Dr. Cory Simpson
Updates in Autoimmune Blistering Disease: Established and Emerging Therapies
Dr. Cory Simpson presented information about the autoimmune blistering diseases pemphigus and pemphigoid, including their pathogenesis, varied clinical presentations, diagnostic work-up, and available and emerging treatment options. First, Simpson described the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of pemphigus and pemphigoid. Both are autoimmune diseases caused by the immune system attacking certain proteins present in the skin…
Defining Novel Druggable Pathways in Darier, Hailey-Hailey, and Grover Disease: From Bedside to Bench and Back
Dr. Cory Simpson presented information about his research identifying novel therapeutic targets for rare skin blistering disorders, including Darier, Hailey-Hailey, and Grover disease. First, Simpson described the clinical features, pathology, and genetics of Darier and Hailey-Hailey disease. Both diseases are autosomal dominant with adolescent onset. They may present with flaccid blisters, crusted erosions, and fissured…
Organoids, CRISPR, and a Shortcut to Therapies for Rare Blistering Diseases
Blistering skin diseases cause a great deal of ongoing suffering. Their characteristic surface wounds cause pain, itching, and infections, and conventional treatments, including topical and oral corticosteroids, provide temporary, limited relief. For autoimmune blistering diseases, like pemphigus vulgaris, monoclonal antibodies (e.g., rituximab) promise longer-lasting relief, while CAAR-T cell…