# Aayush Gupta

Aayush Gupta is Professor and Head of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune. He is Director of Strategic Initiatives at the medical college, heads the Bioprinting Laboratory of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth and directs the MD dermatology residency programme. He founded Qtanea Solutions Private Limited, which makes Vybe, a vibratory anaesthesia device, and OpenScholar, a research information platform for universities, and he holds five patents in India and the United States. He has published 102 papers, is principal investigator on seven industry clinical trials and has raised nearly ₹7.5 crore for research, made up of nine extramural research grants and a ₹50 lakh seed fund for his company Qtanea Solutions. His research covers vitiligo, ichthyosis and other genodermatoses, leprosy, wound healing and imaging with artificial intelligence.

## Positions
- Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
- Director of Strategic Initiatives, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre
- Head, Bioprinting Laboratory, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
- Programme Director, MD Dermatology residency
- Founder and CEO, Qtanea Solutions Private Limited
- Clinical Advisory Board, Adiuvo Diagnostics
- Scientific Advisor, Clarivo Biosciences
- Consulting Editor, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

## Awards and memberships
- Dr A.S. Thambaiah Award, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMSCON 2022, Jaipur)
- Amritsar Award, National Academy of Medical Sciences (2022–23)
- Dhanvantri Award, Lokmat (2023)
- Two category awards, Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (Journal awards)
- Sakura Science Fellow, Japan Science and Technology Agency (Fellowship in Japan)
- Member of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (life member), International Society of Dermatology and GUaRDIAN (rare-disease genomics consortium)

## Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. Headed by Dr Aayush Gupta.
- Outpatient clinic: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday and holidays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Fifteen faculty and forty-five residents staff the dermatology department at Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital in Pimpri, and they perform about 820 procedures a month.
- Procedures a month: About 390 a month in 2022 and about 820 a month in 2026, more than double. Each dot is ten procedures.
- Teaching: 15 faculty and 45 residents. Fifteen residents join each year for the three-year MD, up from eleven. Eight hold ICMR thesis grants this year, up from three.
- Lasers and light: Hair reduction, tattoo and pigment removal, CO2 and erbium resurfacing, and photobiomodulation.
- Dermatosurgery: Vitiligo surgery, hair transplantation, radiofrequency surgery and skin biopsies with the department's patented punch.
- Injectables: Botulinum toxin, dermal fillers and intralesional steroid injections.
- Peels and skin care: Chemical peels and medifacials for acne, pigmentation and ageing skin.
- Imaging and measurement: Body mapping, dermoscopy, hair counts, skin colour, ultrasound and sebum measured with calibrated instruments.
- Medical dermatology: Psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, acne, hair loss, leprosy, sexually transmitted infections and rare genetic skin disease, with phototherapy and excimer light on site.
- Lasers and light: 308 nm Excimer, 532 nm KTP, Q-switched, 755 nm Alexandrite, 1,064 nm Nd:YAG, long-pulsed, 1,064 nm Nd:YAG, Q-switched, 2,940 nm Er:YAG, 10,600 nm CO₂, fractional.
- 308 nm Excimer (Excimer light): absorbed by dna and proteins in the epidermis; works at epidermis and the top of the dermis; used for vitiligo and psoriasis patches. Narrowband ultraviolet B calms the T cells that drive both diseases and stimulates melanocytes, so that vitiligo patches repigment.
- 532 nm KTP, Q-switched (StarWalker MaQX): absorbed by red and orange tattoo ink, and melanin; works at epidermis and upper dermis; used for red tattoo ink, freckles and lentigines. Nanosecond pulses heat the pigment faster than it can cool, so the particles shatter into fragments that the body clears.
- 755 nm Alexandrite (Again PRO PLUS): absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft and bulb; works at hair bulbs in the dermis; used for hair reduction in lighter skin. Melanin in the hair carries the heat down to the bulb and disables the follicle, while cooling protects the surface.
- 1,064 nm Nd:YAG, long-pulsed (Again PRO PLUS, SP Spectro): absorbed by melanin and haemoglobin, weakly; works at deep dermis; used for hair reduction in darker skin, and deeper vessels. Weak absorption lets the beam pass the pigment of the epidermis and reach deep bulbs and vessels, which makes it the safer choice for darker skin.
- 1,064 nm Nd:YAG, Q-switched (StarWalker MaQX): absorbed by black and blue ink, and melanin deep in the dermis; works at mid dermis; used for black tattoos and nevus of ota. Nanosecond pulses shatter dark ink and dermal pigment deeper than green light can reach.
- 2,940 nm Er:YAG (SP Spectro): absorbed by water, at its strongest absorption peak; works at the surface, a few micrometres per pulse; used for resurfacing, scars and fine lines. Water in the top cells boils off almost instantly, so skin is removed layer by layer with very little heat left behind.
- 10,600 nm CO₂, fractional (CO₂ laser): absorbed by water; works at microscopic columns into the dermis; used for acne scars, resurfacing and removal of skin growths. The beam drills fine columns and coagulates a rim around each one, and the healing that follows lays down new collagen.
- DEKA Again PRO PLUS (755 nm, 1064 nm): Alexandrite with Moveo in-motion delivery, and Nd:YAG, for hair reduction.
- Fotona StarWalker MaQX (532 nm, 1064 nm): Q-switched Nd:YAG with FracTAT, for tattoos and pigment.
- Fotona SP Spectro (2940 nm, 1064 nm): Er:YAG and Nd:YAG, for resurfacing and skin texture.
- Fotona StarFormer (Electromagnetic): Electromagnetic muscle stimulation, used without light.
- CO2 laser: 10,600 nm, for resurfacing, scars and removal of skin growths
- Excimer: 308 nm targeted light for vitiligo and psoriasis
- Phototherapy unit: Ultraviolet treatment for vitiligo, psoriasis and eczema
- Radiofrequency cautery: Several units, including an Ellman, for excisions and electrosurgery
- Medifacial machine: Medical facials for acne and pigmentation
- FotoFinder Aesthetics Studio: The software traces each hair, measures its thickness in micrometres and reports hair density, the share of terminal and vellus hairs, and follicular units.
- Cortex DermaLab: High-frequency ultrasound shows the layers of skin in cross-section, and further probes measure skin colour and sebum.

