Immunomodulation in AD
Albert Chiou, MD, MBA, of Stanford University, discussed the first-in-human trial of soquelitinib, a selective ITK inhibitor, for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. In a phase 1 trial, soquelitinib showed dose-dependent efficacy and a favorable safety profile, with up to 63% of high-dose patients achieving EASI 75 by day 28. The drug targets TH2 and TH17 pathways while sparing TH1, potentially offering a more precise immune modulation. According to Chiou, these early results suggest soquelitinib may offer a novel, targeted oral option for AD and other immune-mediated skin diseases.
Q&A Insights
Explore more insights from key opinion leaders in exclusive Q&As and written articles:
Breakthrough Devices and Technology in Skin Care
Julia Zimmermann, PD, PhD, CEO of terraplasma and hyped about science, discussed her pioneering work translating cold plasma technology into dermatological applications. She highlighted the development of the PHLAS device, a compact, at-home tool for acne-prone skin that reduces inflammation and refines texture using safe, surface micro-discharge (SMD)-based cold plasma. Unlike other plasma technologies, SMD requires no heat or gases, making it consumer-friendly. Zimmermann emphasized the science behind cold plasma’s mimicry of the immune response and reflected on co-developing the technology with her now-retired father.
Advancing Biologic and Targeted Therapies in Atopic Dermatitis
Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, MPH, professor of dermatology at George Washington University, discussed the ARCADIA studies, highlighting the positive results that led to the approval of nemolizumab for atopic dermatitis. The studies demonstrated significant efficacy across multiple endpoints, including rapid itch relief, improved IGA scores, EASI75 response rates, and quality of life. Silverberg, co-chair of RAD 2025, will present on new therapies, itch management, and more at the upcoming conference.
Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, explored the distinct yet complementary roles of IL-13 and IL-31 inhibitors in treating atopic dermatitis. Chovatiya emphasized that while IL-13 drives immune dysregulation and barrier dysfunction, IL-31 directly modulates itch via neuroimmune signaling. He explained that the bidirectional nature of inflammation and itch makes it difficult to determine which cytokine is the primary culprit—but either pathway offers an effective, targeted therapeutic strategy for patients seeking relief.
Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, emphasized that while biologics targeting the OX40/OX40L pathway show early promise for atopic dermatitis, their exact role in treatment remains uncertain pending full phase 3 trial data. Bunick noted that these agents act earlier in the immune cascade than existing cytokine inhibitors, offering a potentially broader mechanism of action.
Expanding Access and Innovation in Pediatric Dermatology
Peter Lio, MD, highlighted the importance of expanding access to eczema treatments for younger children and exploring innovative approaches such as microbiome modulation and botanical therapies. Lio expressed optimism about broader treatment approvals for children aged 2 to 11 and discussed emerging options like topical probiotics and FDA-reviewed botanical drugs.
Don’t miss a moment of Dermatology Times by signing up for our eNewsletters and subscribing to receive the free print issue and supplements each month.
