Penn Dermatology’s Clinical Studies Unit Conducts Trials for Common to Rare Dermatologic Diseases

Penn Dermatology’s Clinical Studies Unit is one of the first of its kind in the nation that specializes in dermatology. The Clinical Studies Unit receives patient referrals from Penn dermatologists and clinical faculty as well as community-based dermatologists and physicians. It also receives inquiries and referrals from all over the world. Its medical director is Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE. Dr. Gelfand oversees a team of highly skilled, experienced and certified research coordinators, nurses and investigators in a manner that enhances the efficiency of clinical research and optimizes the safety of the trial participants.

The Clinical Studies Unit and the Department of Dermatology offer a variety of interventional clinical trials related to both common and rare diseases ranging from acne, atopic eczema, hidradenitis, skin cancer and psoriasis to cutaneous t-cell lymphoma. Penn Dermatology conducts cutting-edge research and clinical trials on an ongoing basis and is one of the top funded research departments in the nation in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. In addition, the Clinical Studies Unit receives funding from the Food and Drug Administration, foundations, and pharmaceutical companies in order to conduct trials designed to advance the care of patients with skin disease.

The Penn Dermatology Clinical Studies Unit is located at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. To refer a patient, or to learn how to participate in clinical trials, contact 215-662-SKIN (7546).

Medical or pharmaceutical industry professionals interested in sponsoring or learning more about Penn Dermatology’s clinical trials can contact Joel.Gelfand@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or 215-662-2737.

Autoimmune Skin Disease Study Unit

Penn Dermatology’s Autoimmune Skin Disease Study Unit, directed by Dr. Victoria P. Werth, is actively engaged in conducting a wide range of clinical, translational and basic science studies in rare autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis and autoimmune blistering disorders. In collaboration with scientists and clinicians in other departments and institutions, the Autoimmune Skin Disease Study Unit is committed to conducting innovative research and training leaders in autoimmune skin diseases from among the skilled team of residents, research fellows and medical students overseen by Dr. Werth.

The Autoimmune Skin Disease Study Unit is located at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. To refer a patient or to learn more about the program and participation in a clinical trial, contact us at 215-615-2940. Pharmaceutical and other clinical and research professionals may contact Dr. Werth directly at werth@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Current Clinical Trials

Autoimmune Skin Disease Study Unit

Lupus Erythematosus

  • A Phase 2 Dose Ranging Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of AMG 570 in Subjects with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) With Inadequate Response to Standard of Care (SOC) Therapy
  • Optimization of Clinical Trial Design in Cutaneous Lupus: NIH funded study to collect data on natural disease activity and outcomes

Dermatomyositis

  • A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Trial to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Lenabasum in Dermatomyositis
  • A Phase 2A, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of PF-06823859 in Adult Subjects with Dermatomyositis
  • A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of IgPro20 (Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin, Hizentra®) in Adults with Dermatomyositis (DM)

Pemphigus Vulgaris

  • A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trail to Investigate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Efgartigimod PH20 SC in Adult Patients with Pemphigus (Vulgaris or Foliaceus)

Bullous Pemphigoid

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in patients with bullous pemphigoid

To refer a patient or to learn more about the program and participation in a clinical trial, contact us at 215-615-2940. Pharmaceutical and other clinical and research professionals may contact Dr. Victoria Werth directly at werth@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.