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News|Articles|February 14, 2026

The Weekly Roundup: February 9-13

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Key Takeaways

  • Late-stage signals for oral targeted psoriasis therapy include positive phase 3 top-line findings for zasocitinib and supportive long-term DISCREET data for apremilast in genital psoriasis.
  • BDCA2-directed litifilimab demonstrates rapid CLE skin improvement, informing AMETHYST phase 3 and underscoring interferon-pathway suppression with potentially improved tolerability.
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In case you missed it, this week we had news on Biofrontera’s sNDA for Ameluz PDT in superficial BCC, 52-week data on rezpegaldesleukin for AD, the FDA's latest iPLEDGE REMS updates, and more.

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Phase 3 Results Signal a New Era for Oral Targeted Therapy in Psoriasis

Takeda’s recent announcement of positive top-line phase 3 results for zasocitinib (TAK-279) places this investigational agent squarely within that evolving conversation.

Victoria Werth, MD, Discusses the Future of BDCA2 Inhibition in Cutaneous Lupus

Victoria Werth, MD, highlights CLE treatment gaps and how BDCA2-targeting litifilimab may quickly curb interferon-driven skin disease with less toxicity.

Tofacitinib Shows Promise in Omalizumab-Resistant CSU, New Case Series Finds

In omalizumab-resistant chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), tofacitinib rapidly calmed symptoms, but relapses varied.

Expanding Nonsurgical Options for Superficial BCC With Red Light PDT

Todd Schlesinger, MD, discusses emerging evidence, clearance outcomes, and practical considerations for using red light–based photodynamic therapy as a nonsurgical option.

Precision Medicine Arrives in Atopic Dermatitis: Guiding Systemic Treatment Decisions Through Gene Expression Profiling

A new molecular test offers clinicians a way to personalize treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and reduce therapeutic cycling, helping to achieve faster control and a better experience.

Biomarkers Bring Precision Closer in CSU Management

Review identifies clinical and lab predictors of early antihistamines CSU and omalizumab CSU response, guiding personalized treatment.

Rezpegaldesleukin Shows Deepening Response and Long-Term Durability in 52-Week AD Trial

REZOLVE-AD shows rezpegaldesleukin delivers durable atopic dermatitis control with monthly or quarterly dosing, supporting Nektar’s phase 3 plans.

From Sidelines to Skin Care: The Dermatology Ads You May Have Missed From Super Bowl LX

Catch up on the health and dermatology-related commercials that aired during the 2026 Super Bowl.

Targeting MRGPRX2: Early Human Data for a Novel CSU Approach

Septerna to share phase 1 SEP-631 results at AAAAI, targeting MRGPRX2 to curb mast cell flares and broaden options for refractory CSU.

FDA Updates iPLEDGE REMS with New Modifications for Pregnancy Testing and Prescription Windows

FDA eases iPLEDGE REMS for isotretinoin acne care, allowing some at-home pregnancy tests and fewer lockouts to reduce administrative burden.

What Counts as “Short-Term” Systemic Corticosteroids in Atopic Dermatitis, and Why It Matters

The consensus summarizes contemporary real-world data showing that nearly 1 in 5 adolescents and adults with AD receive SCS.

Journal Digest: February 11, 2026

This review of the latest dermatological studies includes insights on lichen planus in family members, "washcloth withdrawal," the use of shiitake mushroom extract in dermatology, and more.

Rethinking Aging in Skin of Color: A Pigment-First Approach

Cheri Frey, MD, shares skin of color anti-aging strategies—pigment-first planning, safer lasers/peels, and techniques to prevent PIH.

New Phase 3 DISCREET Data Supports Long-Term Use of Apremilast for Genital Psoriasis

DISCREET phase 3 research shows oral apremilast eases genital psoriasis symptoms, improving itch, clearance, and sexual quality of life through 32 weeks.

Red Light Photodynamic Therapy Sets Evidence-based Standard for Superficial BCC

Todd Schlesinger, MD, reviews emerging randomized trial data supporting red light–activated photodynamic therapy with 10% ALA gel and outlines key considerations for patient selection in superficial basal cell carcinoma.

Advancing Equity, Precision, and Awareness in Dermatology

This issue highlights clinical insights relevant to inflammatory conditions in diverse populations, emphasizing practical strategies for everyday practice.

Q&A: Bianca Viscomi, MD, Addresses the Dermatological Impact of Menopause at IMCAS

At a recent IMCAS symposium with Merz Aesthetics, Bianca Viscomi, MD, revealed how menopause and skin collide through collagen loss, confidence dips, and multimodal fixes.

How Dermatology is Leading the Regenerative Movement

Advances in stem cells, exosomes, biomaterials, and RNA technologies are expanding therapeutic options beyond traditional wound-based remodeling.

Photodynamic Therapy for sBCC Advances to FDA Review

The FDA has accepted Biofrontera’s sNDA seeking approval of Ameluz PDT for sBCC, with a decision expected by September 28.

From LILAC to AMETHYST: The Rapid Efficacy of Litifilimab in CLE

LILAC data shows litifilimab rapidly improves CLE skin scores, fueling AMETHYST phase 3 and supporting FDA breakthrough for cutaneous lupus patients.

South Beach Symposium 2026 Showcases Advances in Medical and Aesthetic Dermatology

The 2026 meeting emphasized integrating cutting-edge medical therapies with aesthetic strategies to address both disease control and quality of life.

Inventing Modern Microneedling and Defining the Future of Skin Regeneration

Des Fernandes pioneers microneedling as a safe skin regeneration therapy, showing collagen gains and better scars when paired with vitamins A and C.

Study Links Depression to Atopic Dermatitis–Related Immune Signature

Investigators identified overlap between the blood immune profiles of patients with depression and inflammatory skin diseases, highlighting the Th2 axis as a potential treatment target.

A Love Letter to Dermatology: Why Our Clinicians Are Passionate About Their Specialty

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD; Neal Bhatia, MD; Peter Lio, MD; Lisa Swanson, MD; Lawrence Schachner, MD; Julie Karen, MD; and Glynis Ablon, MD, FAAD, share why they love dermatology.

Wealth, Workload, and Wellness: Key Findings from the PDPA 2025 Compensation Survey

PDPA’s 2025 survey, led by president Jamie Restivo, PA-C, reveals dermatology PA pay trends, productivity bonuses, benefits gaps, and satisfaction drivers shaping retention.