Clinical Research

The Department of Dermatology Clinical Research (DermCR) program advances skin health through a full spectrum of research — from industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated clinical trials to observational studies, registries, chart reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.

Our Team

In the DermCR, our Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), led by Dr. Anna De Benedetto, brings together a skilled, dedicated team that partners closely with our physicians to deliver an exceptional experience for every participant. Our non-trial research is led by Dr. Julie Ryan Wolf, who ensures the highest standards across ethics and regulatory compliance, data security, and analysis. Together, the team maintains strong partnerships with the Research Subjects Review Board (RSRB), Regulatory Affairs, CTSI Informatics, the Quality Institute, and Biostatistics.

Our Impact

DermCR delivers groundbreaking treatment options to patients across the greater Rochester region and beyond. Our cutting-edge translational research has deepened the understanding of common skin conditions — and continues to shape the next generation of dermatology leaders. Our Facility The CTU is housed within UR Dermatology's College Town clinic — an 18,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art outpatient facility. The unit features two dedicated exam rooms, coordinator offices, large storage and meeting room, all adjacent to clinical care space and in near proximity of our translational laboratory and Strong Memorial Hospital. 

Clinical Research Equipment 

• Standard tools include: ECG machines, sphygmomanometers, and temperature-monitored refrigerators and freezers (4°C, -20°C, and -80°C), Tabletop centrifuge. 
• Specialized instruments/procedures include: skin metrics assessments (e.g. GPSkin— trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) measurement; Corneometer® CM 825 — stratum corneum hydration; Skin-pH-Meter PH 905 — skin pH analysis; Chromameter — erythema and pigmentation measurement), Standardized Digital Photos, Phlebotomy services; High Quality Skin samples collections (e.g. punch biopsy, tape stripping, swabs).

 Data & Research Platforms 

• EPIC & EHR tools (Cosmos, TriNetX, SlicerDicer, URMC OMOP) 
• REDCap & Qualtrics 
• GDPR-compliant data system

Current Trials

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Lisa A. Beck, M.D.

• Targeted Investigation of Microbiome 2 Treat Atopic Dermatitis (TIME-2)
  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06504160
  Ages Eligible for Study: 12+
• Study of Skin Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis Patients
  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04170244
  Ages Eligible for Study: 13+

Anna De Benedetto, M.D.

• A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Ruxolitinib Cream in Children and Adolescents (6 to <18 Years Old) With Moderate Atopic Dermatitis (TRuE-AD5)
  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06832618
  Ages Eligible for Study: (6 to <18 Years Old)

Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematous (Lupus)

Christopher Tracy Richardson, M.D., Ph.D.

• A 2-stage, Phase III Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Anifrolumab in Adults With Chronic and/or Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (LAVENDER)
  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06015737
  Ages Eligible for Study: 18+

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Anna De Benedetto, M.D.

• Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Ruxolitinib Cream in Participants With Hidradenitis Suppurativa (TRuE-HS2)
  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06958211
  Ages Eligible for Study: 12+

Other Research

Benjamin L. Miller, Ph.D.
Lisa A. Delouise, Ph.D., M.P.D.

• Dermatology Department Assay
  Ages Eligible for Study: 18+

Our Team