Victoria Johnson joined the MJH Life Sciences in 2020 and has written for NeurologyLive, CGTLive, and now HCPLive. You can reach her at vjohnson@mjhlifesciences.com

Pulmonology news in Q4 2025 was anchored by meaningful regulatory and clinical advances across asthma and pulmonary fibrosis, underscoring a continued shift toward longer-acting, anti-inflammatory, and disease-modifying strategies. FDA approvals of depemokimab-ulaa for severe eosinophilic asthma and nerandomilast for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis marked major milestones for patient populations long constrained by limited therapeutic options, while emerging phase 2 data for taladegib suggested that momentum in antifibrotic development may be accelerating beyond a single new agent.

At the same time, late-2025 data and expert discussions highlighted how evolving evidence is reshaping real-world care. Label expansion of albuterol/budesonide into mild asthma, dramatic reductions in oral corticosteroid use with tezepelumab, and renewed focus on trait-based management across asthma and COPD reflected a broader effort to reduce exacerbations and treatment burden earlier in disease. Yet alongside these advances, persistent gaps in COPD and lung cancer screening served as a reminder that progress in pulmonology will depend not only on innovation, but on consistent application of tools already shown to improve outcomes.

Check out this recap of what made headlines in Q4 of 2025:

FDA Approves Depemokimab-ulaa (Exdensur) for Severe Asthma

The FDA has approved GSK’s depemokimab-ulaa (Exdensur) as an add-on maintenance therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma in patients aged 12 years and older, introducing the first ultra–long-acting biologic in this space with twice-yearly dosing. The approval was supported by data from the phase 3 SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2 trials demonstrating significant reductions inannualized asthma exacerbations compared with placebo while maintaining a safety profile comparable to standard of care.

Nerandomilast Nets First New FDA Approval for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Over 10 Years

The FDA has approved nerandomilast 9 mg and 18 mg (Jascayd; Boehringer Ingelheim) for adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, marking the first new IPF therapy approved in more than a decade. The decision was supported by phase 3 FIBRONEER-IPF data showing significantly reduced decline in forced vital capacity versus placebo, with a generally well-tolerated safety profile.

FDA Expands Albuterol/Budesonide Label to Adults With Mild Asthma

On October 1, 2025, AstraZeneca announced FDA approval of a supplemental new drug application for albuterol/budesonide (Airsupra), expanding its indication to include adults with mild asthma. Based on results from the phase 3b BATURA trial, the therapy reduced the risk of severe exacerbations by nearly half compared with albuterol and lowered annual systemic steroid use, while maintaining a favorable safety profile. The update builds on prior evidence from the MANDALA and DENALI trials, further supporting Airsupra as the first anti-inflammatory rescue option across asthma severities.

Taladegib Shows Potential to Improve FVC in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Taladegib (ENV-101) demonstrated a favorable safety profile and promising signals of efficacy in a phase 2a proof-of-concept trial in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment was associated with improvements from baseline in forced vital capacity and multiple HRCT-based measures of fibrosis, supporting further clinical development in an area of ongoing unmet need.

Tezepelumab Drastically Reduces OCS Use for Asthma in Open-Label Trial

Nearly all patients with severe, OCS-dependent asthma in the WAYFINDER trial were able to lower their daily steroid dose to 5 mg or less after 52 weeks of open-label tezepelumab, and half fully discontinued OCS while maintaining asthma control. These improvements were consistent across inflammatory subgroups, though the absence of a control arm makes the magnitude of benefit harder to interpret.

Rewriting Airway Disease With Trait-Based Care: 2025’s Convergence of Asthma and COPD Management

In this HCPLive expert discussion moderated by Joseph Khabbaza, MD, clinicians examine how the FDA approval of mepolizumab for eosinophilic COPD could mark a turning point in a field long limited to symptom-focused therapies. Drawing on phase 3 MATINEE data, the panel highlights its potential to reduce exacerbations, limit systemic steroid exposure, and usher COPD care toward a more asthma-like, biomarker-driven precision model.

Getting Through the Door: How COPD, Lung Cancer Screening Remains Minimal

Despite well-established screening tools and expanded eligibility criteria, COPD and lung cancer remain profoundly underdiagnosed in the US, with most patients still identified at advanced stages when survival benefits are limited. Experts point to systemic access gaps, clinician hesitation, and persistent disease stigma as key barriers, underscoring that improving outcomes in 2026 will depend less on new technology than on using the tools already proven to work.

