Daily Archives: February 21, 2021

This article was originally published here

Med Hypotheses. 2021 Feb 10;149:110530. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110530. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, debilitating skin disease of the hair follicle that usually presents after puberty with painful, deep-seated, inflamed lesions in the apocrine gland bearing areas of the body, most commonly the axillae, inguinal and anogenital regions. The pathophysiology of the disease remains elusive, with newer therapies targeting various aspects of the dysregulated immune system. This presents a useful opportunity to look at the cytokine profile in HS and other inflammatory conditions that share similar patterns with the aim of teasing out less considered explanations for HS pathogenesis. It has been observed that IL-17 appears to be the most common denominator linking HS with other immune mediated diseases like Crohn, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. Given that IL-17 plays an important role in antifungal immunity, evidenced by the cytokine pattern in fungal disease and the bulk of data citing their potential involvement in Crohn, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis; it is fair to suggest the need to explore the role that fungi play in the setting of HS going forward. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (ahr) is a ubiquitous and largely conserved entity that is gaining interest in inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. It is well known to modulate autoimmune states. Its activation by both exogenous and endogenous agents result in secretion of IL-17 by Th17 cells. One of such agents is the tryptophan metabolite 6-formylindolo [3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ)-which can be produced by microorganisms such as fungi. It will be interesting to explore its usefulness in HS pathogenesis.

PMID:33607406 | DOI:10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110530

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Hidradenitis suppurativa - The role of interleukin-17, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and the link to a possible fungal aetiology - DocWire News

Can't stop itching your head? An itchy scalp is an incredibly common (and often very frustrating) condition, but it's not usually the sign of anything more serious. However, some itchy scalp signs can indicate that something needs treating and madly itching the area can make things worse.

Dr Roger Henderson looks at the most common causes and best treatment options for an itchy scalp and what you can do to prevent the dreaded itch from returning:

An itchy scalp also called scalp pruritis is a common problem. Although rarely due to a serious condition, it can cause significant discomfort thanks to frequent scratching and there may also be signs such as flaking skin or sores on the scalp.

Unsurprisingly, the main cause of an itchy scalp is the itching, but the scalp can also feel painful or tingling. Scratching may cause a temporary easing of the itch but it then recurs. Other associated problems may include hair loss, dry skin, infected sores, scalp swelling and scales on the scalp.

There are five typical causes of an itchy scalp, listed below. Other possible but less common itchy scalp causes include diabetes, allergies, anxiety, contact dermatitis (due to the scalp reacting to something it has been in contact with), excessive heat due to hair styling and alopecia. The best itchy scalp treatment depends on the cause:

Dandruff, also known as pityriasis capitis, is the most common cause of a dry, flaky and often itchy scalp. Most people are familiar with the appearance of tiny white flakes of dead skin on the shoulders of people that suffer from it, and it can affect up to half of all adults at some time.

Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly. Dandruff is due to dead skin cells being shed more rapidly than usual, and left untreated it can cause embarrassment and self-esteem problems. Using certain hair products excessively can sometimes lead to dandruff occurring and stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.

Dandruff is best treated with anti-dandruff shampoos that can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets. Look for a shampoo containing one of these ingredients:

Use the shampoo for a month to see if your dandruff improves as you might need to try more than one type to find one that works for you. If you still have symptoms after using anti-dandruff shampoo for a month or if your scalp remains very itchy or reddened, then ask your GP for advice.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis affects around 3- 4 per cent of the population, and can start at any time after puberty. It is slightly more common in men and also runs in families. Babies can also get a short lived type of seborrhoeic dermatitis in the scalp known as cradle cap which usually clears after a few months.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is thought to be triggered by an overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast that lives on the skin, or possibly by an overreaction by the skins immune system to this yeast. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is not usually linked to any underlying illness, but may be triggered by tiredness and stress. It is more common in cold weather, and it is not related to diet.

The symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis seem to vary from person to person. Affected areas can be itchy, sore and sensitive and flaking skin can be bothersome and embarrassing, while some people are not troubled by it.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is best treated with a medicated shampoo such as an anti-dandruff or an anti-fungal shampoo such as ketoconazole. For best results, wash the shampoo into the scalp, then wait 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Thick scales can be removed before shampooing by applying a descaling preparation containing coconut oil and salicylic acid for several hours beforehand. If the irritation is severe your doctor may prescribe a steroid scalp lotion, gel or shampoo for occasional use.

Ringworm is not caused by any kind of worm but is due to a simple fungal infection that causes dry scaly hair patches and a classical ring of redness in the affected area. It can be passed from person to person, usually via hairbrushes and towels and can also affect other parts of the body such as the groin (known as jock itch) and trunk.

Ringworm does not usually respond well to antifungal shampoos as the infection goes deep into the hair follicles where shampoos cannot reach. It is best treated with oral antifungal tablets. To help stop ringworm from spreading, start treatment as soon as possible, wash your towels and bedsheets regularly, and take your pet to the vet if it looks as if they might have ringworm (such as having patches of missing fur).

Head lice are small grey-brown insects up to 3mm long that live on the scalp and can be difficult to spot in the hair. Head lice eggs (nits) are brown or white (empty shells) and attached to the hair. They are most commonly spread by head-to-head contact and can cause an itchy scalp if it is sensitive to the faeces or saliva of the lice. Although most common in children head lice can affect people at any age.

Head lice can be treated with over-the-counter preparations available from pharmacies but the current best advice is to try wet-combing first. Try the following wet-combing tips:

If you have tried wet combing for 17 days but live head lice are still present, ask a pharmacist for treatment.

Psoriasis is a common skin disease affecting 1 in 50 people, occurring equally in men and women and appearing at any age. Psoriasis is a long-term condition which may come and go throughout your lifetime, and is not infectious. It often affects the scalp and about half of people with the most common form of psoriasis (called plaque psoriasis) have scalp involvement. It causes a dry, scaly itchy rash that typically affects the hairline at the back of the head often giving the false impression that it is severe dandruff.

Scalp psoriasis is usually treated first with a coal-tar based shampoo and there are several such shampoos for treating scalp psoriasis available from your local chemist. These shampoos are designed to treat the scalp rather than washing hair so you can use a normal shampoo and conditioner afterwards to reduce any smell of tar. When using a tar shampoo you should massage the shampoo into the scalp and leave for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out. Tar shampoo alone is not recommended for treatment of severe scalp psoriasis (ie where there is thick scaling and redness) but is usually effective if there is only relatively mild flaking.

If this is not effective your GP may prescribe a strong steroid lotion (avoid using on the face and ears) that is used for a few weeks to bring the psoriasis under control. This can then be gradually phased out, switching to maintenance treatment with a coal tar shampoo.

Occasionally, Vitamin D derivatives - available as ointment, gel or lotion can be used in troublesome scalp psoriasis. These usually applied to the scalp once or twice a day and do not need to be washed out. They also do not smell or stain clothing, and are relatively easy to use.

If you have a condition such as psoriasis it may be extremely difficult to prevent this occurring but as a general point always wash your hair regularly to remove any built-up oils, and always in warm rather than hot water as this can help to prevent scalp irritation and drying. Try to avoid using scalp products containing fragrances, dyes or chemicals, and do not share items such as combs, brushes, hats and towels with other people.