## Clinical trials (Dr Gupta is principal investigator on each)
- Severe alopecia areata in adolescents: Deuruxolitinib. Placebo-controlled, Sun Pharma. Submitted to DCGI. Full title: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Deuruxolitinib in Adolescent Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata with an Open-Label Extension Period. https://aayushgupta.co/trials/deuruxolitinib-alopecia-areata-adolescents
- Multibacillary leprosy, treatment monitoring: Skin assessment chart and plasma PGL-I. Phase 0, Johnson & Johnson. Opens October 2026. Full title: A Phase 0, Clinical Study to Provide Fit-For-Purpose Evidence for the Standardized Skin Assessment Chart and to Evaluate Changes in Plasma Phenolic Glycolipid-I Over Time for Treatment Monitoring in Multibacillary Leprosy Patients. https://aayushgupta.co/trials/pgl-i-leprosy-treatment-monitoring
- Non-segmental vitiligo: Topical AB1001. Phase 2, Ahammune Biosciences. Opens October 2026. Full title: A Phase II, multicenter, randomized study to evaluate safety and efficacy of topical AB1001 in adult patients with non-segmental vitiligo. https://aayushgupta.co/trials/ab1001-non-segmental-vitiligo
- Hair health in adults: H-Vit hair serum. Observational, Systopic Laboratories. Opens October 2026. Full title: An Open Label, Prospective, Single Arm Observation Study on H-Vit Hair Serum of Systopic Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. in Adults Looking to Improve Hair Health in Real World Clinical Practice. https://aayushgupta.co/trials/h-vit-hair-serum
- Psoriasis: Guselkumab, subcutaneous. Phase 4, Johnson & Johnson. Opens November 2026. Full title: A Phase IV, Multicenter, Non-comparative, Open-Label Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Guselkumab Administered Subcutaneously in the Treatment of Indian Patients with Psoriasis (CNTO1959PSO4039). https://aayushgupta.co/trials/guselkumab-psoriasis-phase-4
- Multibacillary leprosy: Bedaquiline with rifampicin and clofazimine (LIGHT). Phase 3, Johnson & Johnson. Under way since January 2025. Full title: A Phase 3, Multicenter, Open-label, Rater-blind, Active-controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Bedaquiline for the Treatment of Multibacillary Leprosy When Combined With Rifampicin and Clofazimine [LIGHT]. https://aayushgupta.co/trials/light-bedaquiline-multibacillary-leprosy
- Atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata and vitiligo: Immuno-dermatology disease registry. Registry, Pfizer. Started March 2025, completed. Full title: An Immuno-Dermatological Disease Registry to Understand the Burden of Atopic Dermatitis (AD), Alopecia Areata (AA), and Vitiligo in Indian Patients. https://aayushgupta.co/trials/immuno-dermatology-disease-registry

## Research grants (extramural; total ₹7.5 crore in total, including a ₹50 lakh seed fund for Qtanea Solutions)
- Skin cell homeostasis. CSIR-IGIB, ₹4.5 lakh. Principal investigator · 2015 to 2017, completed. https://aayushgupta.co/grants/skin-cell-homeostasis
- Portable fluorescence dermascope to identify the pathogens of skin infection. Adiuvo Diagnostics, ₹3.5 lakh. Principal investigator · 2019, completed. https://aayushgupta.co/grants/fluorescence-dermascope-skin-infection
- Topical transglutaminase-1 nanocomplex for enzyme replacement in autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. ICMR, ₹67.8 lakh. Principal investigator, with CSIR-IGIB · 2019 to 2021, completed. https://aayushgupta.co/grants/tgm1-nanocomplex-congenital-ichthyosis
- Melanocyte and fibroblast cross-talk in keloids. IADVL, ₹5 lakh. Principal investigator · Since 2021, ongoing. https://aayushgupta.co/grants/keloid-melanocyte-fibroblast-crosstalk
- Fully automated device that sprays a sterile bioscaffold carrying the patient’s own cells. DBT, ₹85.5 lakh. Principal investigator, with CSIR-IGIB and BITS Pilani · Since 2023, ongoing. https://aayushgupta.co/grants/automated-autologous-cell-bioscaffold-spray
- Switchable bispecific BCMA/CD19 CAR-T cell therapy for refractory systemic lupus erythematosus. ANRF, ₹3 crore. Principal investigator, with IIT Kanpur · Since December 2025, ongoing. https://aayushgupta.co/grants/bispecific-car-t-lupus
- Immune-competent 3D human skin model of vitiligo. ANRF, ₹77 lakh. Joint principal investigator with Dr Rohit Kothari, with CSIR-IGIB · Since December 2025, ongoing. https://aayushgupta.co/grants/immune-competent-3d-skin-model-vitiligo
- Skin-on-Chip for screening cosmetic endocrine disruptors relevant to PCOS. ICMR, ₹85 lakh. Joint principal investigator with Dr Roopesh Rai · Since September 2026, ongoing. https://aayushgupta.co/grants/skin-on-chip-endocrine-disruptors-pcos
- Non-viral TGM1 delivery validated in a TGM1-deficient 3D human skin model. DBT, ₹70.82 lakh. Principal investigator, with CSIR-IGIB · Starts December 2026. https://aayushgupta.co/grants/non-viral-tgm1-delivery-3d-skin-model
- Seed fund for Qtanea Solutions, ₹50 lakh.

