Kevin D. Cooper

Kevin D. Cooper, MD, is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He also holds roles as Professor of Pathology and member of the Immune Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Cooper has dual affiliations with University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, where he serves as the Henri Pell Junod, Jr. Chair in Dermatology, and the Cleveland VA Hospital as a staff physician. His research focuses on inflammatory skin diseases, cutaneous lymphoma, photomedicine, and immunomodulatory therapies, supported by federal funding since 1986. He co-founded Fluence Therapeutics to develop novel photodynamic therapies and was pivotal in the FDA approval of a biologic for psoriasis treatment. Dr. Cooper has authored over 300 publications and serves as Director of the NIAMS Skin Diseases Research Center and the Murdough Family Center for Psoriasis.

Education & Training:

• MD, University of Florida College of Medicine
• Residency & Fellowship: Dermatology and Immunodermatology at Oregon Health & Science University and NIH

Research Interests: Dr. Cooper’s work spans psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, autoimmune conditions, and photomedicine. His lab investigates UV effects, immune pathways in skin diseases, and translational therapies. Key subfields include TLR7-induced inflammation in psoriasis and dermatological phototherapy protocols.

Industry Engagement: Co-inventor of a FDA-approved biologic for psoriasis and co-founder of Fluence Therapeutics. Engages in early-phase product development consulting for dermatological pharmaceuticals.

Awards & Leadership: Past President of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and Association of Professors of Dermatology. Recognized for mentorship and contributions to clinical and translational research.

Labs & Teams: Leads the NIAMS Skin Diseases Research Center and Murdough Family Center for Psoriasis, fostering collaborative research in skin immunobiology and translational medicine.