Upadacitinib may provide additional health benefits, including reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). That’s according to a May Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD) study that made news in Dermatology Times. The study, “Is Upadacitinib Cardioprotective in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases? A Review of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Venous Thromboembolism in Atopic Dermatitis,” was conducted by dermatology researchers from across the country. Researchers conducted a literature review to identify studies reporting MACE and VTE rates in people with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Five-year incidence rates in patients treated with upadacitinib were obtained from clinical trials. A comparison showed those treated with upadacitinib showed lower rates of MACE (15 mg: 0.2 per 100 patient years; 30 mg: <0.1 per 100 patient years) compared with general atopic dermatitis populations (0.3 to 1.2 per 100 patient years). Rates of VTE in patients treated with upadacitinib were also lower (0.1 per 100 patient years) compared to atopic dermatitis populations (0.1 to 0.3 per 100 patient years). The authors recommend further studies to confirm the impact of upadacitinib on cardiovascular disease and thrombosis, and explore how JAK1 inhibition impacts cardiovascular health.
A survey showed nearly three-quarters of hidradenitis suppurativa patients are unaware of FDA-approved treatments. The survey results were published in the April JDD study, “The State of the Clinical Management Union: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Persons With Hidradenitis Suppurativa,” and discussed in Managed Healthcare Executive. Researchers from GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences created a survey for the adult participants on the HSconnect.org listserv. Less than one-fifth of the more than 400 respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with current treatment options. More than half (56%) reported that their dermatologist or healthcare provider had not discussed FDA-approved treatment options with them. Of respondents who self-reported a disease severity of Hurley stage II or III, only 39% were being treated with biologics and/or hormone therapy (26%). The authors note that these results show undertreatment according to the current treatment guidelines, and future studies should utilize enhanced communication strategies to address these gaps in care and misinformation.
An April JDD study showed increasing representation of Black and Asian adults in atopic dermatitis clinical trials. The study, “Racial and Ethnic Representation in Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Trials,” was conducted by researchers in the U.S. and West Indies and reported by Healio. Researchers analyzed race and ethnicity data from 68 completed atopic dermatitis trials that were posted on clinicaltrials.gov from 2019 to May 13, 2024. Sixty-five percent of clinical trial participants identified as White, 17% identified as Asian, 13% identified as Black or African American, 0.5% identified as American Indian or Alaskan Native, 0.4% identified as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 1% identified as more than one race. Only 11% of the clinical trial population identified as Hispanic or Latino, which showed underrepresentation. The authors note the importance of diverse representation in atopic dermatitis clinical trials to ensure health equity, especially since atopic dermatitis has a higher prevalence in populations with skin of color.
