Advances in Dermatology Therapeutics: Key Insights from AAD 2025
Highlights include new data on roflumilast cream 0.15%, an investigational anti-OX40 ligand monoclonal antibody, and more.
Tapinarof Cream 1% – Sustained Disease Control in AD: Analysis of the phase 3 ADORING 3 trial found that at the end of the treatment-free interval, 84% of participants had a vIGA-AD score of 2 (mild disease), with a mean EASI score of 3.4 and a mean weekly PP-NRS score of 2.9. More study details.
Ebglyss Monthly Maintenance Injection Leads to Clear Skin in 50% of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: The the ADjoin long-term extension trial assessed monthly maintenance injection of lebrikizumab in patients with AD found that 50% achieved EASI 100 or IGA 0 and 87% maintained EASI 90 at 3 years. More study details.
Investigational Anti-OX40L Antibody Amlitelimab – Sustained Itch Relief in AD: n a post hoc analysis of the STREAM-AD phase 2b study, 63% of patients with AD maintained itch reduction even after stopping amlitelimab use, suggesting a durable modification of the immune response contributing to chronic itch in AD. More study details.
OX40 Receptor Inhibitor Rocatinlimab Achieves Positive Results in ROCKET-Horizon Trial of AD: Participants experienced substantial skin clearance and symptom improvement with benefits sustained even after treatment discontinuation, suggesting disease-modifying potential. More study details.
Ruxolitinib Cream – Long-Term Disease Control in Atopic Dermatitis: As-needed treatment with 1.5% ruxolitinib cream provided sustained disease control in patients with mild to moderate AD, according to findings from the TRuE-AD1 and TRuE-AD2 studies. No days of itch were reported by 36.2% of patients at week 52, compared to 32.7% at week 8. More study details.
Zabalafin Hydrogel – Efficacy in Atopic Dermatitis, Including Bacterial Infection: Phase 2a trial results demonstrated significant improvements in itch, bacterial-associated flares (including MRSA infection), and inflammation, with zabalafin hydrogel, suggesting an option for single, comprehensive approach to manage AD across multiple disease stages. More study details.
Delgocitinib in CHE – Identifying Super Responders: Post-hoc analysis of the DELTA 1 and 2 phase 3 pivotal trials evaluated a subgroup of patients with treatment response meeting prespecified criteria for deep, consistent and/or maintained vs those treated with vehicle in the 2 trials. More study details.
Tildrakizumab Effective For Nail Psoriasis: The interleukin-23 inhibitor tildrakizumab was associated with significant improvement in Nail Psoriasis Severity Index scores as well with reduction in common features of the often recalcitrant disorder. More study details.
Roflumilast Foam 0.3% Effective for for Scalp & Body Psoriasis: Findings from the phase 3 ARRECTOR trial demonstrated once-daily use of roflumilast 0.3% foam among participants aged 12 and older was associated with significant improvements in pruritus and quality of life compared to those receiving vehicle to treat with scalp and body psoriasis. More study details.
Bimekizumab Demonstrates Sustained Efficacy in Plaque Psoriasis: Long-term data from the phase 3 BE BRIGHT extension clinical trial found that inhibition of IL-17A and -17F with bimekizumab led to high and sustained rates of complete skin clearance. More study details.
Real-World Data Reveals Insights on Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): Data from a longitudinal dermatology registry showed that odor severity is associated with worse disease outcomes, including poor quality of life and increased mental health burden. A second analysis reported significant delays in diagnosis and treatment and disparities among racial and ethnic groups in disease severity, insurance, and mental health. More study details.
Icotrokinra Shows Promise for Plaque Psoriasis (PsO) in Phase 3 Trial: The ICONIC-LEAD trial found significant skin clearance with icotrokinra vs placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe PsO, including IGA 0/1 among 65% vs 8% and PASI 90 among 50% vs 4%, respectively. More study details.
Ruxolitinib Cream 1.5% Shows Efficacy in Prurigo Nodularis: The topical JAK 1/2 inhibitor met the primary endpoint in the TRuE-PN1 trial with significant improvement seen with topical ruxolitinib vs vehicle; in TRuE-PN2, improvement was observed with the study drug but did not reach statistical significance. More study details.
Rocatinlimab – Significant Efficacy in Moderate-to-Severe AD
At the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, exciting advancements in dermatologic therapies were unveiled for a variety of skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and prurigo nodularis. This year’s highlights include promising results from late-stage clinical trials with novel oral, topical, and systemic treatments—such as phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor roflumilast cream 1% for refractory AD, OX40 inhibitor rocatinlimab for moderate-to-severe AD, and triple cytokine inhibitor bimekizumab for long-term plaque psoriasis control. In the slides above, Patient Care© Online breaks down the key clinical findings for primary care clinicians.
