In a double-blind, vehicle-controlled phase 2 study (NCT05635838) in patients with mild-to-moderate HS, twice-daily 1.5% ruxolitinib cream demonstrated significant efficacy compared to the vehicle, and was well tolerated. At EADV 2024, new data on the efficacy and safety of 1.5% ruxolitinib cream were presented from the open-label extension (OLE) period of the study, where patients applied the cream as-needed through Week 32.

Ruxolitinib cream is showing promise as a potential treatment for lichen planus, a chronic autoimmune skin disease with no FDA-approved options. Characterized by itchy, purple lesions, lichen planus can significantly impact patients' quality of life. A recent phase 2 trial highlights the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib cream in clearing lesions and providing symptom relief. As research continues, ruxolitinib could become a transformative therapy in managing lichen planus for those suffering from this debilitating condition.

Recent developments regarding ESK-001, an oral, highly selective TYK2 inhibitor being developed for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, were presented at EADV 2024. TYK2 plays a crucial role in the cell signalling through cytokines such as IL-23 and IL-12, both of which are key players in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. ESK-001 aims to inhibit these pathways to offer an effective treatment option for patients. The STRIDE (NCT05600036) study, a phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled trial, has already shown promising, dose-dependent efficacy, and the ongoing open-label extension study is assessing its long-term safety and effectiveness.

Barzolvolimab, is an anti-KIT monoclonal antibody, currently under investigation for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Building on the promising results delivered from the initial 12-week trial, we now turn to key findings from the 52-week extension study, which evaluates the drug's longer-term efficacy and safety.