Articles

Q4 2025 in pulmonology was marked by significant regulatory and clinical advancements in asthma and pulmonary fibrosis, emphasizing a shift towards longer-acting, anti-inflammatory, and disease-modifying treatments. Notable FDA approvals included depemokimab-ulaa for severe eosinophilic asthma and nerandomilast for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, offering new options for patients with limited therapies. Emerging data for taladegib indicated progress in antifibrotic development. Despite these advances, gaps in COPD and lung cancer screening highlighted the need for consistent application of existing tools to improve outcomes.

The Q4 recap for pulmonology spotlights regulatory and clinical advances across asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

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Q4 2025 Recap: Pulmonology News and Updates

Ryan Livingston joined the MJH Life Sciences team in March of 2025, shortly after graduating from TCNJ with a bachelor’s degree in English. He enjoys creative writing, reading, and scuba diving. He can be reached at rlivingston@mjhlifesciences.com.

Image Credit: US Food and Drug Administration

Announced by parent company Octapharma USA, Inc., on January 7, 2026, the 

 has approved a 2-gram presentation of Fibrinogen (Human) Lyophilized Powder for Reconstitution (Fibryga) for fibrinogen replacement in patients with 

Initially approved as a 1-gram single-dose bottle in 2024, Fibryga is the first and only virus-inactivated, human plasma-derived fibrinogen concentrate approved for AFD in the US. Its lyophilized powder formulation allows it to rapidly reconstitute at the point of care, offering a more direct and consistent alternative to cryoprecipitate. This updated kit also contains 100 mL of Water for Infusion (WFI) and continues to feature the nextaro reconstitution device.

“The introduction of the 2-gram Fibryga kit is a direct response to the needs of clinicians managing critical bleeding,” Flemming Nielsen, president of Octapharma USA, said in a statement. “By simplifying preparation and expanding dosing flexibility, we’re helping providers act faster and more precisely – when every second counts.”

Fibryga’s initial FDA approval was based on positive results from the landmark FIBRES study, a multicenter randomized clinical trial investigating patients undergoing cardiac surgery and requiring fibrinogen replacement due to significant bleeding related to acquired hypofibrinogenemia. Investigators in FIBRES aimed to determine the noninferiority of fibrinogen concentrate to the standard-of-care treatment cryoprecipitate, as measured by the amount of allogeneic blood components administered, including red cells, platelets, and plasma.

Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and had fibrinogen supplementation ordered by clinicians in response to post-CPB hemorrhage in the presence of confirmed or suspected acquired hypofibrinogenemia. Patients were excluded if they had received fibrinogen concentrate or cryoprecipitate within 24 hours prior to surgery or had a history of severe allergic reaction to either drug, among other criteria.

A total of 15,412 patients underwent cardiac surgery at the 11 participating sites – of these, 725 were screened and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either 4g fibrinogen concentrate, infused over roughly 10 minutes (n = 372), or 10 units cryoprecipitate, infused according to local practice (n = 363). Patients only received the allocated product for 24 hours after CPB, after which only cryoprecipitate was used.

Ultimately, mean allogeneic blood component units administered were 16.7 units (standard deviation [SD], 16.4) within 24 hours after termination of CPB and 22.4 units (SD, 23.1) from beginning of surgery to postoperative day 7. Mean 24-hour post-bypass cumulative allogeneic blood component transfusions were 16.3 (95% CI, 14.9 to 17.8) units in the fibrinogen concentrate arm and 17 (95% CI, 15.6 to 18.6) units in the cryoprecipitate group. The mean ratio was 0.96 (1-sided 97.5% CI, -∞ to 1.09; 

 <.001 for noninferiority; 2-sided 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.09; 

Investigators also recorded noninferiority for the secondary outcomes of individual 24-hour and cumulative 7-day blood component transfusions, as well as in a post hoc outcome of cumulative transfusions measured from product administration to 24 hours after termination of CBP (mean units, 8.6 [95% CI, 7.5 to 9.9] in fibrinogen concentrate versus 8.9 [95% CI, 7.8 to 10.2] in the cryoprecipitate group; mean ratio, 0.97 [1-sided 97.5% CI, -∞ to 1.13; 

Fibryga is now approved for fibrinogen supplementation in both congenital and acquired fibrinogen deficiency and is available in 1-gram and 2-gram kits, both of which use the nextaro device.

