Elevate-Derm Faculty Highlight Expanding Role of Oral JAK Inhibitors in Pediatric Dermatology

Although Elevate-Derm Summer 2026 covered a broad range of dermatologic diseases, oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors emerged as a recurring theme throughout the conference. Across lectures, panel discussions, and case-based workshops, faculty focused on helping clinicians confidently integrate these therapies into practice through careful patient selection, appropriate safety monitoring, and effective patient communication.

Walter Liszewski, MD, opened the conference's JAK-iNSTITUTE Symposium with an overview of JAK inhibitors in immunologically mediated skin disorders before joining additional sessions examining atopic dermatitis across the lifespan and practical approaches to inflammatory skin disease management. Lisa Swanson, MD, discussed efficacy, safety, and patient selection, while Eileen Cheever, PA-C, Victoria Garcia-Albea, NP, Keri Holyoak, PA-C, and Buchi Neita, PA-C, expanded on these topics through panel discussions and interactive workshops.

Building Confidence Through Patient Selection

Rather than debating whether oral JAK inhibitors belong in dermatology practice, multiple faculty emphasized identifying appropriate candidates and individualizing treatment decisions. Sessions highlighted the importance of balancing disease severity, patient preferences, and safety considerations when determining who may benefit most from these therapies.¹²

Swanson told Dermatology Times that clinicians are becoming increasingly comfortable prescribing oral JAK inhibitors as longer-term experience with the drug class continues to grow. She also stressed that earlier intervention may improve outcomes for some patients with alopecia areata, particularly when treatment is initiated before prolonged disease progression.¹

Safety Monitoring Remains Central

Safety monitoring remained another major focus throughout the symposium. Dedicated panel discussions addressed laboratory monitoring strategies, while case-based workshops allowed attendees to work through real-world scenarios involving treatment initiation and follow-up.¹

In a separate interview with Dermatology Times, Garcia-Albea said monitoring requirements often become less intensive after baseline screening and early follow-up, reflecting increasing familiarity with the therapies and accumulating long-term safety data. She emphasized the importance of establishing appropriate baseline laboratory testing and screening patients for individual risk factors before initiating treatment.

Communication Can Improve Treatment Acceptance

Faculty also highlighted patient education as an essential component of successful JAK inhibitor prescribing. Beyond understanding laboratory monitoring and adverse effects, clinicians discussed strategies for explaining boxed warnings and setting realistic expectations without discouraging appropriate treatment.¹

Swanson said she has developed a concise counseling approach that communicates safety information clearly while helping patients and families understand the potential benefits of therapy. Garcia-Albea similarly emphasized shared decision-making and ensuring patients understand both the rationale for treatment and the importance of ongoing monitoring.¹

A Growing Role Across Dermatology

Although much of the conference's JAK-focused programming centered on inflammatory skin disease, the broader educational agenda demonstrated how these therapies continue to influence management across multiple dermatologic conditions, including atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata. As evidence continues to accumulate, faculty suggested the conversation is increasingly shifting from whether to prescribe oral JAK inhibitors to how clinicians can use them safely, confidently, and effectively in appropriately selected patients.¹

References:

1. Elevate-Derm Summer 2026 Conference Agenda. July 29-August 2, 2026. Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center; San Diego, California.
2. Paller AS, Siegfried EC, Thaci D, et al. JAK inhibitors in dermatology: the promise of a new drug class. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;79(4):736-744. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.05.1341. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6035868/. Accessed July 30, 2026.