Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team in 2022 and is currently an associate editor for HCPLive. He is also the executive producer of two podcasts: Skin of Color Savvy and The Medical Sisterhood. Previously, he was the producer of the Lungcast podcast. He graduated from UC Berkeley and worked in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. You can contact him at tsmith@mjhlifesciences.com.

Weight-loss interventions may improve the severity and quality of life of patients with 

, new findings suggest, and such interventions may be considered for routine treatment plans.

These recent findings were authored by a team of investigators led by Sarah Morrow, MSc, a Dermatology Specialist Registrar at Oxford University Hospitals in the UK. In this study, Morrow et al noted previous meta-analyses had only looked at behavioural weight-loss interventions and not quality-of-life.

Additionally, Morrow and colleagues noted such reviews had not previously been conducted to assess the full weight-loss intervention range. They noted such reviews may also have not had sufficient data to meta-analyse necessary patient-reported outcomes such as dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

“This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to address this evidence gap by synthesising and quantifying the impact of any weight-loss intervention on psoriasis severity and/or patient quality of life,” Morrow and coauthors wrote.

The investigative team utilized 5 bibliographic databases and 2 clinical study registries from inception through to March 9, 2025 for their comprehensive literature search. The selection of outcomes used by the team was guided by insights gathered from previous patient focus group discussions. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid PsycINFO, Ovid Embase, EBSCOhost CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science Core Collection were all searched by an information specialist (EH).

This specialist used the Cochrane randomized controlled trial filter. The search strategies used in Morrow and colleagues' research were informed by prior systematic reviews in the dermatology field. Studies deemed eligible by the investigators were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling adult subjects with psoriasis. These studies, in order to be eligible, would also have looked at any form of weight-loss intervention and compared it to usual care or a less intensive weight-loss approach. 

The investigative team also required such RCTs to report any shifts in patients' body weight along with at least a single measure of psoriasis disease severity or health-related quality of life. The generation of pooled estimates took place using random-effects meta-analytic models. Morrow et al's screening of RCTs carried out independently by pairs of reviewers, with data extraction being performed via Covidence. Resolution of any disagreements took place through discussion, and corresponding authors were contacted when clarification or additional information was warranted.

There were 13 RCTs in total, encompassing 1145 study subjects and contributing 14 intervention–control comparisons, which Morrow and coauthors said met their criteria for inclusion. Among the included interventions, there were 3 studies assessing pharmacologic weight-loss therapies and 11 assessing dietary modification, with 4 of the latter group also incorporating physical activity components. Across all 14 comparisons, the investigative team noted the mean difference in weight change between intervention and control groups was −6.7 kg.

The team found weight-loss interventions were linked with a significantly greater reduction in subjects' Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores compared with control conditions.

 They specifically highlighted a mean difference of −2.5 (95% CI, −3.8 to −1.1) and substantial heterogeneity (I² = 85.2%). Interventions for weight-loss were also shown to have substantially increased patients' probability of attaining PASI75.

Based on 6 comparisons including 681 participants, all of which saw a mean difference in weight change of −7.3 kg, Morrow et al noted the relative risk for attainment of PASI75 was 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1–2.2), with low to moderate heterogeneity (I² = 22.6%).

 Conversely, they found no statistically significant effects for participants' PASI50 or PASI100 responses.

For PASI50, there were 4 comparisons highlighted by the investigators involving 509 participants and a mean weight change difference of −4.0 kg yielded a relative risk of 1.5 (95% CI, 0.9–2.4) with considerable heterogeneity (I² = 72.8%).

 For PASI100, there were 2 comparisons comprising 334 participants and a mean weight change difference of −5.2 kg, which the team noted had a relative risk of 1.6 (95% CI, 0.3–9.7). There was no observed heterogeneity (I² = 0.0%). Both of these studies were constrained by the small number of contributing analyses.

Dermatology-specific quality of life improvements were also noted by the investigative team.

