New drugs on the market are revolutionizing the medical treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Steven Daveluy, MD, FAAD, director of the Wayne State Dermatology Residency Program, shares what’s available and what’s coming for HS in this Next Steps in Derm video interview, conducted in partnership with the ODAC Dermatology Conference. With new treatment options in the toolbox, find out if there’s still room for the old standards. Learn why timing of treatment matters in outcomes. Plus understand your options when it’s time to shift the approach.
Further Reading
If you want to read more about the medical treatment of HS, check out the following articles published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology:
ABSTRACT
Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder associated with many comorbidities, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors, mental health issues, and many more disorders. Current treatments including biologics, topicals, and surgical interventions often fall short in terms of patient satisfaction, demonstrating a need for additional innovative approaches that address HS-related comorbidities.
Objective: This review explores the novel application of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in HS treatment, particularly for patients with comorbid conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity. Emphasis is placed on combination therapy and the potential for GLP-1RAs to address both HS symptoms and associated comorbidities, with careful consideration of patient selection.
Methods: A review of emerging evidence and existing literature on GLP-1RAs and their applications for weight loss, metabolic regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects was conducted.
Findings: GLP-1RAs offer dual benefits for HS patients by modulating inflammatory pathways and addressing associated comorbid conditions. Case studies and preliminary data suggest that GLP-1RAs may reduce lesion severity, systemic inflammation, and morbidity, either as monotherapy or in conjunction with existing treatments. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are indicated to confirm these findings.
Conclusion: GLP-1RAs represent a promising adjunctive or standalone treatment choice for those with HS and its related comorbidities. Further research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy in HS treatment.
A Review of the Current Landscape of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment Development
ABSTRACT
Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by recurrent nodules and abscesses leading to subsequent scarring and tunnel formation. Despite being a fairly common disease with a significant impact on quality of life, only one drug, adalimumab, is currently US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for treating HS. However, there are many clinical trials underway to address this gap in care for patients with HS.
Methods: All clinical trials related to HS as of 10/03/2022 were reviewed via clinicaltrials.gov. Studies on topical or systemic medical therapies were included and available results reported if they were ongoing or completed within 6 months prior to the search.
Results: Over 30 drugs with at least 20 different mechanisms of action are currently in development for the treatment of HS. While many of these are in phase 2 trials, several are undergoing phase 3 trials and will likely become viable treatment options in the next 5 years.
Conclusions: Following years of limited treatment options for HS, drug development has accelerated significantly, forecasting more treatment possibilities and better disease control for many patients.
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