Research - Sinclair Dermatology

Dermatology Investigational Research, Education and Clinical Trials (DIRECT)

Based in Melbourne, DIRECT is Australia’s largest dedicated dermatology research and clinical trials centre.

Our Focus

Clinical Education

DIRECT offers free, RACGP-accredited dermatology courses and workshops designed specifically for GPs and other healthcare professionals.

Research & Registries

DIRECT conducts research studies on a wide range of skin and hair conditions and serves as a main site for several global registries.

Clinical Trials

DIRECT collaborates with pharmaceutical companies to investigate new treatments in a broad range of hair, skin, and nail conditions.

Recent Publications

Professor Sinclair is one of the most highly-cited clinical and research dermatologists in Australia and has personally contributed to more than 500 research publications including 7 textbooks to date.

Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Initiation for Patients with Hair Loss

The Alopecia Areata Severity and Morbidity Index (ASAMI) StudyResults From a Global Expert Consensus Exercise on Determinants of Alopecia Areata Severity

Secukinumab in moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (SUNSHINE and SUNRISE): week 16 and week 52 results of two identical, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 3 trials

Cross-sectional burden-of-illness study in atopic dermatitis (MEASURE-AD) in Australia and New Zealand reveals impacts on well-being

Long-term efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with severe alopecia areata: 104-week results from BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2

Real-world effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib for alopecia areata: A retrospective cohort study of 202 patients

Efficacy and safety of ligelizumab in adults and adolescents with chronic spontaneous urticaria: results of two phase 3 randomised controlled trials

Trichodynia and telogen effluvium in COVID-19 patients: Results of an international expert opinion survey on diagnosis and management

Safety of low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss: A multicenter study of 1404 patients

Ritlecitinib (PF-06651600), an oral JAK3/TEC inhibitor, shows efficacy in patients with active nonsegmental vitiligo and either a lighter or darker Fitzpatrick skin type: results from a phase 2b, randomized, dose-ranging study with an extension period

Effect of gender-affirming hormone therapy on hair growth: a systematic review of the literature

Treatment of lichen planopilaris with baricitinib: A retrospective study

Painful bilateral gynaocomastia secondary to topical finasteride

Australian dermatologists' prescribing behaviours for female androgenetic alopecia

Our Team

The DIRECT research team is supported by operational members made up of Principal Investigators, Sub-Investigators, Research Fellows, Research Officers, and Research Assistants.

Dr. Daniella Kushnir-Grinbaum

Dr. John Frewen

Prof. Rodney Sinclair

Dr. Samantha Eisman

Dr. Bevin Bhoyrul

Laita Bokhari

Blake Smith

Dr. Meryl Thomas

Madeline Hankins

Dandy Wirapanduta

Dr. Nicole Yoong

Dr. Lucy O'Reilly