 Across the 7 comparisons highlighted by Morrow et al, including 364 participants, the mean difference in weight change was −7.8 kg and weight-loss interventions were linked with a significantly greater improvement in patients' DLQI scores compared with control groups. There was a mean difference of −5.0 (95% CI, −9.7 to −0.3) and a high level of heterogeneity (I² = 96.0%).

“Weight-loss interventions may improve skin disease and quality of life for people with psoriasis and excess weight,” the investigators concluded.

 “Clinicians should consider using these findings to counsel patients and refer them for weight-loss support when appropriate. Future research should bridge the gap between evidence and patient awareness, while addressing clinician hesitancy.”

Morrow S, Hawkins P, Scragg J, et al. Impact of weight-loss interventions on psoriasis severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025; 00: 1–14. 

Mahil SK, McSweeney SM, Smith CH. Does weight loss reduce the severity and incidence of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis? A Critically Appraised Topic. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Nov;181(5):946-953. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17741. Epub 2019 May 2. PMID: 30729517.

Articles

Weight-loss interventions have been shown to improve psoriasis severity and patient quality of life, suggesting their potential inclusion in treatment plans. A systematic review and meta-analysis led by Sarah Morrow examined randomized controlled trials involving weight-loss interventions for psoriasis patients. The study found significant reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and improvements in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. The findings highlight the importance of weight management in psoriasis care and suggest that clinicians should consider weight-loss support for patients with excess weight.

In this analysis, investigators assessed the effects of any weight-loss intervention, behavioural or pharmacological, on the severity of psoriasis as well as quality-of-life outcomes.

Plaque Psoriasis

The HCPLive plaque psoriasis page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on psoriasis. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for psoriatic disease, and more.

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The HCPLive dermatology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on skin disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for dermatologic conditions, and more.

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Weight-Loss Interventions Improve Psoriasis Severity, Quality of Life

Chelsie Derman is an associate editor for 

who covers psychiatry, sleep medicine, geriatrics, migraine, and allergy. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

A small prospective, double-blind study found that heated cow’s milk desensitization did not provide clear immunologic advantages over conventional raw milk oral immunotherapy in children with IgE-mediated 

 and was associated with more frequent anaphylaxis.

“According to our findings, the serum level of IgE decreased significantly after desensitization in both groups, but no statistically significant difference was observed between these two methods in terms of reducing IgE antibody levels,” wrote study investigator Masoud Movahedi, from Children’s Medical Hospital at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and colleagues.

Cow’s milk allergy is among the most common immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated food allergies in pediatric populations. In several countries, prospective studies have reported that cow’s milk triggers an allergic reaction in 2.5% of infants during the first year of their life.

 Most infants with non–non-IgE-mediated reactions to cow’s milk outgrow the allergy by age 3; however, 10% to 25% of those with IgE-mediated milk allergy will continue to have the condition a decade later.

The only accepted treatment for cow’s milk allergy is avoidance and treating acute reactions. However, avoiding cow’s milk entirely may have consequences. The dietary restriction can lead to growth disorders and a lack of macronutrients and micronutrients.

Immunotherapy and desensitization can help children safely tolerate cow’s milk. Heating milk alters protein structures and chemical interactions, reducing the exposure of allergenic sites to the immune system. This modification of spatial epitopes prevents recognition by immune cells and decreases the risk of an allergic reaction. However, how effective is desensitization using heated milk versus the usual method of oral desensitization?

In this study, the team sought to assess the immunological changes following the consumption of heated cow’s milk products compared to the usual method of oral desensitization in 25 children > 2 years old with cow’s milk allergy.

 Children were included in the study if they had a reaction within ≤ 2 hours after consuming cow’s milk during the past 6 months, such as urticarial, erythema, angioedema, acute vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rhinitis, and bronchospasm, within ≤ 2 hours after consuming cow’s milk during the past 6 months. Children also had a positive food challenge test, a positive skin test, or a positive serum-specific IgE test to cow’s milk. They were all referred to the allergy clinic at the Children’s Medical Center from 2016 to 2017.

