New Dermatologic Therapies Make Waves at Maui Derm 2026

February 9, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Summary of Dermatology Updates from the Session:

This text details several advancements discussed in a dermatology session, covering treatments for various skin conditions. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Chronic Itch (Pruritus):

* Remibrutinib: A new oral medication offering an option to injectable treatments like dupilumab and omalizumab. It allows patients a choice between pills and shots.
* Omalizumab: Shows promise in disrupting the itch cycle, notably when used alongside conventional antihistamines.
* Dupilumab: Effective for Bullous Pemphigoid (BP), used after initial control with corticosteroids for durable remission and itch reduction.

2. Bullous Pemphigoid (BP) & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):

* Dupilumab: Improves outcomes in BP when used as a maintenance therapy after corticosteroid treatment.
* Zoliflodacin (Nuzolvence): A single-dose oral granule for STIs, representing a new antibiotic class (topoisomerase 2 inhibitor).
* Gepotidacin (Blujepa): A novel oral therapy for STIs, also a topoisomerase 2 inhibitor, requiring two 3-gram doses 12 hours apart. Single-dose treatment is preferred for STIs.

3. JAK Inhibition:

* Delgocitinib (Anzupgo): A pan-JAK inhibitor showing rapid symptom advancement (within 2 weeks) for hand eczema, especially in those with atopic disease and who have failed topical steroids.
* Ruxolitinib (Opzelura): Topical JAK inhibitor gaining off-label traction for conditions like granuloma annulare,cutaneous sarcoidosis,and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

4. Psoriasis, Prurigo Nodularis (PN), and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS):

* Icotrokinra (Conmana): The first oral IL-23 receptor blocker for moderate to severe psoriasis, potentially outperforming JAK inhibitors.
* Povorcitinib (INCB54707): A selective JAK1 inhibitor showing improvements in itch and lesion clearance for PN.
* Vixarelimab (KPL-716): A dual IL-31/OSMRβ antibody also demonstrating improvements in itch and lesion clearance for PN.
* HS: The text indicates HS is also benefiting from new therapies, but doesn’t detail specifics.

Overall theme: The session highlights a shift towards more oral treatment options, particularly for conditions previously managed with injections or topical treatments. There’s also a focus on targeting specific pathways (like JAK and IL-23) for more effective and targeted therapies. the development of new antibiotic classes to combat STI resistance is a significant concern being addressed.