Breaking new ground in dermatological care, the latest innovations and research are transforming how we approach skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, prurigo nodularis, and chronic hand eczema. At the forefront of these advancements are cutting-edge treatment options and breakthrough therapeutic strategies that are redefining the future of dermatology.
In this article, we explore the discoveries from the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, with a focus on emerging therapies for AD and other pioneering research that promises to revolutionize patient care.
Emerging Agents in AD Management
The therapeutic toolbox for AD has virtually exploded over the last few years, going from a single option to multiple options that exhibit a variety of targets and modalities. If the sessions at AAD are any indication, it will only continue to expand.
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A monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin (IL)-31 showed promising results in treating AD by reducing pruritus and improving skin lesions. IL-31 is a type 2 cytokine involved in pruritus, inflammation, epidermal dysregulation, and fibrosis that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. Targeting the pruritus-inducing cytokine IL-31 could provide relief for patients suffering from severe itching, which is one of the most debilitating symptoms of AD.
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The OX40/OX40L pathway is a critical immune-signaling axis that plays a key role in the activation, survival, and expansion of T cells, especially during immune responses. The novel OX40/OX40L inhibitors may reduce T cell expansion, limit the survival of activated T cells, and modulate immune responses. This could potentially lead to long-term, disease-modifying therapies. These agents showed promise in managing AD by potentially preventing flare-ups and offering a more durable solution for chronic disease management.
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Despite newer mechanisms in development, more traditional pathways remain a target for newer agents as well. For example, a recently approved IL-13 inhibitor for AD that binds to and neutralizes IL-13 prevents IL-13 signaling through the IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα receptor complex. Interest in this new spin on an “old” pathway has grown, as this represents another attractive option for patients.
Hot Topics in Psoriasis
Psoriasis treatment was another hot topic at the 2025 AAD meeting. New findings presented for emerging therapies highlight the ongoing progress in managing this complex condition.
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IL-23 inhibitors are not a new targeted pathway in psoriasis, but several companies are exploring oral delivery as a new method for administering these inhibitors. A key highlight was the data from an oral IL-23 receptor blocker that significantly outperformed an injectable biologic in achieving Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) 0/1 (clear or almost clear skin) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 (90% skin clearance) at week 16. Furthermore, it showed superiority over an existing oral treatment at weeks 16 and 24. These results suggest that this oral IL-23 receptor inhibitor could provide a more convenient and effective alternative to current psoriasis treatments.
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A new tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor demonstrated compelling results in treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Long-term data from a Phase 2 trial showed that patients who received 40 mg twice daily experienced continued improvement after 52 weeks. This data highlights the potential for this new TYK2 inhibitor to offer sustained improvements for patients with psoriasis.
Late-Breaking Research
The AAD 2025 meeting also featured late-breaking research, which often presents the most up-to-date, high-impact findings. Several recent abstracts introduced new treatments and results that could significantly impact clinical practice.
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A study about a topical that activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) showed that the 1% cream maintained low disease activity in AD patients for an average of 79.8 days post treatment. This AhR modulator represents a novel, nonsteroidal topical treatment option that could offer sustained symptom relief with a favorable safety profile.
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A topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor exhibited significant progress in the treatment of prurigo nodularis, a chronic and often severe condition characterized by intense itching and skin lesions. The cream exhibited robust efficacy that may lead to a potential new treatment for patients with prurigo nodularis. Another topical JAK inhibitor demonstrated effective responses in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema. This data provides hope for those who suffer from this painful and often disabling condition, potentially offering a treatment option with promising outcomes.
The Future of Dermatology Now
The dermatology landscape is on the brink of transformation, as demonstrated by the groundbreaking data unveiled at the AAD 2025 meeting. With emerging agents and innovative therapies taking center stage, we are witnessing a shift in how skin conditions are managed. From the impressive efficacy of novel targets in AD to the latest advancements in psoriasis treatments, the future of dermatologic care is evolving at an unprecedented pace.
Recent research further enriches this narrative, introducing promising options like topical creams for AD and prurigo nodularis. These developments signal a growing arsenal of treatments poised to enhance the quality of life for patients grappling with chronic dermatologic conditions. As these therapies progress through clinical trials, they hold the potential not just to manage symptoms but also possibly alter the course of these diseases. By showcasing new treatments that promise to redefine patient care, the AAD 2025 meeting painted a bright future for dermatology.