## Research
- Imaging and diagnostics (Above the skin surface): A point-of-care multispectral imaging device with artificial intelligence was tested against standard care for leg ulcers in leprosy in a within-person randomised pilot trial. A real-time fluorescence imaging device guided antibiotic treatment in superficial skin infections, and a handheld screening device detects skin and soft tissue infections. He holds a United States patent and two Indian patents, assigned to Adiuvo Diagnostics, on devices and systems that detect pathogens and other cells. https://aayushgupta.co/research/imaging-and-diagnostics
- Ichthyosis and genodermatoses (Stratum corneum): Severe autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis carries a heavy psychosocial burden for patients and families, and secukinumab reduced its inflammation but improved scaling only mildly. His group contributed to IndiGenomes, a resource of genetic variants from over 1,000 Indian genomes, and uses whole exome sequencing to diagnose rare genodermatoses. An ICMR grant funded a topical transglutaminase-1 nanocomplex for enzyme replacement, and a DBT grant starting in December 2026 will test non-viral delivery in a TGM1-deficient 3D human skin model. https://aayushgupta.co/research/ichthyosis-and-genodermatoses
- Vitiligo and pigment biology (Basal layer and melanocytes): Vitiligo skin carries a lower ultraviolet signature than non-melanoma skin cancers, and its epidermis shows a strong anti-skin cancer signature in miRNA networks. The long noncoding RNA MALAT1 and the microRNA miR-31-5p both protect melanin-deficient vitiligo keratinocytes against ultraviolet damage to DNA. An ANRF grant now funds an immune-competent 3D human skin model of vitiligo. https://aayushgupta.co/research/vitiligo-and-pigment-biology
- Procedures and pain (Epidermis and dermis): In a split-lesion study, vibration-assisted anaesthesia reduced pain during dermatologic procedures, and Qtanea Solutions now makes the vibration device, Vybe. Fractional CO2 laser delivery of topical corticosteroids hastened resolution of plaque sarcoidosis, and a laser technique has been applied to the upper airway to treat habitual snoring. Other papers compare platelet-rich plasma with microneedling for androgenetic alopecia. https://aayushgupta.co/research/procedures-and-pain
- Leprosy and infection (Dermal nerves): He is the principal investigator at Dr. D.Y. Patil on LIGHT, a Phase 3 Johnson & Johnson trial of bedaquiline in multibacillary leprosy, and on a Phase 0 study of plasma PGL-I for treatment monitoring. His clinical papers cover leprosy, the differential diagnosis of leonine facies, scrofuloderma and nodular secondary syphilis with granulomatous inflammation. https://aayushgupta.co/research/leprosy-and-infection
- Wound healing and tissue engineering (Dermis): The Bioprinting Laboratory develops injectable granular hydrogels that combine extracellular-matrix mimicry with microporosity for skin tissue engineering. A DBT grant funds an automated spray device for autologous cell-grafted bioscaffolds. In vitiligo skin, miR-21-5p delays wound healing by regulating PDCD4 and Maspin. https://aayushgupta.co/research/wound-healing-and-tissue-engineering
- Quality of life (The whole patient): In leprosy, internalised stigma rather than disability drives the loss of quality of life. His group has related quality of life to clinical severity in vitiligo, acne, melasma and keloids, and measured the psychosocial impact of severe congenital ichthyosis. https://aayushgupta.co/research/quality-of-life

## Inventions
- Vybe (Qtanea Solutions): Vybe vibrates the skin during an injection so that the patient feels less pain. In a split-lesion study published in Dermatologic Surgery, vibration-assisted anaesthesia reduced pain during dermatologic procedures. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000004850
- OpenScholar (Qtanea Solutions): OpenScholar, also known as RIMS, is the research information platform Qtanea Solutions makes for universities. It imports every paper from PubMed and ORCID, tracks h-index and citations, and prepares the publication figures used for NIRF and QS rankings. Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth runs its research reporting on it. https://openscholar.in
- Scaffolds for skin repair (Bioprinting Laboratory): The laboratory develops injectable granular hydrogels for skin tissue engineering. A DBT grant funds an automated device that sprays a bioscaffold carrying the patient's own cells. https://doi.org/10.1039/d6bm00379f