Investigators randomized children to 2 arms: desensitization with heated cow’s milk (intervention treatment; n = 12; mean age, 4.50 ± 1.73 years) and desensitization with raw milk (normal treatment; n = 13; mean age, 3.92 ± 1.44 years). The anaphylaxis rate was greater in the heated milk group vs the raw milk group (50% vs 15.4%). The two treatments had no significant difference in the incidence of urticaria and angioedema.

The mean concentration of serum IgE decreased in both groups after desensitization, with no significant difference between heated versus raw milk (

 =.028). The raw milk group had more of an increase in CD4+Foxp3+ and CD4+CD25+ cells compared with the heated milk group, but this finding was nonsignificant (

=.058, respectively). Similarly, investigators observed a greater number of eosinophil cells in the heated milk group versus the raw milk group, but the difference was not statistically significant (

“We conclude that the immunological changes induced by a diet containing heated milk were not significantly different from those observed with conventional oral desensitization,” investigators wrote.

 “Further, it is recommended that multicenter studies with larger sample sizes be conducted to investigate the number and function of mast cells and basophils, as well as the phenotype of TH1 and TH2 cells.”

Movahedi M, Bahraminia E, Amirzargar A. Comparison of Oral Desensitization with Heated Cow's Milk Products with Conventional Desensitization Method in Children with Cow's Milk Allergy. 

. 2025;24(6):734-740. Published 2025 Oct 29. 

Milk Allergy. Food Allergy Research & Education. Accessed December 19, 2025. 

https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-allergy/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens/milk

A small prospective, double-blind study compared heated cow’s milk desensitization to conventional raw milk oral immunotherapy in children with IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy. Both methods showed a significant decrease in serum IgE levels, but no significant difference between them. The heated milk group experienced a higher rate of anaphylaxis compared to the raw milk group. The study found no significant differences in immunological changes between the two methods. Researchers recommend larger multicenter studies to further investigate the immunological effects and safety of these desensitization methods.

Study finds comparable IgE reductions with heated milk and conventional desensitization, but heated milk linked to higher anaphylaxis risk in children with cow’s milk allergy.

Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

Heated Milk Desensitization Offers No Clear Advantage Over Raw Milk in Children

Welcome to The HCPFive, your go-to roundup for the latest healthcare news and breakthroughs, curated specifically for busy healthcare professionals.

Each week, we highlight 5 key developments or headlines from healthcare that you need to know—whether it's a cutting-edge treatment, regulatory updates, or innovations shaping the future of medicine. This week's top stories include the US Food and Drug Administration approvals of lerodalcibep-liga (Lerochol) injection for adults with hypercholesterolemia, depemokimab-ulaa (Exdensur) as an add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma, and fibrinogen, human-chmt (Fesilty) for the treatment of acute bleeding episodes in pediatric and adult patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency, as well as Breakthrough Device Designation granted to to the Holly™ implantable, continuous dialysis system and positive topline results from a pair of phase 3 studies of zasocitinib in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO).

With The HCPFive, you'll get the essential takeaways to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Here’s your quick dive into the top stories for the week of December 14, 2025—let’s jump in!

FDA Approves Lerodalcibep-liga (Lerochol) for LDL-C Reduction in Hypercholesterolemia

On December 15, 2025, the FDA approved LIB Therapeutics’ lerodalcibep-liga (Lerochol) injection for subcutaneous use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

The novel, third-generation PCSK9 inhibitor is self-administered as a once-monthly, single small-volume subcutaneous injection with extended room-temperature stability up to 3 months.

FDA Approves Depemokimab-ulaa (Exdensur) for Severe Asthma

On December 17, 2025, the FDA approved GSK’s depemokimab-ulaa (Exdensur) as an add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype in adult and pediatric patients ≥ 12 years of age. The decision was based on data from the phase 3 SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2 trials showing sustained exacerbation reduction with 2 doses per year versus placebo, both plus standard of care.

FDA Approves Fibrinogen, Human-chmt (Fesilty) for Congenital Fibrinogen Deficiency

On December 19, 2025, the FDA approved Grifols’ fibrinogen, human-chmt (Fesilty) for the treatment of acute bleeding episodes in pediatric and adult patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency, including hypo- or afibrinogenemia. The product will be commercialized in the US by Grifols and is expected to be available during the first half of 2026.

