Oral JAK1 Inhibitor Povorcitinib Shows Durable 54-Week Efficacy, Favorable Safety in HS: Martina Porter, MD

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Emerging 54-week data for povorcitinib (INCB054707; Incyte), an oral Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, may significantly reshape the treatment landscape for patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). In an interview at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2026 Annual Meeting, Martina Porter, MD, vice chair of research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School, emphasized that the findings from the STOP-HS program are particularly notable given the chronic, debilitating nature of HS and the limited efficacy of many existing therapies.

HS often requires extended time to achieve maximal response, especially in patients with more severe disease. Although primary end points at 12 or 16 weeks are important, Porter highlighted that the 6- to 12-month window is when clinicians hope to see the greatest improvements. In the povorcitinib program, more than half of patients achieved higher levels of response over time, underscoring the potential for durable disease control.

Moreover, up to 71% of patients achieved Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR50), with meaningful proportions reaching HiSCR75 and even HiSCR100, outcomes that correlate with very well-controlled disease. Although no head-to-head trials against biologics exist, Porter explained that povorcitinib’s performance appears to be “a far cry” from nonbiologic options such as spironolactone or chronic antibiotics.

Because povorcitinib targets pathways distinct from IL-17 or tumor necrosis factor–α, it may be particularly valuable for biologic-experienced patients who have had suboptimal responses. Porter also noted that JAK inhibitors, including povorcitinib, seem especially helpful in patients with more nodule-predominant, moderate disease.

Beyond lesion reduction, the study documented improvements in pain, fatigue, and quality of life, outcomes that patients often identify as the most burdensome aspects of HS. Porter stressed that alignment between physician-assessed severity and patient-reported outcomes is critical for meaningful care.

Safety remains a central concern with JAK inhibition, especially in HS populations with elevated baseline cardiovascular and thrombotic risk. However, over 54 weeks, povorcitinib’s safety profile appeared favorable, with thromboembolic events occurring in fewer than 5 of approximately 1200 patients—rates that Porter characterized as comparable to those seen in biologic trials.