Natural treatments which can be effective for an itchy scalp that does not require medical treatment include:

Last updated: 15-02-2021

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Itchy scalp: 5 common causes and best treatments - Netdoctor

KIRKLAND, QC, Feb. 18, 2021 /CNW/ - Merck Canada Inc., an affiliate of Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada,announces today that HADLIMA is available and approved for the following indications:

HADLIMA is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to a specific protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), which is made by the body's immune system. People with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, HS or psoriasis have too much of TNF-alpha in their bodies.8 The presence of extra TNF-alpha in the body can attack normal healthy body tissues and cause inflammation, particularly in the bone, cartilage, joints, digestive tract and skin tissues. By binding to TNF-alpha, HADLIMA decreases the inflammation process of these diseases.9

Approximately six million (one in five) Canadians are living with arthritis, making it Canada's most prevalent chronic health condition.10 While there are many different subtypes of arthritis, inflammatory arthritis includes a group of conditions that impact the body's immune system. The most common forms of inflammatory arthritis are RA, AS and PsA.11

An estimated 270,000 Canadians live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of disorders caused by inflammation in the intestines.12 The main forms of IBD are CD and UC.13 By 2030, the number of Canadians with IBD is expected to rise to 400,000 or approximately 1% of the population.14

It is estimated that over one million Canadians are currently living with HS, a chronic skin condition that causes lumps to appear in the folds of the skin.15 Psoriasis, also a chronic skin condition, affects approximately one million Canadians, and Ps affects approximately 90% of this patient population.16

Uveitis, an inflammatory disease that causes damage to the eye, causes about 20% of legal blindness. Every year, approximately 2% of the Canadian population is newly diagnosed with uveitis.17

"HADLIMA further expands Merck's portfolio of biosimilar treatments to address inflammatory and dermatological immune diseases," says AnnA Van Acker, President, Merck Canada. "We are very proud to bring more solutions and therapeutic choices to help improve the lives of Canadians with these chronic conditions."

About HADLIMA

HADLIMA is a biosimilar biologic drug (biosimilar) and authorized based on its similarity to HUMIRA. A biosimilar is a biologic drug that is highly similar to a biologic drug already authorized for sale.18 Biosimilars are assessed and approved by Health Canada against the same rigorous standards used to ensure the quality, efficacy and safety as in any other biologic drug.19 Biosimilars provide patients more treatment options to help manage their disease and symptoms.

Clinical efficacy and safety studies have been conducted in patients with RA to demonstrate clinical comparability between HADLIMA and HUMIRA. The extrapolation of these data to support uses of HADLIMA in IBD is based on the demonstrated comparability, in terms of product quality, non-clinical, human pharmacokinetic and clinical characteristics. Randomized clinical trials have not been conducted to compare HADLIMA to HUMIRA in patients with JIA, PsA, AS, adult CD, UC, HS, Ps, and adult uveitis.22

The types, frequency and severity of adverse events were comparable between HADLIMA and HUMIRA in the RA clinical trial. The most common expected adverse reactions with HADLIMA are injection site reactions and cough and cold symptoms. It should not be administered to patients with severe infections such as sepsis and tuberculosis. HADLIMA contains a Boxed Warning to alert health care professionals and patients about an increased risk of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare, serious lymphoma that is often fatal, which has been identified in patients treated with adalimumab injection. The Boxed Warning also notes allergic reactions, other cancers, lupus-like symptoms, nervous system diseases, serious infections and blood problems.

The Merck Harmony Patient Program provides free confidential patient-assistance services to patients who have been prescribed HADLIMA (adalimumab injection). To learn more visit MerckHarmony.ca.

About Merck

For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola and emerging animal diseases as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world.

In Canada, Merck markets a broad range of vaccines, pharmaceutical and animal health products and is one of the top R&D investors in Canada, with investments totaling $89 million in 2019 and more than $1.3 billion since 2000. Basedin Kirkland, Qubec, Merck employs approximately 650 people across the country. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit http://www.merck.ca and connect with us on YouTube and Twitter @MerckCanada.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Please see the product monograph for HADLIMA (adalimumab injection) at: https://www.merck.ca/static/pdf/HADLIMA-PM_E.pdf

References

______________________________

1HADLIMA Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. November 2020.