## Patents
- US 11,523,738 (United States): Device and method for detection and classification of pathogens. Patentee: Adiuvo Diagnostics Pvt Ltd. PCT filed 22 March 2018; granted 13 December 2022. https://aayushgupta.co/patents/us-11-523-738
- IN 323440 (India): A device and a system for detection of time-dependent multi-spectral fluorescence response of pathogens. Patentee: Adiuvo Diagnostics Private Limited. Filed 22 March 2017; granted 22 October 2019. https://aayushgupta.co/patents/in-323440
- IN 564943 (India): Systems and methods for detection of cellular entities. Patentee: Adiuvo Diagnostics Private Limited. Filed 1 November 2022; granted 4 April 2025. https://aayushgupta.co/patents/in-564943
- IN 559407 (India): A cutaneous punch biopsy instrument with an attached base cutter and a tissue retention system. Patentee: Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune. Filed 22 October 2020; granted 31 January 2025. https://aayushgupta.co/patents/in-559407
- IN 499691 (India): A pain abating device. Patentee: Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth and Qtanea Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Filed 25 March 2022; granted 16 January 2024. https://aayushgupta.co/patents/in-499691

## Papers (102)
- When biologics fail: Tofacitinib-induced remission in a child with severe, genetically ambiguous psoriasis. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2026. doi:10.25259/ijdvl_1055_2025
- Port-wine capillary malformation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2026.09.005
- Measuring the composition and availability of human resources for health by sex in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2023, and workforce gaps for universal health coverage: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. The Lancet Public Health, 2026. doi:10.1016/s2468-2667(26)00145-3
- Comment on Case Series of Kaposi’s Varicelliform Eruption Associated with Underlying Primary Dermatoses. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2026. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_858_25
- Nevus of Ota. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2026.08.038
- Global, regional, and national burden of HIV/AIDS, 1990–2023, with the estimated burden attributable to intimate partner violence and forecasted impacts of funding cuts through 2030: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. The Lancet HIV, 2026. doi:10.1016/s2352-3018(26)00147-5
- Decoding biological drug names in dermatology: The post-2022 WHO nomenclature revision and its implications for clinical practice. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2026.07.093
- Co-Occurrence of En Coup de Sabre, Parry-Romberg Syndrome, and Hemimasticatory Spasm: A Case Report. Case Reports in Dermatology, 2026. doi:10.1159/000551986
- microRNA miR-31-5p confers protection to melanin-deficient vitiligo keratinocytes against UV-B induced DNA damage by activating autophagy machinery. Scientific Reports, 2026. doi:10.1038/s41598-026-53841-5
- Revisiting Leonine Facies: Toward More Inclusive Differential Diagnoses. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2026. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_890_25
- Internalized stigma, not disability, drives quality‐of‐life loss in leprosy: A structural analysis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2026. doi:10.1111/jdv.70436
- Multifocal Pyoderma Gangrenosum Complicated by Multiple Organ Dysfunction. Scopus record, 2026. Scopus 2-s2.0-105034124862
- Ectopic acanthosis nigricans at a post-syndactyly surgical site: An unusual reactive epidermal phenomenon. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2026. doi:10.25259/jcas_267_2025
- Bioorthogonally reinforced injectable granular hydrogels synergizing ECM mimicry with microporosity for skin tissue engineering. Biomaterials Science, 2026. doi:10.1039/d6bm00379f
- Laser-Based Rejuvenation of the Upper Airway: A Novel Non-Surgical Approach to Habitual Snoring. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 2026. doi:10.34172/jlms.51118
- Familial Woolly Hair. Annals of African Medicine, 2025. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_223_25
- Intertriginous Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica: An Atypical Presentation. Annals of African Medicine, 2025. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_336_25
- Minimal erythema dose variability in Indian skin: clinical implications across pigmentary and inflammatory dermatoses. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2025. doi:10.1093/ced/llaf440
- Disrupted cholesterol biosynthesis and hair follicle stem cell impairment in the onset of alopecia. PLoS ONE, 2025. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0308455
- Vibration-Assisted Anesthesia Reduces Pain in Dermatologic Procedures: A Split-Lesion Study. Dermatologic Surgery, 2025. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000004850
- A Within-Person Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Evaluate the Ability of a Point-of-Care Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Multispectral Imaging Device to Manage Leg Ulcers in Leprosy. Advances in Skin & Wound Care, 2025. doi:10.1097/ASW.0000000000000349
- Levetiracetam-Aggravated Severe Treatment-Resistant Acne. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2025. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_935_24
- A Curious Case of Acute Fever with Vesicular Rash in an Infant. Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology, 2025. doi:10.4103/ijpd.ijpd_40_25
- Comparative study of platelet rich plasma therapy versus microneedling as a treatment modality for androgenetic alopecia. IP Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2025. doi:10.18231/j.ijced.2025.032
- Amoxicillin-clavulanic Acid and Trimethoprim/ Sulphamethoxazole Combination Therapy for Actinomycetoma in an Elderly Farmer: A Case Report. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2025. doi:10.7860/jcdr/2025/78910.20959
- T cells promote distinct transcriptional programs of cutaneous inflammatory disease in keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2025.03.033
- Borderline Tuberculoid Leprosy. JEADV Clinical Practice, 2025. doi:10.1002/jvc2.70028
- Scrofuloderma in a 27-year-old woman. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2025. doi:10.1503/cmaj.241407
- Decoding the Lichenoid Riddle of Red Tattoos. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2025. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_109_24
