New JDD study examines a combined regimen for PIH in skin of color
The American Academy of Dermatology’s Annual Meeting is always a hubbub of the latest dermatology research. The following are some of the 2026 highlights:
Ixekizumab Plus Tirzepatide Outperforms Monotherapy in Psoriatic Arthritis, Obesity Results of the TOGETHER-PsA Phase 3b clinical trial show concurrent use of ixekizumab (Taltz) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) outperformed ixekizumab alone in adults with active psoriatic arthritis and obesity or overweight with at least one additional weight-related comorbid condition. As early as Week 4, psoriatic arthritis activity was more reduced in patients receiving both medications compared with ixekizumab alone even though clinically meaningful weight loss was not yet observed. The findings were also published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
“In TOGETHER-PsA, treating PsA and obesity concurrently with Taltz and Zepbound yielded meaningful, broad improvements in PsA disease activity, inflammation, and outcomes that can impact patients' daily lives, such as fatigue, disability and quality of life” said study author Philip Mease, MD, director of rheumatology research, Swedish Medical Center, and clinical professor at the University of Washington, Seattle.
GLP-1 Patient Interest in Facial Aesthetic Treatment
Allergan Aesthetics promoted results of a survey designed to understand the facial aesthetic concerns of patients using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss. The survey of healthcare professionals with experience treating these patients found nearly one-third (32%) of GLP-1 patients who seek facial aesthetic treatment are new to the practice. Cost (82%) and fear of unnatural results (58%) were the top two reported barriers to undergoing aesthetic treatment. Patients were predominately white (64%), female (70%), and 30-49 years of age (56%). Drs. Cheryl Burgess, Mona Sadeghpour, Deirdre Hooper, and Nazanin Ashourian were involved in the study.
High Rates of Complete Skin Clearance With Icotrokinra in Adults, Adolescents
Results of the ICONIC studies show icotrokinra (ICOTYDE) provided high rates of complete skin clearance over 52 weeks with no new safety signals. In adolescents, icotrokinra showed sustained skin clearance and a favorable safety profile with no new safety signals. Nearly 60% of adolescents in the study treated with icotrokinra achieved completely clear skin at Week 52.
“For the first time, patients 12 and older have access to a novel therapy capable of delivering sustained skin clearance and a favorable safety profile in a once-daily pill” said Jennifer Soung, MD, study investigator and director of clinical research at Southern California Dermatology. “ICOTYDE is a transformative advance in plaque psoriasis treatment and expands what’s possible for this age group.”
Bimekizumab Shows Durable Results in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Data from three post hoc analyses of the BE HEARD trials show bimekizumab (BIMZELX) provided durable symptom control in study patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. Eight-six percent of people with moderate-to-severe HS who were treated with bimekizumab in the study had no “flares” throughout three years.
“The data at AAD showed that nearly ninety percent of patients treated with bimekizumab had no acute exacerbations of symptoms at scheduled visits for up to three years, indicating its potential ability to provide durable, long-term control” said Steven Daveluy, MD, FAAD, of the Wayne State University School of Medicine Department of Dermatology.
Efficacy results were demonstrated across patient populations.
Lebrikizumab’s Durability in Atopic Dermatitis
Data from the first year of the ADlong Phase 3b study show lebrikizumab (EBGLYSS) produced skin clearance and itch relief for up to four years in atopic dermatitis patients with moderate-to- severe disease. The results were from an open-label extension study offering a monthly maintenance injection.
“There is still an unmet need for people with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who frequently experience unpredictable flares and are in need of treatment options that go beyond just symptomatic relief and address the underlying inflammation driving skin symptoms and persistent itch” said Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, The Waldman Professor and HealthSystem Chair, Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.
