Dermatology Times March 2026 Recap

🚨 Clearances, Approvals, Updates, and Recommendations

FDA Approves Deucravacitinib as First TYK2 Inhibitor for Psoriatic Arthritis

Patients treated with deucravacitinib achieved higher ACR20 response rates at week 16 than those receiving placebo in the POETYK PsA studies.

FDA Approves Secukinumab for Pediatric HS, Creating First IL-17A Option for Adolescents

Novartis secured the approval through a pharmacokinetic extrapolation strategy rather than a full pediatric RCT, leveraging adult HS trial data and existing pediatric PK modeling from other approved indications.

Tildrakizumab Moves Toward New Indication With sBLA Acceptance for Active Psoriatic Arthritis

Sun Pharma's tildrakizumab nears psoriatic arthritis approval as FDA accepts a supplemental biologics license application (sBLA), spotlighting IL-23 benefits for active disease.

FDA Approves Icotrokinra, First Oral IL-23 Receptor Blocker for Psoriasis

Clinical trial data showed approximately 70% of patients achieved clear or almost clear skin with icotrokinra by week 16.

FDA Accepts IND for Xvie, Advancing Regenerative Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

The upcoming trial will assess an injectable formulation of Xvie, distinct from its currently available topical counterpart.

FDA Accepts and Grants Priority Review of NDA for Brepocitinib in Dermatomyositis

Priovant Therapeutics' brepocitinib has been assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date in the third quarter of 2026.

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to QRX003 Lotion for Rare Netherton Syndrome

FDA Fast Track boosts hopes for QRX003 lotion in Netherton Syndrome, with early trials showing rapid skin healing and itch relief.

🧬 Big Studies and Big Data

Top-Line Results Show Day 57 Tumor Clearance With Investigational BCC Patch

Clearance rates increased between days 29 and 57, with the highest activity observed in the 200-μg treatment group.

Head-to-Head Trial Finds Stronger Joint Response With Bimekizumab

Results show that bimekizumab achieved significantly higher ACR50 response rates at week 16 than risankizumab in adults with active PsA.

Swedish Study Links Tattoos to a 29% Higher Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma

New case-control study data link tattoo exposure to a higher melanoma risk, prompting fresh scrutiny of ink chemicals and long-term skin safety.

Phase 3 ADorable-1 Data Support Lebrikizumab for Children With AD

Positive phase 3 findings from ADorable-1 suggest lebrikizumab could expand biologic treatment options for younger patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).
Could Twice Yearly Dosing Be Enough? Zumilokibart Data Raise the Bar for AD

Phase 2 APEX part A data showed zumilokibart maintained EASI-75 responses in 75–85% of week 16 responders at 1 year across quarterly and biannual dosing regimens.

Dermatology Trainees Embrace AI—With Reservations

Trainees identified legal, ethical, and reliability concerns as key barriers to integrating AI into dermatology practice.

Prospective Trial Confirms ALA-PDT Effectiveness for Chinese Patients with Bowen’s Disease

A multicenter trial in China shows ALA-PDT clears Bowen’s disease in 97% with low recurrence, minimal scarring, and high patient satisfaction.

🗞 Market, Pharma, and Specialty News

Kyowa Kirin Ends Late-Stage Rocatinlimab OX40 Development

Rocatinlimab had met primary end points in large phase 3 trials and was previously expected to move toward regulatory submission in 2026.

Novel CD200R Agonist ARQ-234 Advances to First-in-Human Study in AD

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled ARQ-234-131 study will assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and early signs of clinical activity.

AdvanceAD-Tx Gene Expression Profile Test May Help Guide Systemic Therapy Selection in Atopic Dermatitis

Mark Lebwohl, MD, discusses how the 487-GEP test may help clinicians identify the most appropriate systemic therapy for patients with AD earlier in the treatment journey.

Celebrating National Dermatologist Day 2026: EltaMD Honors Skin Experts with a New Standard in Acne-Safe Sun Care

On National Dermatologist Day, EltaMD unveils oil-balancing UV Clear SPF 50, clinically reducing the appearance of blemishes, shine, and pore size. Learn more in this Q&A with Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, and Annie Woo, MD.

FAQtual Insights: The Contract Playbook Part 1

Clinician contract negotiation is often treated as administrative, but it directly affects pay, autonomy, workflow, and career trajectory.

NEA Data Highlight Persistent Access Issues in Eczema

New data show that nearly 40% of eczema patients face insurance-related barriers, delaying or preventing access to prescribed therapies.

National Skin Barrier Day 2026: Practical Patient Counseling Tips from Skin of Color Experts

On National Skin Barrier Day, dermatologists share barrier-saving tips for gentle cleansing, daily sunscreen, smarter product audits, and retinoid adherence.

⚖️ Strides for Skin Health Equity

Beyond Voluntourism: An Integrated Ophthalmology-Dermatology Mission to Nepal

A combined group of ophthalmology and dermatology specialists traveled to communities in Nepal to conduct consultations, procedures, and teaching sessions, and specifically in dermatology, skin malignancy removals, trainings on biologics and JAKs, and melanoma detection demonstrations.

Financial Concerns Linked to Declining Interest in Pediatric Dermatology Fellowships

A survey of dermatology residents found that interest in subspecialty fellowships often declines during training, with financial concerns particularly affecting pediatric dermatology.

How Access, Race, and Insurance Shape Acne Treatment in Adolescent Patients with PCOS

A new study reveals gaps in acne management for teens with PCOS; Hispanic patients are less likely to receive spironolactone, COCs, or isotretinoin treatment.
The Cutaneous Connection: Skin Changes, Hormones, and the Menopause Conversation in Aesthetics

In the latest Cutaneous Connection podcast episode, Doris Day, MD, FAAD, offers practical guidance for clinicians looking to incorporate discussions of hormonal health into aesthetic consultations with menopausal patients.

Clothing, Careers, and Climate: HS Influence on Choices

A qualitative study found that hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) significantly influences patients’ daily decisions, emotional health, relationships, and financial stability.

Dermocosmetic Cream Shows Early Acne Improvement in Skin of Color

Researchers observed early reductions in acne lesions, with improvements beginning within 5 days of dermocosmetic treatment in patients with acne.

Reexamining the Link Between Occupational Sun Exposure and Melanoma

Recent reviews highlight that melanoma risk associated with occupational UV exposure varies by tumor subtype, anatomical site, and individual susceptibility.

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