Navigating Biologics and JAK Inhibitors with James Del Rosso, DO

The evolving landscape of dermatologic therapeutics continues to expand with the introduction of biologics and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, offering targeted options for a variety of inflammatory skin disorders. A discussion at the 2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference between James Del Rosso, DO, and Michael Cameron, MD, highlighted both the promise and challenges of these therapies, providing valuable insights for clinicians navigating complex cases.

In a recent interview with Dermatology Times, Del Rosso emphasized the importance of understanding newer therapies, particularly their applications beyond standard FDA-approved indications. Biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, and JAK inhibitors are increasingly used to manage inflammatory dermatologic conditions, but they present nuanced challenges that clinicians must anticipate. Case-based approaches, as discussed in the session, allow practitioners to explore potential pitfalls and strategies for optimizing patient outcomes.

One illustrative case involved a 3-year-old patient presenting with both alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis. This scenario highlights the complexities of managing coexisting inflammatory conditions in pediatric populations, where therapeutic responses and safety profiles may differ from older patients. Such cases underscore the need for individualized treatment planning, careful monitoring, and judicious use of off-label therapies, emphasizing both efficacy and safety.

The discussion also explored practical considerations for clinicians integrating JAK inhibitors and biologics into routine practice. These include recognizing unexpected responses, managing adverse effects, and understanding how disease severity and patient age influence therapeutic decision-making. By presenting real-world scenarios, Del Rosso and colleagues provided a framework for navigating treatment challenges that may not be apparent in standard clinical trials or guidelines.

In addition to reviewing case studies, Del Rosso is also presenting a talk on the Terms and Conditions podcast, which delivers clinically relevant, evidence-based insights for clinicians. The podcast emphasizes scientific credibility and practical applicability, providing information that clinicians can directly use in patient care. During his talk, he will highlight key findings from recent dermatology meetings and share strategies for navigating emerging therapies, offering a valuable resource for ongoing professional development and clinical decision-making.

Overall, the session reinforced the importance of continuous learning in dermatology, particularly as new biologics and JAK inhibitors become integrated into practice. By examining complex cases, addressing controversies, and sharing evidence-based recommendations, clinicians are better equipped to optimize treatment outcomes for patients with challenging inflammatory skin disorders.

References

1. Yao Y, Ravn Jørgensen AH, Thomsen SF. Biologics for chronic inflammatory skin diseases: an update for the clinician. J Dermatolog Treat. 2020;31(2):108-130. doi:10.1080/09546634.2019.1589643
2. Lee EB, Cordoro KM. Oral JAK inhibitors for pediatric inflammatory skin disease. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2025;37(4):373-379. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000001474