- Dermoscopy: Solving the diagnostic puzzle in vulvar vestibular papillomatosis. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, 2025. doi:10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_110_24
- Body Focused Repetitive Behavior at an Unusual Site and in an Unusual Pattern - Symmetrical Trichotillomania. International Journal of Trichology, 2025. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_95_23
- Unusual Co-occurrence of Primary Anetoderma and Isolated Facial Angiofibromas: A Report of Two Cases. Annals of African Medicine, 2025. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_446_25
- Stem cell factor-mediated upregulation of SIRT1 protects melanin-deprived keratinocytes against UV-induced DNA damage in individuals with vitiligo. The FASEB Journal, 2024. doi:10.1096/fj.202400550R
- Addressing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in a Case of Concurrent Tinea and Plaque Psoriasis. Case Reports in Dermatology, 2024. doi:10.1159/000542483
- Meta‐analysis reveals a lower ‘UV signature’ in vitiligo skin compared to non‐melanoma skin cancers. Experimental Dermatology, 2024. doi:10.1111/exd.15164
- A Rapid and Scalable Multiplex PCR-Based Next-Generation Amplicon Sequencing Method for Familial Hypercholesterolemia Genetic Screening. The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine, 2024. doi:10.1093/jalm/jfae089
- Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Presenting Feature of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Cureus, 2024. doi:10.7759/cureus.64288
- Trends in Inpatient Dermatology and The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic at A Tertiary Care Facility in Western India. National Journal of Community Medicine, 2024. doi:10.55489/njcm.150720243911
- A Rapid Point-of-care Fluorescence Imaging Device Helps Prevent Graft Rejection Post Modified Radical Mastectomy. Journal of Global Infectious Diseases, 2024. doi:10.4103/jgid.jgid_148_23
- Cutaneous Granulomatous Reaction Secondary to Mesotherapy. Dermatitis, 2024. doi:10.1089/derm.2023.0358
- Chloracne. JAMA Dermatology, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.0928
- Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia with xanthomas and a recurrent mutation. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2024. doi:10.25259/IJDVL_980_2023
- Occurrence of Bullous Pemphigoid in a Longstanding Case of Rheumatoid Arthritis in an Indian Patient: A Rare Association. Cureus, 2024. doi:10.7759/cureus.59226
- Dermoscopic Correlation of an Eccentric Case of Kindler Syndrome. Cureus, 2024. doi:10.7759/cureus.58433
- Leprosy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2024.04.019
- Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on healthcare workers in a Tertiary Healthcare Center in India: a cross sectional study. Scientific Reports, 2024. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50317-8
- Vitiligo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.040
- Psychosocial impact of severe autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. British Journal of Dermatology, 2023. doi:10.1093/bjd/ljad456
- Fractional CO2 laser-induced delivery of topical corticosteroids hastens resolution of localized plaque sarcoidosis. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2023. doi:10.4103/jcas.jcas_68_22
- Mucormycosis: An Addendum to India’s COVID-19 Woes. Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, 2023. doi:10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_857_22
- Acral Persistent Papular Mucinosis with Lichenoid Drug Reaction due to Isotretinoin on Background of Dyschromatosis Universalis Hereditaria. Clinical Dermatology Review, 2023. doi:10.4103/cdr.cdr_33_22
- A case of incomplete Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome with schizophrenia and global cerebral atrophy. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 2023. doi:10.4103/ipj.ipj_240_21
- Whole-Exome Sequencing of Vitiligo Lesions Indicates Lower Burden of Somatic Variations: Implications in Risk for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2022. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2022.11.018
- Genome-wide profiling reveals pervasive transcriptional alterations in fibroblasts derived from lesional skin in vitiligo including a reduced potential to proliferate. Experimental Dermatology, 2022. doi:10.1111/exd.14702
- Secukinumab significantly reduces inflammation but only mildly improves scaling in four cases of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2022. doi:10.1111/ced.15373
- Quality-of-life of people with keloids and its correlation with clinical severity and demographic profiles. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2022. doi:10.1111/wrr.13015
- Deoxycholic Acid Injection in the Management of Difficult-to-Remove Subcutaneous Lipomas. Dermatologic Surgery, 2022. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003343
- Trichotillomania. Scopus record, 2022. Scopus 2-s2.0-85131075787
- Nodular secondary syphilis with granulomatous inflammation. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, 2022. doi:10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_91_21
- Erythema multiforme after Covishield/ChAdOx1 vaccination. Dermatologic Therapy, 2021. doi:10.1111/dth.15289
- Genetic epidemiology of autoinflammatory disease variants in Indian population from 1029 whole genomes. Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 2021. doi:10.1186/s43141-021-00268-2
- Differential regulation of miR-21-5p delays wound healing of melanocyte-deprived vitiligo skin by modulating the expression of tumor-suppressors PDCD4 and Maspin. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 2021. doi:10.1002/jcp.30614
- SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infection following a previous infection in a healthcare worker. Journal of Infection, 2021. doi:10.1016/j.jinf.2021.10.008
- Plexiform Neurofibromatosis. Scopus record, 2021. Scopus 2-s2.0-85131199223
- Pharmacogenomic Landscape of Covid-19 Therapies From Indian Population Genomes. Pharmacogenomics, 2021. doi:10.2217/pgs-2021-0028
- Integrated analysis of miRNA‐mRNA networks reveals a strong anti‐skin cancer signature in vitiligo epidermis. Experimental Dermatology, 2021. doi:10.1111/exd.14317
- Utility of a real-time fluorescence imaging device in guiding antibiotic treatment in superficial skin infections. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2021. doi:10.25259/ijdvl_856_19