FDA Grants Breakthrough Device Designation to Holly Implantable Dialysis System

On December 15, 2025, the FDA granted Breakthrough Device Designation to Nephrodite’s Holly™ implantable, continuous dialysis system, recognizing Holly as a novel, transformative therapy addressing end-stage kidney disease. The designation was supported by data from a multi-day large animal study demonstrating sustained kidney function replacement with strong safety and performance outcomes.

Once-Daily Oral Zasocitinib Delivers Strong Phase 3 Efficacy in Plaque Psoriasis

On December 18, 2025, Takeda announced positive topline results from a pair of phase 3 randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo- and active comparator-controlled studies of zasocitinib (TAK-279), a next-generation, highly selective oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in adults with moderate-to-severe PsO. The Latitude studies demonstrated superiority of zasocitinib compared to placebo for the coprimary endpoints of static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) 0/1 and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 at week 16, with a significantly greater PASI 75 response rate observed as early as week 4 and continuing to increase through week 24. Of note, the studies also met all 44 ranked secondary endpoints, including PASI 90, PASI 100 and sPGA 0 against placebo and apremilast.

The FDA has approved several new treatments, including lerodalcibep-liga for hypercholesterolemia, depemokimab-ulaa for severe asthma, and fibrinogen, human-chmt for congenital fibrinogen deficiency. Additionally, the Holly implantable dialysis system received Breakthrough Device Designation, highlighting its potential in treating end-stage kidney disease. Takeda's zasocitinib showed promising results in phase 3 trials for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, demonstrating significant efficacy over placebo. These developments underscore ongoing advancements in therapeutic options across various medical conditions, offering new hope for patients and healthcare providers.

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including FDA news and phase 3 trial readouts, in this week's essential news roundup.

Nephrology

The HCPLive nephrology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on kidney disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in nephrology, and more.

Pulmonology

Infectious Disease condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on respiratory health. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, COVID-19, and more.

Hematology

Cardiology

Cardiology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for heart disease and cardiovascular events, as well as associated diabetes, renal failure, and more...

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 12/14

Pooja Singhal, MD, is a gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and obesity medicine specialist at Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness.

Pooja Singhal, MD | Image Credit: Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness

 published a Commission establishing an official definition and diagnostic criteria for 

, aiming to alter the way the condition is approached in 

The central conceit of the Commission was the difference between clinical and preclinical obesity, which is described as the presence or absence of objective clinical manifestations. These primarily include altered organ function or the impairment of a patient’s ability to conduct daily activities. A lens this specific allows clinicians to account for patients who are technically obese but exhibit no comorbidities, outwardly appearing to be in good health.

Additionally, the Commission provided suggestions for altering the diagnostic process for obesity, encouraging the abandonment of the body mass index (BMI) as the sole indicator. Instead, the commissioners suggest the utilization of ≥2 individual anthropometric criteria, such as waist circumference, or direct fat measurement when possible. This should prevent the rampant overdiagnosis of obesity that was predicted by the Commission.

To address how the Commission’s decision has influenced endocrinology since its publication, the editorial team at 

 spoke with Pooja Singhal, MD, a gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and obesity medicine specialist at Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness, in the following Q&A:

: How has the move toward formally defining obesity as a disease shaped the landscape of obesity care?

: I think defining obesity as a disease was truly transformational. It helped establish a scientific and moral basis for treating obesity directly. You know, in the past, we used to treat the complications – sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, MASLD. Now it has helped us to have a newer approach, which is that obesity itself is a disease, and we need to treat that and prevent complications. I think this reframing has been revolutionary and has really redefined how we approach obesity in general. It’s validated that obesity should be treated. It is a disease, and it should be treated before complications arise. It also helped reduce this kind of moral blame on patients by defining it as a true disease that exists on its own, in its own right. It has promoted earlier intervention proactiveness to seek help, and I also think it’s going to help and already has helped early intervention in pediatric obesity, because that’s what we have seen more and more of. I think the whole Commission’s work is helping us in all these ways.

