Hydrocortisone

• Transition of R&D programs to commercial revenue: With multiple R&D programs now complete or nearing completion, the Company anticipates generating first commercial revenues from at least two products as they transition to commercial production.
• Commercial revenue is expected to be potentially milestone, royalty, and ingredient supply revenue.
• Significant increase in revenues: Full year R&D revenues for 2024 are expected to increase by over 100% compared to 2023.
• In addition, commercial stage revenue is expected to commence on multiple programs.

Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Fluad Tetra, influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated, adjuvanted), Date of authorisation: 20/05/2020, Revision: 8, Status: Authorised

• Overall, 86% of centers surveyed reported experiencing a shortage of at least one type of anti-cancer drug.
• 86% of centers surveyed reported experiencing a shortage of at least one type of anti-cancer drug.
• The NCCN Best Practices Committee originally shared survey results in June 2023 , which found that 93% of cancer centers surveyed at that time were experiencing a shortage of carboplatin and 70% lacked a steady supply of cisplatin.
• Both surveys focused on two platinum-based generic chemotherapy medications that are recommended for treating hundreds of different cancer scenarios according to the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium ( NCCN Compendium ®).

• Topical corticosteroids, also referred to as corticosteroids or cortisone, are the go-to treatment for many skin disorders including eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
• They can be found in various forms such as creams, ointments, and solutions.
• Topical corticosteroids come in different strengths, from mild (such as 0.5% Hydrocortisone, available over the counter) to very potent prescription formulations.

‘Use sparingly’

• Such warnings ignore the fact many patients are prescribed modest-strength topical steroids, which are safe and effective when used properly.
• From the patient’s perspective, the current warnings lump all steroids together regardless of their potential for side effects.

Mixed messages

• Or hit the problem hard with a stronger concentration for less time?
• If cortisone is extensively used, it is advised adults and children should be examined yearly for side effects.
• Skin atrophy (or deterioration) is the most common side effect of topical corticosteroids and manifests as tiny degenerative alterations within a few weeks.

Skin thinning

• Repeated use in the same spot on the body results in alterations to the skin’s connective tissue and epidermal thinning.
• That can result in lax, translucent, wrinkled skin as well as striae (stretch marks), fragility, hypo-pigmentation (fading) and the prominence of underlying veins.
• The good news is that once topical corticosteroids are stopped, short-term atrophy from treatment can be reversed, although skin normalisation may take months.

Can you use it safely on your face?

• Using strong cortisone creams or ointments on the face can lead to steroid dependence.
• Topical steroids on the face can cause symptoms sometimes referred to as “red face syndrome”, dermatitis rosaceaformis steroidica or steroid addiction.
• And stopping steroid use on the face after an extended period can have considerable rebound effects including erythema (redness), burning and scaling.

The bottom line

• To avoid skin damage, corticosteroids should only be used on skin affected by a skin disease.
• Finally, treatment should be customised based on the person’s symptoms, the body parts affected and how long treatment might be required.
• This article reflects the views of the author and
  should not be construed to represent views or
  policies.