The FDA has approved a new biologic drug called Stelara for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Plaque psoriasis is an immune system disorder that results in the rapid overproduction of skin cells. According to the FDA, about 6 million people in the US have plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by thickened patches of inflamed, red skin, often covered with silvery scales.

In a study conducted by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists, the researchers found that high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or advanced myelodysplasia (a blood disorder) patients who received a cancer vaccine shortly after a stem cell transplant not only had few complications but also mounted a strong immune system attack on the disease. Moreover, the rate of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a potentially severe aftereffect of immune system-based therapies, was no higher than with that from stem cell transplants alone. The study is to be published in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the week of August 24.

According to new research from the University of Sydney, Nicotinamide (VitB3), a vitamin found in common foods like meats, nuts, grains and cereals, may provide the next advance in skin cancer prevention. Presenting the results of a trial to the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia’s Annual Scientific Meeting, Associate Professor Diona Damian said tests had shown the vitamin prevented damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation by protecting the immune system. The tests on volunteers using nicotinamide both as a lotion and in tablet form offered equally strong protection, against both UVB and UVA.