: To what extent has defining obesity as a disease opened the door to broader acceptance of pharmacologic treatment, especially GLP-1s?

: I think GLP-1s have fit perfectly into this new narrative of biological disease. Because it’s really when people see results, when they see that a medication that works neurohormonally can lead to appetite curbing and lead to the weight loss that people were absolutely not able to achieve, no matter what they tried. It has changed that narrative and acceptance as a community, as a society, even globally, that obesity is truly a disease and regulation of appetite signaling has a big role in it. So, I think the timing of the GLP-1s and the results have also been very much a boon to this biologic narrative of obesity as a disease without that disease framing, where GLP-1s would not have been culturally accepted.

: What other details can you provide around clinicians’ views of obesity following the Commission?

: It’s also led to the clinician’s view of obesity has changed too. Before, it was kind of episodic treatment, if you will. Now there’s more willingness to view pharmacotherapy as a first-line option of obesity for many patients. In the past, it was all about diet and exercise and lifestyle changes. Now, more and more clinicians understand that obesity is a disease, and early prevention and treatment could lead to preventing some very serious complications. So I do also love the fact that it has informed clinician behavior as well and promoted chronic management approach rather than episodic weight loss attempts.

Rubino F, Cummings DE, Eckel RH, et al. Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity. 

Livingston R. The Lancet Commission on Obesity: Redefining Endocrinology’s Most Notorious Condition. 

. December 18, 2025. Accessed December 19, 2025. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/the-lancet-commission-on-obesity-redefining-endocrinology-s-most-notorious-condition

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission has redefined obesity by distinguishing between clinical and preclinical obesity, focusing on objective clinical manifestations. This new definition encourages moving beyond BMI as the sole diagnostic tool, advocating for multiple anthropometric criteria. The reclassification of obesity as a disease has transformed its treatment, promoting early intervention and reducing patient stigma. It has also facilitated the acceptance of pharmacologic treatments like GLP-1s, shifting clinician perspectives towards chronic management rather than episodic interventions.

Singhal discusses the multi-pronged impact of the Commission’s definition of obesity and how it effects clinicians, patients, and the treatment structure itself.

Endocrinology

The HCPLive endocrinology page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on endocrine system conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for diabetes, hormonal disease, and more.

Obesity Management

Obesity Management condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into clinical weight management can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on obesity research, treatment, and drug development.

Impacts of the Lancet Commission on Obesity Treatment, With Pooja Singhal, MD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and increased body mass index (BMI) are causally linked to patients’ risk of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), new findings suggest.

These new findings and their analysis were published in 

, with Rune Kjærsgaard Andersen, MD, PhD, from the Department of Dermatology and Allergy at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital in Denmark, as the corresponding author. Andersen et al highlighted the previous connections drawn between obesity and smoking to HS development, pointing to what had previously been a lack of a causal connection fully developed by researchers.

“To investigate our primary objective, the causal effect of the environmental exposures on HS, we performed 2-sample MR analyses of body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) and smoking on HS,” Andersen and colleagues wrote.

As a secondary aim, the investigators set out to assess a potential connection between HS and 3 inflammatory conditions: psoriasis, IBD, and systemic sclerosis (SSc).

The investigative team performed their Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the aforementioned 5 traits and HS as the study's outcome. Their analysis leveraged large genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets which they noted were made up of individuals of White European ancestry for all phenotypes. Andersen et al noted their primary analyses were carried out in May 2024 and later given updates in May 2025.

Genetic correlation (rg), which ranges from −1 to 1 and reflects the extent of shared genetic architecture between 2 traits, was calculated by the investigators between HS and each exposure via the use of cross-trait linkage disequilibrium (LD) score regression. These analyses incorporated association statistics from approximately 1.2 million well-imputed genetic variants. Andersen and colleagues derived LD information from precomputed scores for White European populations provided by the Broad Institute.