2The Arthritis Society. The Truth About Arthritis. Available at: https://arthritis.ca/about-arthritis/what-is-arthritis/the-truth-about-arthritis#:~:text=Today%206%20million%20Canadians%20have,to%20have%20arthritis%20than%20men. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

3Crohn's and Colitis Canada. Resources and Publications. Available at: https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Us/Resources-Publications/Impact-of-IBD-Report. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

4The Canadian Skin Patient Alliance. Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Available at: https://www.canadianskin.ca/hidradenitis-suppurativa#:~:text=Overview%20%2D%20What%20is%20HS,-Hidradenitis%20Suppurativa%20(HS&text=Lumps%20that%20are%20close%20together,out%20a%20dermatologist%20for%20help. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

5Canadian Dermatology Association. Psoriasis. Available at: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/psoriasis/. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

6Fighting Blindness Canada. Uveitis. Available at: https://www.fightingblindness.ca/eye-diseases-pathways/uveitis/. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

7HADLIMA Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. November 2020.

8HADLIMA Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. November 2020.

9HADLIMA Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. November 2020.

10The Arthritis Society. The Truth About Arthritis. Available at: https://arthritis.ca/about-arthritis/what-is-arthritis/the-truth-about-arthritis#:~:text=Today%206%20million%20Canadians%20have,to%20have%20arthritis%20than%20men. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

11The Arthritis Society. Inflammatory arthritis. Available at: https://arthritis.ca/about-arthritis/arthritis-types-(a-z)/types/inflammatory-arthritis#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20forms%20of,ankylosing%20spondylitis%20and%20psoriatic%20arthritis. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

12Crohn's and Colitis Canada. Resources and Publications. Available at: https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Us/Resources-Publications/Impact-of-IBD-Report. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

13Crohn's and Colitis Canada. 2018 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Canada. Available at: https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/Crohns_and_Colitis/documents/reports/2018-Impact-Report-LR.pdf. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

14Crohn's and Colitis Canada. Resources and Publications. Available at: https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Us/Resources-Publications/Impact-of-IBD-Report. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

15The Canadian Skin Patient Alliance. Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Available at: https://www.canadianskin.ca/hidradenitis-suppurativa#:~:text=Overview%20%2D%20What%20is%20HS,-Hidradenitis%20Suppurativa%20(HS&text=Lumps%20that%20are%20close%20together,out%20a%20dermatologist%20for%20help. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

16Canadian Dermatology Association. Psoriasis. Available at: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/psoriasis/. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

17Fighting Blindness Canada. Uveitis. Available at: https://www.fightingblindness.ca/eye-diseases-pathways/uveitis/. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

18Government of Canada. Biosimilar Biologic Drugs in Canada: Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/biologics-radiopharmaceuticals-genetic-therapies/applications-submissions/guidance-documents/fact-sheet-biosimilars.html. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

19Government of Canada. Biosimilar Biologic Drugs in Canada: Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/biologics-radiopharmaceuticals-genetic-therapies/applications-submissions/guidance-documents/fact-sheet-biosimilars.html. Accessed on February 16, 2021.

SOURCE Merck Canada

For further information: Media Contacts: Merck Canada Media Relations, 1-833-906-3725; Alannah Nugent, 647-458-3867

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HADLIMA (adalimumab injection) Now Available for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Psoriatic...

NDA submission for topical roflumilast cream as a potential treatment for plaque psoriasis anticipated in the second half of 2021

Positive Phase 3 data on topical roflumilast cream in plaque psoriasis reported in February

Advancing topical roflumilast into Phase 3 programs for atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis during 2021

Robust pipeline addressing unmet medical needs of over 20 million patients

Strong financial position with over $470 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, including the proceeds from recent equity offering, providing cash runway into 2023

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQT), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for unmet needs in immune-mediated dermatological diseases and conditions, or immuno-dermatology, today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, and provided a business update.

