New Data at EADV Could Offer Hope, Address Gaps in Dermatology Care

Conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), vitiligo, prurigo nodularis (PN) and atopic dermatitis (AD) remain some of the most difficult skin diseases to treat. Although there have been advances in dermatology, patients living with these chronic immune disorders tend to face limited treatment options, unpredictable outcomes and lasting effects on quality of life.

At the upcoming European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2025 Congress in Paris, researchers will present new data that could open up new therapeutic approaches, including late-stage trial results for oral and topical JAK inhibitors.

Unmet Needs in Dermatology

HS is a severe condition that can cause much burden to those affected by it. It causes painful nodules and abscesses, often leading to scarring and restricted mobility. Treatment choices are limited, and many patients cycle through antibiotics, surgery or biologics without long-term relief.

In 2023, it was estimated that HS affects about 0.7–1.2% of people in Europe and the U.S., is linked to both genetic and environmental factors, and is often associated with other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, mental health issues and sleep or sexual difficulties.

PN is also characterized by intense itching and firm nodules that can cover the body, yet few targeted therapies exist. PN affects about 72 out of every 100,000 people in the U.S. It will typically appear alongside other skin conditions, and experts believe providers may sometimes miss it during diagnosis.

Vitiligo presents another challenge. The autoimmune condition that affects 0.5-2% of the population causes loss of skin pigmentation, and while it isn’t life-threatening, it can deeply affect self-image and mental health.

AD, one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorders, affects about 16.5 million adults in the U.S. and approximately 9.6 million U.S. children under the age of 18. This skin disorder now has several biologic therapies approved, but managing flare-ups—particularly in children—remains a challenge.

Taken together, these conditions highlight a central issue in dermatology: patients face daily struggles with diseases that are painful, stigmatizing and have long had limited treatment options.

New Data at EADV

At EADV, Incyte will present multiple late-breaking abstracts featuring data on oral JAK1 inhibitor povorcitinib (INCB54707) and Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream—a topical JAK1/2 inhibitor. While company announcements often focus on pipeline progress, the presentations highlight the push to address conditions that have been looked at as difficult to treat.

Key sessions include phase 3 interim results from the STOP-HS program evaluating povorcitinib in moderate to severe HS and results from phase 3 studies of ruxolitinib cream in PN. Additional analyses will cover vitiligo and atopic dermatitis, including pediatric and long-term safety data.

Pablo J. Cagnoni, M.D., president and head of research and development at Incyte, said in a release that “the late-breaking data from the STOP-HS clinical trial program reinforce the potential of povorcitinib to benefit patients impacted by hidradenitis suppurativa, a challenging and debilitating immune-mediated dermatologic condition.”

Cagnoni added that data on ruxolitinib cream in new patient populations “continues to demonstrate safety and efficacy in individuals with (AD), vitiligo and (PN).”

The research presented at EADV shows a growing focus on immune-targeted treatments that could change dermatology care. For HS, which currently has only one FDA-approved biologic, Humira (adalimumab), any new effective option could make a real difference for patients. In PN and vitiligo, where treatment options have been limited, even small improvements are important.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, experts note JAK inhibitors can be suitable alternatives to biologics, particularly oral or topical options that could be easier to use or more widely accessible. However, safety, long-term effectiveness and affordability remain central questions.

For patients, new treatment options mean more than clinical endpoints—they represent a chance at improved daily life.

Pain control, itch relief and visible skin improvement can reduce the stigma and mental health burden that accompany many of these diseases. However, whether patients truly benefit will depend on approvals, insurance coverage and equitable access once therapies reach the market.

While much of the discussion at EADV will revolve around trial results and how treatments work, the bigger picture is clear: dermatology is making progress, giving new hope to patients with chronic skin conditions that were often ignored.