- The long noncoding RNA MALAT1 suppresses miR‐211 to confer protection from ultraviolet‐mediated DNA damage in vitiligo epidermis by upregulating sirtuin 1. British Journal of Dermatology, 2020. doi:10.1111/bjd.19666
- IndiGenomes: a comprehensive resource of genetic variants from over 1000 Indian genomes. Nucleic Acids Research, 2020. doi:10.1093/nar/gkaa923
- Rapid handheld screening device to detect skin and soft tissue infections. Proceedings of SPIE, 2020. doi:10.1117/12.2546404
- Lesional skin in vitiligo exhibits delayed in vivo reepithelialization compared to the nonlesional skin. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2020. doi:10.1111/wrr.12798
- Intralesional rituximab salvages refractory scalp lesions in a case of pemphigus vulgaris. Dermatologic Therapy, 2019. doi:10.1111/dth.13154
- Genomics of rare genetic diseases: experiences from India. Human Genomics, 2019. doi:10.1186/s40246-019-0215-5
- Improvement in the quality of life of a patient of ectodermal dysplasia with reconstructive surgeries. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019. doi:10.4103/jcas.jcas_17_19
- Clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological findings in a case of Favre Racouchot syndrome. Scopus record, 2018. Scopus 2-s2.0-85103204895
- A case of primary essential Cutis verticis gyrata. Scopus record, 2018. Scopus 2-s2.0-85103191133
- Hand eczema in nurses, nursing auxiliaries and cleaners: A cross‐sectional study from a tertiary hospital in western India. Contact Dermatitis, 2018. doi:10.1111/cod.13009
- Correlating impairment of quality of life and severity of melasma: A cross-sectional study of 141 patients. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2018. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_10_17
- Giant molluscum contagiosum unmasked probably during an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, 2018. doi:10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_60_16
- Acquired angiokeratomas of the vulva. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, 2018. doi:10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_50_16
- Mapping architectural and transcriptional alterations in non-lesional and lesional epidermis in vitiligo. Scientific Reports, 2017. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-10253-w
- Four cases of recalcitrant pemphigus vulgaris salvaged with rituximab. Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University, 2017. doi:10.4103/0975-2870.197895
- Association of dermatoses with duration and quantum of alcohol intake: A comparative cross-sectional study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2017. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_348_16
- Quality of life in vitiligo: Relationship to clinical severity and demographic data. Pigment International, 2017. doi:10.4103/2349-5847.219684
- Prevalence of metabolic syndrome as per the NCEP and IDF definitions vis-a-vis severity and duration of psoriasis in a semi-urban Maharashtrian population: A case control study. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome, 2016. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2016.01.033
- Lingering immune dysregulation of inflammatory dermatoses, particularly psoriasis, probably drives metabolic syndrome culminating in cardiovascular damage and needs preventive public health guidelines as well as comprehensive management. Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University, 2016. doi:10.4103/0975-2870.177653
- Some other serendipitous discoveries in dermatology. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2016. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.174045
- Measuring severity of acne vulgaris and impairment in quality of life of its patients and aiming for their concomitant reduction facilitates comprehensive management. Journal of Health Research and Reviews, 2016. doi:10.4103/2394-2010.193186
- Occupational contact dermatitis caused by dimethylformamide. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2016. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.190501
- Quality of life in acne vulgaris: Relationship to clinical severity and demographic data. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2016. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.173593
- Severe recalcitrant psoriasis treated with itolizumab, a novel anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2016. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.181466
- The use of chalazion clamps to create adequate sustained pressure for slit skin smear. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2015. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.069
- Three cases of suspected chloracne in a family from Pune. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2015. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.162348
- Case Report: Whole exome sequencing helps in accurate molecular diagnosis in siblings with a rare co-occurrence of paternally inherited 22q12 duplication and autosomal recessive non-syndromic ichthyosis. F1000Research, 2015. doi:10.12688/f1000research.6779.1
- Whole‐exome sequencing solves diagnostic dilemma in a rare case of sporadic acrokeratosis verruciformis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2015. doi:10.1111/jdv.12983
- Pemphigus foliaceus occurring with adenocarcinoma of prostate. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2015. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.162332
- Cultural adaptation of the Cardiff Acne Disability Index to a hindi speaking population: A pilot study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2015. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.160504
- "Giant" tuberous xanthomas in a 9-year-old child with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology, 2015. doi:10.4103/2319-7250.165673
- Ultrastructural Investigations in an Autosomal Recessively Inherited Case of Dyschromatosis Universalis Hereditaria. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 2014. doi:10.2340/00015555-2030
- Becker nevus syndrome; probably the first report of concurrent acrally located congenital BN, soft tissue hypertrophy and fused carpal bones. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2014. doi:10.1111/jdv.12695
- Human demodex mite: The versatile mite of dermatological importance. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2014. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.131416
- An unusual pattern of alopecia areata. International Journal of Trichology, 2014. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.142893

