Future Directions and Pipeline Therapies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition causing significant pain and reduced quality of life.
• Current FDA-approved treatments for moderate to severe HS are limited to three medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the current landscape of clinical trials for hidradenitis suppurativa.
• To highlight the ongoing research in both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management strategies for HS.

Main Methods:

• Review of ongoing phase I-III clinical trials for topical and systemic HS medications.
• Inventory of non-medication-based studies, including surgical techniques, botulinum toxin, laser/light therapies, wound care, and complementary/alternative medicine.

Main Results:

• As of January 1, 2024, 25 clinical trials are investigating new topical and systemic medications for HS.
• Fifteen ongoing studies explore non-medication interventions such as surgery, botulinum toxin, laser therapy, advanced wound care, and alternative medicine.

Conclusions:

• The therapeutic landscape for hidradenitis suppurativa is expanding with numerous clinical trials underway.
• A diverse range of treatment modalities, beyond current FDA-approved drugs, are being explored to improve HS management and patient outcomes.