2020 was a year of incredibly strong execution for Arcutis, said Frank Watanabe, Arcutis President and Chief Executive Officer. From our initial public offering in February through implementation of 18 clinical trials with three different product candidates involving more than 3,200 patients, we made tremendous progress advancing our mission of addressing significant unmet needs in medical dermatology. I am unbelievably grateful to the patients and physicians participating in our clinical trials, and to our amazing Arcutis team. This effort culminated in multiple notable milestones, including our recently reported positive pivotal Phase 3 results in plaque psoriasis, positive Phase 2 results in atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis, and the landmark publication of plaque psoriasis Phase 2b data in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Mr. Watanabe continued, 2021 will be a transformational year for Arcutis as we continue to rapidly advance our innovative and differentiated late-stage pipeline of potential best-in-class topical dermatology therapies. Based on positive Phase 3 data, we anticipate submitting a New Drug Application to the FDA for topical roflumilast cream as a potential once daily topical treatment for plaque psoriasis this year. We are excited to advance three additional programs into pivotal Phase 3 trials in 2021. Our focus on addressing the gap in dermatology drug development currently includes four product candidates in development for seven indications, with an addressable U.S. market of over 20 million patients, representing a potential revenue opportunity of between $3 billion and $8 billion.

Story continues

Pipeline Updates

ARQ-151 (topical roflumilast cream) - a highly potent and selective phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor in a cream formulation, being developed as a potential treatment for plaque psoriasis, including intertriginous psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.

Reported positive results from the two pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials (DERMIS-1 and DERMIS-2) in patients with plaque psoriasis; New Drug Application (NDA) submission to U.S. FDA anticipated in the second half of 2021.

Pivotal Phase 3 trials in patients with atopic dermatitis (INTEGUMENT-1 and INTEGUMENT-2) initiated in January 2021 with topline data anticipated in the second half of 2022.

Reported positive results from the Phase 2 long-term safety study as a potential once-daily chronic topical treatment for plaque psoriasis.

ARQ-154 (topical roflumilast foam) - a highly potent and selective phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor in a foam formulation, designed to overcome the challenges of delivering topical drugs in hair-bearing areas of the body, being developed as a potential treatment for seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.

Reported positive topline data from Phase 2b study in patients with scalp and body psoriasis which affects more than 2.5 million of the 6 million psoriasis patients in U.S with active disease.

Announced advancement of seborrheic dermatitis into Phase 3 development, anticipating initiation of a single pivotal Phase 3 study (STRATUM) in the second or third quarter of 2021, with topline data anticipated in the second or third quarter of 2022.

Pending discussions with regulators, the Company expects to initiate its Phase 3 program in scalp psoriasis in the second half of 2021, with topline data anticipated in the second half of 2022.

ARQ-252 - a potent and highly selective topical small molecule inhibitor of Janus kinase type 1 (JAK1), being developed as a potential treatment for chronic hand eczema and other inflammatory dermatoses.

Completed enrollment of the ongoing Phase 1/2b study in chronic hand eczema, with topline data anticipated by mid-2021.

The Company anticipates initiating a Phase 2a study in vitiligo in the first quarter of 2021.

ARQ-255 - an alternative topical formulation of ARQ-252 designed to reach deeper into the skin in order to potentially treat alopecia areata.

Recent Corporate Highlights

Terrie Curran appointed to Arcutis Board of Directors

Arcutis common stock (ARQT) added to the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index

Matthew Moore joined the Company as Chief Business Officer

Completed underwritten public offering of common stock in February 2021 with gross proceeds of $221.4 million and net proceeds of $207.4 million

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Summary Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities were $286.0 million as of December 31, 2020, compared to $101.3 million as of December 31, 2019. Arcutis believes that its current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of over $470 million, including the $207.4 million net proceeds from its recent financing, will be sufficient to fund its operations into 2023.

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 were $27.4 million compared to $10.8 million for the corresponding period in 2019. R&D expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $115.3 million compared to $36.5 million for the corresponding period in 2019. These year-over-year increases were primarily due to the initiation of multiple clinical trials during the last year.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 were $6.7 million compared to $2.2 million for the corresponding period in 2019. G&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $21.3 million compared to $6.6 million for the corresponding period in 2019. These year-over-year increases were primarily due to higher headcount and professional services costs, including the costs associated with being a public company.

