Almirall : European dermatologists discuss the newest therapies and innovations on skin health

Barcelona, 18^th April 2018

More than 800 dermatologists and professionals related to skin health from all around Europe have gather in the 11th Skin Academy, organized by Almirall in Barcelona (Spain), a highly regarded and established medical dermatology forum focused on the Science of the skin. Attendees discussed about the newest skin health therapies and the latest innovations for psoriasis, skin cancer, infectious and inflammatory skin diseases as well as the most recent studies and their relevance to clinical practice.

Prof. Dr. Diamant Thaçi, M.D., Professor of Dermatology and Venereology at Comprehensive Center for Inflammation Medicine (CCIM) from University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein in Lubeck (Germany), Chairman of the 11^th Skin Academy, pointed out the importance of this sort of medical meeting where renowned experts share their expertise about the challenges and innovations related to the Science of the skin.

Scientific innovations in different skin health diseases were evaluated, whereas psoriasis was remarked including the news about fumaric acid esters (FAE) or how to apply translational medicine strategies to treat psoriasis.

The meeting provided perspectives on conventional systemic treatments that still represent a mainstay for the treatment of psoriasis. In this class of substances, FAEs are an established treatment, with long-term clinical experience in Germany. FAEs are currently an option as a first line therapy in the EU psoriasis guidelines. In 2017, the European Commission gave its positive opinion on dimethyl fumarate (DMF), which is being launched throughout Europe.

Concerning biologic treatments for this disease, different classes were presented in the sessions of the Forum, including the novel class of IL-23 inhibitors. Experts insisted on the importance of a better understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and researching treatments with an improved safety profile to reach unmet needs in the long-term management of patients.

Challenges and innovations related to the Science of the skin

This medical meeting also aimed to introduce new useful tools under evaluation for assessing actinic keratosis (AK) severity like the 'Actinic Keratosis Area and Severity Index' (AKASI). Recent evidence on AK therapies was also presented and experts assessed the available evidence of comparative efficacy of topical and ablative treatments, the use of combination therapies, and potential future treatments in development.

A faculty of international experts also reviewed the international guidelines, which vary in their recommendations as to whether all lesions require treatment, beyond advice on photoprotection, as there is clear evidence that AKs are markers for skin cancer.

Other hot topics were discussed such as dermoscopy in nail conditions, challenges in diagnosis of onychomycosis, new therapies for hair loss, latest news on acne vulgaris and rosacea, immunopathogenesis in atopic dermatitis and cosmetic procedures for dermatologic conditions.

About Almirall

Almirall is a leading skin-health focused global pharmaceutical company that partners with healthcare professionals, applying Science to provide medical solutions to patients & future generations. Our efforts are focused on fighting against skin health diseases and helping people feel and look their best. We support healthcare professionals in its continuous improvement, bringing our innovative solutions where they are needed.

The company, founded almost 75 years ago and with headquarters in Barcelona, is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange (ticker: ALM). Almirall has become a key element of value creation to society according to its commitment with its major shareholders and its decision to help others, to understand their challenges and to use Science to provide them with solutions for real life. Total revenues in 2017 were 755.8 million euros. More than 1,830 employees are devoted to Science.

For more information, please visit almirall.com

References

1. International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) available at https://ifpa-pso.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Brochure-Psoriasis-is-a-serious-disease-deserving-global-attention.pdf

2. Ferrándiz C, Carrascosa JM, Toro M. Prevalencia de la psoriasis en España en la era de los agentes biológicos. Data 2013

3. IFPA member survey 2011

4. Armstrong A. W., Schupp C, Wu J, Bebo B. Quality of life and work productivity impairment among psoriasis patients: findings from the National Psoriasis Foundation survey Data 2003-2011. PLoS One. 2012;7 (12):e52935

5. World Health Organization. 2016. Global report on PSORIASIS available at http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/204417/1/9789241565189_eng.pdf