Genome-wide significant single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) identified in the largest publicly available GWAS previously, or in consortium datasets, were implemented by the investigative team as instrumental variables for each exposure phenotype. The team collected HS data from a meta-analysis including 4814 individuals with HS and 1,216,105 control participants from Iceland, Denmark, Finland, the UK, and the US. The necessary BMI estimates were based on a White European–restricted meta-analysis of roughly 700,000 participants from the UK Biobank and the GIANT consortium.

For SSc, Andersen and coauthors used a publicly available meta-analysis of 9095 cases and 17,584 control participants of White European descent was used. Data on psoriasis came from a meta-analysis including 39,498 cases and 286,769 controls. Smoking-related genetic instruments were derived from a large analysis which looked into ever-regular smokers with never-regular smokers, encompassing 1,232,091 subjects. IBD data were sourced from the International IBD Genetics Consortium and included 38,155 cases and 48,485 controls.

Overall, the investigative team's genetic correlation analyses demonstrated significant shared genetic liability between HS and all exposures except SSc. They found positive correlations for BMI (rg = 0.36, 

 < .001), smoking (rg = 0.33, P < .001), and psoriasis (rg = 0.34, 

 < .001). Conversely, the correlation with SSc was shown not to be statistically significant (rg = 0.33, 

Andersen et al's MR results supported a causal link between increased BMI and higher risk of HS, with the investigators pointing to an estimated effect size of β = 0.87, corresponding to an OR of 1.20 per unit increase in BMI (95% CI, 1.17–1.23; 

 < .001). In their sensitivity analyses, Andersen and colleagues did not identify evidence of directional pleiotropy (slope β = 0.91, 

 = .76). They also noted smoking initially demonstrated a significant causal estimate (β = 0.59, 

 < .001), but added the link was attenuated and became less definitive in sensitivity analyses.

Among the remaining immune-mediated conditions assessed by Andersen and coauthors, the data supported a causal role for IBD in development of HS (β = 0.18; OR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.15–1.24; 

 < .001), and there was no indication of pleiotropic bias.

“Although initial MR analysis also found a causal effect of smoking on HS, this disappeared during subsequent sensitivity analysis,” the team concluded.

“However, because none of the sensitivity analyses revealed signs of pleiotropic effects, the MR should be viewed as inconclusive rather than proof of no causal effect.”

Kjærsgaard Andersen R, Riis PT, Zachariae C, et al. Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Smoking, Obesity, Psoriasis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Systemic Sclerosis: Results From A 2-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study. JAMA Dermatol. Published online December 17, 2025. 

Mintoff D, Agius R, Pace NP, et al. Obesity and hidradenitis suppurativa: targeting meta-inflammation for therapeutic gain. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2023 Aug 25;48(9):984-990. doi: 10.1093/ced/llad182. PMID: 37171791.

Happle R, König A. A lesson to be learned from Karl Marx: smoking triggers hidradenitis suppurativa. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;159(1):255-6; author reply 256-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08604.x. Epub 2008 Jul 1. PMID: 18489595.

New research indicates a causal link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increased body mass index (BMI), and the risk of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The study utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, leveraging large genome-wide association study datasets. Significant genetic correlations were found between HS and BMI, IBD, smoking, and psoriasis, but not systemic sclerosis (SSc). The findings suggest a causal role for increased BMI and IBD in HS development, while the initial causal link between smoking and HS was not supported in sensitivity analyses.

This study explored the potential impact of body mass index (BMI) and smoking on patients’ risk of developing hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa condition center page, audiences can find a variety of coverage mediums for medical news and updates, including articles, video interviews, podcasts, and breaking news on dermatology research, treatment, and drug development.

BMI, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Both Show Causal Effect on HS Development

Abigail Brooks is an assistant managing editor for 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

The approval is based on phase 3 SEQUOIA-HCM clinical trial. The full US Prescribing Information includes a Boxed Warning for the risk of heart failure.

Cardiomyopathy

FDA News

FDA Approves Aficamten (Myqorzo) for Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Alex Hillenbrand is an assistant editor for 

. She earned her BA in English from Lafayette College in 2023 and went on to write for pop culture, entertainment, and sports media outlets before joining MJH Life Sciences in 2025. In her free time, Alex enjoys cooking, going on walks, and meeting new people. Contact her at mjhlifesciences.com.