Net loss was $34.0 million, or $0.79 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to $12.6 million, or $6.13 per basic and diluted share, for the corresponding period in 2019. Net loss was $135.7 million, or $3.80 per basic and diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $42.0 million, or $22.78 per basic and diluted share, for the corresponding period in 2019.

About Arcutis - Bioscience, applied to the skin.Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQT) is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for unmet needs in immune-mediated dermatological diseases and conditions, or immuno-dermatology. The company is leveraging recent advances in immunology and inflammation to develop differentiated therapies against biologically validated targets to solve persistent treatment challenges in serious diseases of the skin. Arcutis robust pipeline includes four novel drug candidates currently in development for a range of inflammatory dermatological conditions. The companys lead product candidate, topical roflumilast, has the potential to revitalize the standard of care for plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. For more information, visit https://www.arcutis.com or follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking" statements, including, among others, statements regarding the potential for its topical drugs in development to address large markets with significant unmet need; expectations with regard to the timing of data events anticipated during 2021/2022; and the Companys belief that its current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, including the net proceeds from its recent financing, will be sufficient to fund its operations into 2023. These statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ include risks inherent in the clinical development process and regulatory approval process, the timing of regulatory filings, and our ability to defend our intellectual property. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties applicable to our business, see the Risk Factors section of our Form 10-K filed with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 16, 2021, as well as any subsequent filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update information herein to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

Contact:Heather Rowe Armstrong Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communicationsharmstrong@arcutis.com805-418-5006, Ext. 740

ARCUTIS BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.Balance Sheets(In thousands)

December 31,

2020

2019

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

65,082

$

63,336

Restricted cash

1,542

Marketable securities

219,359

37,929

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

6,843

5,209

Total current assets

292,826

106,474

Property and equipment, net

2,016

227

Operating lease right-of-use asset

3,349

264

Other assets

78

47

Total assets

$

298,269

$

107,012

LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

7,140

$

1,405

Accrued liabilities

15,462

3,654

Operating lease liability

178

Total current liabilities

22,602

5,237

Operating lease liability, noncurrent

4,964

129

Other long-term liabilities

82

184

Total liabilities

27,648

5,550

Convertible preferred stock

166,491

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Arcutis Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results and Provides Business Update - Yahoo Finance

Olivia Bowen has shared before and after snaps of her psoriasis in a candid Instagram post.

The Love Island star, 27, was diagnosed with the skin condition when she was 17.

In her post she proudly revealed the patches across her stomach and chest have improved thanks to prescription cream.

In her post, the excited reality TV star, wrote: "Progress!!! Last week they were sooo raised, angry, red & itchy [sic].

"A week on and they're becoming lighter & less angry! I went to the doctors & was prescribed cream So fingers crossed!"

Alex Bowen's wife also shared a snap of the current state of her abs.

Updating fans who are unaware of her condition, she explained: "A few of you catching up, this is called guttate psoriasis.

"I have had it a couple times before, I've had it like this (all over my body head to toe] once before when I was 17. It usually stays with me around 3/4 months. Some days it's horrible & painful & makes me feel terribly insecure.

"Other days I pick myself up & remind myself there are many many things worse than a wee skin condition, and that's what I hold onto! It's just skin, who I am is important [sic]."

She also shared that she wouldn't be revealing the name of her prescription cream.

Olivia added: "It is prescribed & very strong so it would be irresponsible for me to suggest out to everyone & anyone.

"All I can say is definitely definitely contact your doctors and go throughout them. It really is worth it, it's not embarrassing, it'll help [sic]."

Last month Olivia reached out on social media to ask her followers to help her find a sun bed which she says will stop her psoriasis from spreading all over her body.

The Love Island star asked her fans for recommendations for UVB light sun beds as she revealed using them was the only thing that helped her psoriasis when she was a teenager.

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Olivia Bowen shares snaps of psoriasis as she tells how condition has improved - OK! magazine