ICYMI: Highlights From AAD 2023

Our top coverage from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting included the changing understanding of inflammatory skin diseases, novel therapies for skin conditions, and the future of dermatology for providers.

Click here for the 2023 AAD conference highlights.

5. How Our Understanding of Inflammatory Skin Disease Has Evolved From the 4 Humors to Targeted Therapies

At the AAD 2023 annual meeting, new therapies and personalized medications were highlighted, including FDA approvals targeting vitiligo and alopecia areata. Immunohistochemical advancements have allowed the classification of molecular and immunological diseases, leading patients to more accurate treatment plans.

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4. Posters Show Success of Ruxolitinib Cream in Alleviating Facial Vitiligo Symptoms, Reducing Noticeability

A showcase of posters on clinical trial efficacy based on vitiligo treatment highlighted research conducted among adolescents and adults with nonsegmental vitiligo. Ruxolitinib cream reportedly reduced noticeability of vitiligo or maintained a similar noticeability to before starting treatment. Overall, ruxolitinib was determined to be well tolerated among patients with vitiligo and did not result in any serious adverse events.

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3. Experts Herald “Year of the JAK Inhibitor” in Dermatology

At the AAD symposium, Brett Andrew King, MD, PhD, addressed 6 FDA approvals for Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors over the course of 18 months. These agents have been shown to effectively treat inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and vitiligo. This is the first approved medication for the treatment of vitiligo because, unlike other skin diseases that focus on inflammatory infiltrate removal, vitiligo needs stimulation of melanocytes to recover. King acknowledged the safety and efficacy of JAK inhibitors, persuading dermatologists to feel more comfortable prescribing the new medications to patients.

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2. Dermatologists Looking to the Future Will Need to Be Their Own Advocates, Panel Says

According to a panel including members of the AAD Association Council on Government Affairs and Health Policy, dermatologists should be advocating for future changes within the health care system regarding patient access to care, adequate reimbursements, medication shortages, and facilitating repairs to a flawed system. Ross Lane Pearlman, MD, expressed fear of the artificial intelligence creation of new deep learning apps replacing dermatologists, despite their common inaccuracies. The panel suggested dermatologists utilize the power of focused advocacy, since working together as a voice for their practice and patients allows the best form of treatment available.

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1. Studies Presented at AAD Examine Safety and Satisfaction of Tildrakizumab for Psoriasis

Research presented at the AAD 2023 annual meeting analyzed real-world outcomes of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with the biologic tildrakizumab (Ilumya). Prior to these results, there was limited real-world evidenced of tildrakizumab's safety and efficacy seen in clinical trials. The study confirmed significant improvements with the anti-interlukin-23 p19 monoclonal antibody in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

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