A cross-sectional study compares renal transplantation with dialysis, highlighting an improved sleep quality in end-stage renal disease.


Chronic Kidney Disease

Renal Transplantation May Lower Sleep Disorder Risk Versus Dialysis

Hanny Al-Samkari, MD, is the Peggy S. Blitz Endowed Chair in hematology and oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Videos

Al-Samkari discusses a potentially novel use for bevacizumab in improving outcomes for patients with lesions from non-HHT etiologies.

Conference

 conference coverage page features articles, videos, and expert-led live coverage from major medical meetings throughout the year.

Systemic Bevacizumab Improves Chronic Bleeding from GI Lesions, With Hanny Al-Samkari, MD

The decision makes nerandomilast the first and only PDE4B inhibitor with immunomodulatory and antifibrotic effects approved in this indication.

FDA Approves Nerandomilast (Jascayd) Tablets for Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis

Patients with gout frequently experience kinesiophobia and central sensitization, which were independently linked to greater pain intensity.

Gout

On the HCPLive gout page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into gouty arthritis can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on gout, and more.

Rheumatology

Rheumatology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on rheumatologic disease. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for arthritis, gout, nr-AxSpA, and more.

Fear of Movement, Central Sensitization May Worsen Outcomes in Gout

Positive topline results from the phase 2b IMPACT trial show statistically significant improvements in key noninvasive tests with pemvidutide.

Hepatology

MASH / MASLD

The HCPLive MASH & MASLD page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, and more.

Pemvidutide Shows Continued Antifibrotic Activity for MASH, Progresses to Phase 3 Trial

Grifols’ fibrinogen concentrate is now approved for acute bleeding episodes in pediatric and adult patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency.

The panel discusses the importance of monitoring and supporting vitamin status in patients receiving ATTR-CM therapies, particularly those on transthyretin silencers that reduce hepatic production of TTR. Because TTR transports retinol-binding protein, lowering TTR levels can affect vitamin A transport. The clinicians explain that when silencing therapy is used, patients should receive vitamin A supplementation, but at the appropriate physiologic dose, not excess replacement. They caution that high-dose vitamin A can be harmful and stress the need to avoid overcorrection, particularly in older adults.
The panel also notes that education is essential, as patients may assume all supplements are beneficial or may take additional over-the-counter vitamins without disclosing them. Clear counseling helps ensure patients understand what to take, what to avoid, and why. Overall, the discussion emphasizes thoughtful, monitored supplementation as part of comprehensive care, rather than a standalone intervention.


Video Series

The Role of Vitamin Supplementation in Patients Receiving ATTR-CM Therapies

In this episode, the panelists focus on evaluating the safety profile of IL-17 inhibitors in psoriatic disease. The experts explain that IL-17 therapies are generally well tolerated and offer a favorable safety profile compared with older systemic agents like TNF inhibitors and methotrexate, which require frequent lab monitoring. They note that while all IL-17 inhibitors share certain class effects, the most commonly observed adverse event is mucosal or oral candidiasis, which is typically mild, manageable, and tends to decrease over time. The panelists emphasize careful patient selection, avoiding IL-17 inhibitors in individuals with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), given the risk of exacerbation. They briefly discuss safety observations from dual IL-17A and IL-17F blockade, noting reports of liver enzyme elevation and mood changes, though these lack strong mechanistic evidence. Overall, the experts conclude that IL-17 inhibitors provide a safe, targeted, and effective option for long-term psoriasis and PsA management.

Evaluating the Safety Profile of IL-17 Inhibitors in Psoriatic Disease

Panelists discuss the questions below in this video. 
ESK-001, another highly selective TYK2 inhibitor, has advanced into phase 3 trials in plaque psoriasis. How does its mechanism of action and emerging phase 2 data compare with deucravacitinib and zasocitinib, and what features might distinguish it within the TYK2 inhibitor class?

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