Episode 147. Biologics and Dermatology with Associate Professor Peter Foley

Block 6
Written By Andrew Ford

The advent of complex therapies including biologics and small molecules has provided a new paradigm for the treatment of many immune mediated inflammatory conditions notably in rheumatology, gastroenterology (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and also in dermatology. New dimensions of treatment can now be applied from this amazing therapeutic armamentarium at our disposal.

In this podcast we will turn our attention to how this relates to management strategies in dermatology. The term ‘biologic’ refers to agents synthesised from the products of living organisms and includes monoclonal antibodies raised against cytokines including Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) or some of the interleukins.

Contrasting these small molecules are laboratory produced and directed to inhibit the so-called JAK- STAT messaging system which was discovered to link the external world of cells with the transcription of proteins from the genetic code held within DNA. These complex molecules as a group inhibit cytokines, and thus modulate immune mediated inflammation. As they are specific in terms of their immune system action their safety profile is generally considered to be more favourable than that of traditional systemic immuno-suppressive drugs.

In this conversation we talk with Associate Professor Peter Foley to expand our understanding of the place of these complex molecules in dermatologic management. In particular we will focus on psoriasis which affects 2-4 % of the world’s population with a higher prevalence in northern countries. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type encountered with its prominent feature being sharply demarcated erythrosquamous plaques. Hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes is the hallmark of psoriasis which may also manifest with arthritis in up to 30% of patients and be preceded by nail changes characterised by small but definite pits in 50-80 % of cases.

Associate Professor Peter Foley graduated from Monash University in 1987 after completing a BMedSc thesis which was the first National Skin Cancer Survey. He later obtained a fellowship in dermatology in 1997 and completed an MD exploring the effects of Vitamin D on the skin. He is actively involved in research and has been principal investigator for numerous clinical trials which include more than 70 on subjects such as psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea and many more.

He has an appointment as an Associate professor in the Department of Medicine -Dermatology at The University of Medicine and is director of research and immediate Past-President of the Skin and Cancer Foundation. He is Australia’s only councillor on the International Psoriasis Council and sits on the Board of the Photomedicine Society. Clearly, he is well credentialed to discuss current approaches to using Biologics and Small molecules in dermatologic practice and we welcome him to the podcast.

References:

Assoc Professor peter Foley: Foley Dermatology and associates. www.foleydermatology.com.au

Biologics in Dermatology: An Integrated Review, Seghal et al. ncbi.nlm. nih.gov

The Australian College of Dermatologists

Biologic Treatments Used in Dermatology www.dermoll.edu.au

Andrew Ford
Marketing expert Andrew Ford, the founder of Social Star, has discovered the secret of ‘Powerful Branding’. With a fire for unleashing people’s inner brand and developing business models to generate profit from an individual’s passions, Andrew leverages ground-breaking digital and social media marketing techniques to create digital strategies for clients to attract maximum opportunities. Having established a strong name for himself in the field, Andrew blends traditional business techniques with now-necessary tools for entrepreneurs to achieve scale, quality, and influence in their niche. Andrew’s comprehensive business background and qualifications consist of a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) (RMIT 2003), a Graduate Certificate in Management (MBA Executive Program, University of Sydney 2005), and a Masters of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Swinburne University 2011). Continually on the cutting edge of his own education, Andrew has tested his marketing theories in forums such as the BCG Business Strategy Competition, which he won in 2005 against all Victorian MBA schools, and the Venture Cup Business Plan Competition (Swinburne University 2003), which he won in the Masters category. With experience working at Hewlett-Packard, Sensis (Telstra) and IBM, Andrew also has mentored dozens of junior staffs to help them achieve their professional goals. Meeting and influencing high-profile public figures helped Andrew to realise just how many professionals require more understanding and control of their public brands or appearance, and need help with the skills to use the many amazing free tools at their disposal to generate success. At Social Star, Andrew consults with clients to uncover their personal brand – both where it is today and where it can be tomorrow – and refine and define how that should be displayed in social media in order to attract their perfect target audience. Andrew mentors his clients to rapidly grow their business’ audiences, resulting in larger potential client bases and higher revenue. Applying formulas that integrate over twenty years of Andrew’s business experience and fifteen years of formal business education, Social Star specialises in building clarity and velocity for clients’ brands using the ‘Understand, Build and Leverage’ methodology. ‘Having a Personal Business enables people to have an authentic, congruent connection with their valued clients and partners, using their brand as the bridge,’ says Andrew. ‘I’m highly driven to work with the new breed of entrepreneurs and small business owners – people who have a passion for making the world a better place. Traditional business models are stepping aside as people follow their innermost dreams and my role is to see them operate within their values while creating wealth. Some people think you have to sacrifice what you love to be successful in your business, yet it is actually the opposite. Follow your passion and success will come.’ Lecturing at Swinburne University from 2009 to 2011 on brand dynamics and digital marketing, presenting at numerous conferences, and consulting to hundreds of clients, Andrew has seen his philosophy work that if you follow your unique path, based on your skills, experience, values and goals, you will automatically attract the opportunities you desire and achieve the success you deserve. Living his mantra, Andrew has created a successful business and attracts high-profile clients including musicians, athletes, authors, models, entrepreneurs, professionals and small business owners, helping them find their ‘why’ in their business and fulfilment in their lives. Business for Andrew is more than work, it’s personal. Running a personal business means that he is able to fulfil all of his values rather than separating his life from work. It supports his two boys while providing social opportunities, educational development, fitness opportunities, spiritual fulfilment and many valuable friendships. Social Star has now become the vehicle for Andrew to crystallise his mission in the world, to help people love what they do, supporting his ‘why’, that if more people loved what they did, the world would be a better place.
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