## Most cited
- IndiGenomes: a comprehensive resource of genetic variants from over 1,000 Indian genomes. Nucleic Acids Research, 2020. 134 citations. https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaa923
- Genomics of rare genetic diseases: experiences from India. Human Genomics, 2019. 72 citations. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40246-019-0215-5
- Quality of life in acne vulgaris: relationship to clinical severity and demographic data. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2016. 68 citations. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.173593

## Talks and conferences
- Lecture on SIRT1, vitiligo and skin cancer (NAMSCON 2022 · Jaipur)
- Award at the 62nd annual conference of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMSCON 2022 · Jaipur)
- Honoured at ROOTS-VIII, the national conference on laser and aesthetic dermatology (June 2025 · Pune)
- Hands-on workshop at ROOTS-VIII (June 2025 · Pune)
- Opening of ROOTS-VIII (June 2025 · Pune)
- At the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 (November 2025 · Korea University, Seoul)
- With colleagues at the QS summit (November 2025 · Korea University, Seoul)

## In the media
- TLC UK · Body Bizarre: featured as the treating dermatologist. Interviewed on camera about the case. https://youtu.be/NTyQJcBWKf4
- MedTech Innovator · Adiuvo Diagnostics: featured as the treating dermatologist. Interviewed on camera for Adiuvo's film. https://youtu.be/S8xe1Oq1Mco

## Explainer films
- क्या आपको आधा SPF भी मिल रहा है? (Hindi, 2026-10-26): Zyadatar log utni sunscreen ki aadhi lagate hain jitni SPF test mein use hoti hai, ya usse bhi kam. Yeh film dikhati hai ki itni patli layer tube par likhe protection ko kitna ghatati hai. SPF test mein skin ke har square centimetre par 2 mg cream lagayi jati hai. Aadhi cream lagane par SPF zyada se zyada lagbhag aadha rehta hai, aur kai studies mein isse kaafi kam mila. Ooncha SPF is kami ka kuch hissa bharta hai, par sirf wahin jahan cream lagi ho. Film ke aakhir mein chehre aur gardan ke liye kitni cream lagani hai, aur apni tube jaanchne ka ek aasaan tareeka hai. https://aayushgupta.co/explainers/spf-hindi
- What SPF 30 Really Means (English, 2026-10-24): Deep in your skin, millions of cells hold a small cap of melanin over their DNA, and this film shows what that natural sunscreen can and cannot do. It follows melanin from the pigment cells that make it to the cap each skin cell holds on its sun-facing side, explains why a tan arrives only after the DNA has already been damaged and why it adds little protection, and then shows how SPF is measured in a laboratory, what SPF 15, 30 and 50 let through, and which second mark on the tube covers UVA. https://aayushgupta.co/explainers/what-spf-30-really-means
- SPF 30 का असल मतलब क्या है? (Hindi, 2026-10-19): Aapki skin ke andar lakhon cells apne DNA ke upar melanin ka ek chhota sa umbrella pakde hue hain. Yeh film dikhati hai ki yeh natural sunscreen kya kar sakta hai aur kya nahi: melanin kahan banta hai, har cell use dhoop wali taraf cap ki tarah kaise pehenta hai, tanning der se kyun hoti hai aur kam kyun bachati hai, aur lab mein SPF kaise naapte hain, SPF 15, 30 aur 50 kitni rays andar aane dete hain, aur UVA ke liye tube par doosra nishaan kaun sa hai. https://aayushgupta.co/explainers/spf-30-hindi
- Is Your ‘Magic Cream’ Secretly a Steroid? (English, 2026-10-14): A cream can clear the redness on your face quickly, and yet the redness may come back stronger once the tube runs out. This film explains why, by following four effects of a topical steroid on the skin: calming inflammation, narrowing blood vessels, quieting the skin's immune defences, and thinning the skin. It also shows how dependence on the cream can develop and how the ingredient names on a tube label identify a steroid. https://aayushgupta.co/explainers/is-your-magic-cream-secretly-a-steroid
- आपकी 'मैजिक क्रीम' में स्टेरॉयड तो नहीं? (Hindi, 2026-10-12): Chehre ki redness jaldi saaf kar dene wali cream se redness wapas kyun aati hai? Yeh film topical steroid ke chaar asar samjhati hai: inflammation shant karna, blood vessels sikodna, skin ke immune guards ko sust karna, aur skin ko patli karna. Isme yeh bhi dikhaya gaya hai ki cream par dependence kaise ban sakti hai aur tube ke label ke naam se steroid kaise pehchana jaata hai. https://aayushgupta.co/explainers/is-your-magic-cream-secretly-a-steroid/hindi

## Advisory work
- Dr Gupta takes on expert calls, advisory board seats and reviews of trial protocols and devices for companies, investors and universities. Write to aayushggupta@gmail.com or use the form.
- Dermatology drugs: biologics, oral targeted therapies and non-steroidal topicals
- Design and conduct of clinical trials at Indian sites
- Dermatology devices, diagnostics and imaging with artificial intelligence
- Rare genodermatoses and genomics
- Research information systems for universities

