Unprecedented momentum in dermatology: The past 18 months have brought a wave of FDA approvals that meaningfully expand options for inflammatory skin disease—many supported by trials with substantial representation of patients with skin of color.
At Skin of Color Update, Conference Co-Chair Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD, highlighted several advances that matter for clinical care and health equity.
Key updates include:
- Tapinarof 1% cream for atopic dermatitis (now approved for ages ≥2) with diverse trial cohorts and comparable efficacy across racial groups.
- Roflumilast 0.3% foam for plaque psoriasis (scalp/body) with rapid itch relief.
- Ruxolitinib extended to children ≥2 years for mild-to-moderate AD.
- Delgocitinib cream approved for moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema.
- Lebrikizumab showing improvement in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in Fitzpatrick IV–VI patients.
- Nemolizumab approved for AD ≥12 years.
- Bimekizumab for moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
- Dupilumab gains indications for chronic spontaneous urticaria and bullous pemphigoid.
These approvals are already shaping updated AD guidelines, which strongly recommend new topicals, biologics, and JAKs for moderate-to-severe disease. Read the full session summary written by Dr. Riyad Seervai to explore the data and subgroup findings.
