Has the dermatology field been historically neglected in terms of innovation and investment? And what unmet needs do you aim to address at Dermavant?
I would not say the field of dermatology has been neglected. Like any business, be it medicine or technology, there is always a process of evolution and innovation. We are continually identifying gaps and refining our approaches to address various diseases, considering the range of treatment options available. In dermatology, treatments can range from topicals and orals to injectables. It is about constantly improving and, essentially, 'polishing the diamond' to better meet patient needs.
Dermatology can be divided into medical and aesthetic segments. Medical dermatology focuses on diseases requiring treatment, while aesthetic dermatology is about elective procedures for beautification. Our aim is to address the significant needs within medical dermatology, which represents a substantial portion of the field. Our focus on diseases like plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis—key areas within immuno-dermatology—demonstrates our commitment to tackling the most pressing challenges in the space.
What makes your VTAMA (tapinarof) cream, 1%, a non-steroidal treatment, unique in treating plaque psoriasis?
The majority of treatments for plaque psoriasis have historically been steroidal and applied topically. However, some topicals can come with limitations, on where they can be used on the body and for how long and this can become challenging.
Our approach with VTAMA cream is centered on its active ingredient, tapinarof, as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, abundant in the skin and other parts of the body. AhR activation promotes homeostasis by downregulating inflammatory mediators, a method distinct from traditional inhibitory treatments. This has positioned VTAMA cream as a unique option in dermatology, offering a safe, effective, and long-term treatment option across various affected parts of the body – including sensitive and hair-bearing areas. Our strategy emphasizes education and adaptation among dermatologists, moving towards a model where VTAMA cream is considered a first-line treatment option.
Has the uptake of VTAMA cream met your expectations since its launch?
Yes and no. On the positive side, the uptake of VTAMA cream has been encouraging, with just under 14,000 unique prescribers and over 300,000 units sold within the first 20 months based on data provided by IQVIA National Prescription Audit. This level of acceptance and growth is indicative of the significant impact VTAMA cream is making in the dermatology community. However, while we are pleased with these results, we also recognize the inherent conservatism within dermatology towards adopting alternative therapies. Our challenge is to continuously educate and demonstrate the efficacy and safety of VTAMA cream to a broader audience of healthcare professionals
We are focused on building long-term success through patient experiences and clinical results, especially as we potentially expand the treatment indication. Our team, comprised of industry veterans drawn by the innovative nature of VTAMA cream and AhR science, is committed to impacting dermatological treatment and significantly improving patients’ plaque psoriasis.
Do you expect to expand your pipeline in the near future?
Expansion and focus are key elements of our strategy at Dermavant Sciences. We see ourselves primarily as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) company, leveraging our expertise in this area to address dermatological conditions like plaque psoriasis and potentially atopic dermatitis. Our approach includes not just VTAMA cream but also exploring other applications of our AhR technology, potentially even beyond dermatology to include pulmonary and gastrointestinal conditions, given the presence of AhR in the lungs and gut. This strategic focus allows us to envision ourselves as an inflammatory immunology leader, building on our success in dermatology and exploring other inflammatory diseases.
Where do you hope to see Dermavant five years from now?
Looking ahead, our vision for Dermavant is to establish VTAMA cream as the foundational therapy for plaque psoriasis and if approved, atopic dermatitis, setting new standards in care for the dermatology community. Our goal is to transition the field from conventional treatments to innovative, effective and safe treatment options, essentially moving from the "cassette to digital music" era in dermatological treatments.
This shift not only aims to improve patient outcomes but also to make a substantial impact on healthcare options by reducing the need for expensive oral or injectable therapies. In five years, we hope to look back on a topical landscape transformed by our efforts, where VTAMA cream is a cornerstone treatment, and Dermavant has played a pivotal role in redefining patient care in dermatology.