## Pages
- [Home page](https://aayushgupta.co/): the full profile, with department, equipment, research, trials, grants, inventions, publications and record.
- [Curriculum vitae](https://aayushgupta.co/cv): positions, awards, memberships, and every trial, grant and patent.
- [Publications](https://aayushgupta.co/publications): all 102 papers with journal, year and DOI.
- [Clinical trials](https://aayushgupta.co/trials): 7 industry studies with sponsor, phase and status.
- [Research grants](https://aayushgupta.co/grants): 9 extramural grants with funder, amount and dates.
- [Patents](https://aayushgupta.co/patents): 5 patents in India and the United States.
- [Research programmes](https://aayushgupta.co/research): all seven programmes with their papers, trials and grants.
- [Imaging and diagnostics](https://aayushgupta.co/research/imaging-and-diagnostics): above the skin surface; papers, trials and grants in this area.
- [Ichthyosis and genodermatoses](https://aayushgupta.co/research/ichthyosis-and-genodermatoses): stratum corneum; papers, trials and grants in this area.
- [Vitiligo and pigment biology](https://aayushgupta.co/research/vitiligo-and-pigment-biology): basal layer and melanocytes; papers, trials and grants in this area.
- [Procedures and pain](https://aayushgupta.co/research/procedures-and-pain): epidermis and dermis; papers, trials and grants in this area.
- [Leprosy and infection](https://aayushgupta.co/research/leprosy-and-infection): dermal nerves; papers, trials and grants in this area.
- [Wound healing and tissue engineering](https://aayushgupta.co/research/wound-healing-and-tissue-engineering): dermis; papers, trials and grants in this area.
- [Quality of life](https://aayushgupta.co/research/quality-of-life): the whole patient; papers, trials and grants in this area.
- [Explainer films](https://aayushgupta.co/explainers): 4 short animated films on skin, in English and Hindi, checked and approved by Dr Aayush Gupta.
- [Full fact sheet](https://aayushgupta.co/llms-full.txt): every fact on the site in plain text.

## Questions
Q: Who is Aayush Gupta?
A: Aayush Gupta is Professor and Head of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune. He is Director of Strategic Initiatives at the medical college, heads the Bioprinting Laboratory of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth and directs the MD dermatology residency programme. He founded Qtanea Solutions Private Limited, which makes Vybe, a vibratory anaesthesia device, and OpenScholar, a research information platform for universities, and he holds five patents in India and the United States. He has published 102 papers, is principal investigator on seven industry clinical trials and has raised nearly ₹7.5 crore for research, made up of nine extramural research grants and a ₹50 lakh seed fund for his company Qtanea Solutions. His research covers vitiligo, ichthyosis and other genodermatoses, leprosy, wound healing and imaging with artificial intelligence.

Q: What is Vybe?
A: Vybe is a vibratory anaesthesia device made by Qtanea Solutions, the company Dr Gupta founded. It vibrates the skin during an injection so that the patient feels less pain. In a split-lesion study published in Dermatologic Surgery, vibration-assisted anaesthesia reduced pain during dermatologic procedures.

Q: What is OpenScholar?
A: OpenScholar, also known as RIMS, is a research information platform made by Qtanea Solutions, the company Dr Gupta founded. It imports a university's papers from PubMed and ORCID, tracks h-index and citations, builds a profile page for each researcher and prepares the publication figures used for NIRF and QS rankings. Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth runs its research reporting on OpenScholar.

Q: Which patents does he hold?
A: Dr Gupta holds five granted patents. Three of them, US 11,523,738 and Indian patents 323440 and 564943, are assigned to Adiuvo Diagnostics and protect devices that detect pathogens and other cells. Indian patent 559407 protects a punch biopsy instrument, and Indian patent 499691 protects the pain-abating device on which Vybe is built.

Q: Which clinical trials is Dr Gupta running?
A: Dr Gupta is the principal investigator on seven industry studies at Dr. D.Y. Patil. LIGHT, a Phase 3 Johnson & Johnson trial of bedaquiline in multibacillary leprosy, has been under way since January 2025, and a Pfizer registry of atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata and vitiligo is complete. Four studies open in October and November 2026: a Phase 0 Johnson & Johnson study of plasma PGL-I in leprosy, a Phase 2 study of topical AB1001 in vitiligo for Ahammune Biosciences, an observational study of H-Vit hair serum for Systopic Laboratories and a Phase 4 study of guselkumab in psoriasis for Johnson & Johnson. A Sun Pharma trial of deuruxolitinib in adolescents with severe alopecia areata awaits DCGI approval.

Q: Which research grants does Dr Gupta hold?
A: Dr Gupta has raised nearly ₹7.5 crore for research, made up of nine extramural research projects and a ₹50 lakh seed fund for Qtanea Solutions. The largest is a ₹3 crore Anusandhan National Research Foundation grant, with IIT Kanpur, to develop switchable bispecific BCMA/CD19 CAR-T cell therapy for refractory systemic lupus erythematosus. DBT funds an automated device that sprays a bioscaffold carrying the patient's own cells, and a second DBT grant from December 2026 will test non-viral transglutaminase-1 delivery for congenital ichthyosis. ICMR funds a Skin-on-Chip platform for cosmetic endocrine disruptors, and ANRF funds an immune-competent 3D skin model of vitiligo. Earlier grants came from ICMR, CSIR-IGIB, IADVL and Adiuvo Diagnostics.

Q: When is the dermatology clinic at Dr. D.Y. Patil open?
A: The outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre in Pimpri, Pune, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. The department has fifteen faculty and forty-five residents and performs about 820 procedures a month.

Q: Does he take advisory work?
A: Yes. He advises companies, investors and universities on dermatology drugs, clinical trials at Indian sites, dermatology devices and diagnostics, rare genodermatoses and research information systems. Enquiries can be sent through the form on this page.