Top 5 most-read stories out of the 2025 AAD annual meeting

The future of dermatology is no longer just skin deep. This year’s American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting was held March 7-11, 2025, in Orlando, FL, and it showcased the specialty’s rapid evolution, including the role dermatologists are playing in obesity.

The most-read stories by Managed Healthcare Executive®’s audience included coverage of a small peptide challenging the dominance of traditional biologics, new research into “forever chemicals” and the role of dermatologists in obesity.

Below were the most-read stories from this year’s coverage of the AAD meeting, and you can see all of our AAD coverage here.

5. Opzelura may reduce need for other treatments in atopic dermatitis | AAD 2025

New research suggests that Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream can significantly reduce the need for systemic treatments for patients with atopic dermatitis. More than 90% of biologic-naive patients were able to avoid biologics for a full year after starting the topical therapy. There was also a substantial decrease in oral corticosteroid use—by as much as 50%—among both new and previously treated patients. The findings show Opzelura cream has the potential to provide sustained disease control while minimizing the need for more intensive, systemic interventions.

Read more about Opzelura in atopic dermatitis.

4. Medicaid coverage of JAK inhibitors for alopecia is limited | AAD 2025

There is a significant disparity in Medicaid coverage for Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, with nearly 30% of states offering no coverage for alopecia areata, according to research presented at the meeting. Past research has shown that the use of JAK inhibitors can lead to hair growth.

Even when the drugs are included in formularies, access is heavily restricted. More than 90% of plans require prior authorization, with only Hawaii providing unrestricted coverage for both Litfulo (ritlecitinib) and Olumiant (baricitinib). In addition, Olumiant is covered for alopecia at less than half the rate it is for rheumatoid arthritis. The research underscored the substantial administrative barriers low-income patients face when they seek treatment for alopecia.

Read more about the results of the analysis into Medicaid coverage.

3. Icotrokinra for psoriasis: a small peptide poised to take on the bigger biologics | AAD 2025

Icotrokinra, a first-of-its-kind oral small peptide, achieved significant skin clearance, with 65% of patients reaching Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90 response by week 24, according to phase 3 data from the ICONIC-LEAD trial. By blocking the interleukin-23 pathway via a pill rather than an injection, this novel therapy offers a highly effective oral alternative to traditional biologics. Following these results, head-to-head trials are already planned to compare its performance directly against established treatments like Stelara (ustekinumab).

Read more about the data on icotrokinra for psoriasis.

2. Makeup and skin care products contain 'rorever chemicals' | AAD 2025

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” are prevalent in over 200 personal care products, including eyeshadows, sunscreens and shaving creams, according to a study that was presented at AAD. Teflon was the most frequent PFAS ingredient. Not only does it have a 13.5% cutaneous absorption rate, but Teflon is also linked to serious health risks like cancer and hormone disruption. The researchers noted that the findings reveal an urgent need for more research and that dermatologists have a “pivotal role” in leading patient education and guiding patients on how to mitigate skin-based exposure.

Read more about the research into makeup and skin care products.

1. Dermatologists as obesity’s primary care physicians | AAD 2025

At AAD 2025, experts urged dermatologists to move beyond surface-level treatments and address the systemic root of many skin conditions: metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. While metabolic syndrome has been linked to cardiometabolic impacts for decades, it also plays a causative role in numerous skin diseases. By identifying physical markers like acanthosis nigricans and skin tags, dermatologists can take a lead role in prescribing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and metformin to treat the underlying obesity and inflammation that drive diseases like psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. This approach not only improves skin outcomes but also bridges a critical gap in primary care for patients who may not otherwise seek metabolic health screenings.

“Without addressing obesity, we’re leaving our patients partially treated,” said Lindsey A. Bordone, M.D., a Columbia University dermatologist.

Read more about the role of dermatologists in obesity.