenda Edison and Neostrata Company, Inc., Princeton, NJ.

Lactobionic Acid is composed of 2 separate molecules, including one known as Gluconic Acid, which is known as a Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA). It is naturally occurring in cells. PHAs are known to have some benefits on the skin and are used in some skin products in the form of a compound known as Gluconolactone.

Lactobionic Acid is a new ingredient being introduced into skin care products aimed anti-aging. Research has been aimed here to look more specifically at this compound to access some of it's properties.

Essentially it was found that it showed antioxidant properties via it's iron chelating capabilities. It appears to also have potential wound healing capabilities including fissures of the fingers (further studies were recommended related to wound healing properties) and it was felt to have some cosmetic properties such as decreasing scaling and flaking of dry skin and imcreasing skin thickness.

Conclusion: Lactobionic Acid, a PHA, has properties that may be helpful in skin care products and appears to be a safe compound without irritation.

PRODUCTS:

AlloDerm Acellular Tissue is about to come out with a new product that should be exciting. Alloderm is derived from cadaver tissue and the cellular components have been removed. There have apparently been no reports of HIV or Hepatitis infections after 5 years of product use. Alloderm was somewhat limited in it's original use as it came in pieces that were surgically implanted into the skin through sometimes large incisions. That kept use limited to plastic surgeons and dermatology surgeons used to performing major reconstructive procedures. Now they are introducing Alloderm Micronized Injectable Acellular Tissue. This product will be injected into defects such as ACNE SCARS, CHICKEN POX SCARS, WRINKLES and a host of other skin defects. It is supposed to last for at least 6 months duration, and possibly up to a year. Cost has not yet been determined. This is an exciting addition to the market with Collagen in short supply and Isolagen still yet unavailable.

ONTAK is a new class of biological therapy for the treatement of persistent or recurrent Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma. Patients lymphoma cells must show specific expression of the CD25 component of the IL-2 receptor in order for this drug to be considered for use. It should ONLY be used by qualified physicians trained in it's use in a medical setting staffed and equipped for CPR.

Total Block is a brand of complete sunblock which allows even the most sun sensitive patient increased freedom and comfort. Protects againt TOTAL light spectrum including the ENTIRE UVA range. What I found really interesting is that while they offer a formulation (Total Block UVA/UVB SPF 65) which goes on clear, they also offer one that has a base tint and comes with further product allowing you to match your skin tone (Total Block Cover-Up/Make-Up SPF 60). Great for individuals with Lupus, Drug Photosensitivity, Skin Cancer Prevention, and Post Radiation or Transplant Chemotherapy. Rated an SPF of 65.

Audrey Kunin, M.D.

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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