“Octapharma continues to invest in innovations that improve outcomes for patients with serious bleeding complications,” Huub Kreuwel, PhD, vice president of medical affairs at Octapharma USA, said in a statement. “The new 2-gram Fibryga kit is another step forward in our mission to redefine the standard of care in hemeostasis.”

Octapharma USA, Inc. FDA Approves New 2-Gram Presentation of Fibryga, Enhancing Convenience and Precision in Treating Acquired Fibrinogen Deficiency. 

. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 7, 2026. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-approves-new-2-gram-presentation-of-fibryga-enhancing-convenience-and-precision-in-treating-acquired-fibrinogen-deficiency-302654022.html

Callum J, Farkouh ME, Scales DC, et al. Effect of fibrinogen concentrate vs cryoprecipitate on blood component transfusion after cardiac surgery. JAMA. 2019;322(20):1966. 

Karkouti K, Callum J, Rao V, et al. Protocol for a phase III, non-inferiority, randomised comparison of a new fibrinogen concentrate versus cryoprecipitate for treating acquired hypofibrinogenaemia in bleeding cardiac surgical patients: The fibres trial. BMJ Open. 2018;8(4). 

The FDA has approved a 2-gram presentation of Fibryga, a virus-inactivated, human plasma-derived fibrinogen concentrate, for treating acquired fibrinogen deficiency (AFD). This new formulation offers rapid reconstitution and improved dosing flexibility, enhancing treatment precision for critical bleeding. The approval follows the FIBRES study, which demonstrated Fibryga's noninferiority to cryoprecipitate in reducing allogeneic blood transfusions during cardiac surgery. Fibryga is now available in both 1-gram and 2-gram kits, supporting its use in both congenital and acquired fibrinogen deficiencies.

This updated approval builds on the success of Fibryga’s 2024 approval for AFD, which was based on positive data from the phase 3 FIBRES trial.

Hematology

FDA News

FDA Approves 2-Gram Presentation of Fibryga for Acquired Fibrinogen Deficiency

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.

GSK has announced positive results from a pair of phase 3 trials, B-Well 1 and B-Well 2, evaluating bepirovirsen, an investigational antisense oligonucleotide, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in > 1800 patients from 29 countries.

As described in the January 7, 2026, press release from the Company, the B-Well trials met their primary endpoint and bepirovirsen demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful functional cure rate. Of note, results were statistically significant across all ranked endpoints, including in patients with baseline surface antigen (HBsAg) <=1000 IU/ml where an even greater effect was demonstrated.

“Bepirovirsen has the potential to transform treatment goals for people living with CHB by achieving significant functional cure rates – a first for the disease,” Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer at GSK, said in a statement.

 “CHB affects more than 250 million people and leads to approximately 56% of liver cancer cases worldwide. Today’s result supports our plans to progress bepirovirsen as a treatment and also continue its development as a backbone in future sequential therapies. We’re pleased by this major advance in our expanding hepatology pipeline, aimed to transform outcomes in liver disease.”

Bepirovirsen is a triple action investigational antisense oligonucleotide, designed to recognise and orchestrate the destruction of the genetic components of the hepatitis B virus that can lead to chronic disease, potentially allowing a person’s immune system to regain control. It inhibits the replication of viral DNA in the body, suppresses the level of HBsAg in the blood, and stimulates the immune system to increase the chances of a durable and sustained response.

GSK licensed bepirovirsen from Ionis Pharmaceuticals in 2019 under a collaborative development and licensing agreement.

The B-Well 1 and B-Well 2 trials are global multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted in 29 countries. They assessed the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetic profile, and the durability of functional cure in nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-treated participants with CHB and HBsAg ≤3000 IU/ml.

The primary endpoint assessed the proportion of participants achieving functional cure in patients with HBsAg ≤3000 IU/ml. A key ranked secondary endpoint evaluated functional cure in participants with baseline HBsAg ≤1000 IU/ml, defined as HBsAg loss and undetectable HBV DNA for > 24 weeks after a finite course of treatment.

Results showed bepirovirsen demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful functional cure rate, which was significantly higher with bepirovirsen plus standard of care compared with standard of care alone. Results were statistically significant across all ranked endpoints, including in patients with HBsAg <=1000 IU/ml where an even greater effect was demonstrated. The trials demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile consistent with what was reported in other studies.

As described in the release from GSK, full results will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming scientific congress, published in a peer-reviewed journal and used to support regulatory submissions to health authorities worldwide.

“CHB is one of the most common, persistent viral infections in the world, with currently no approved therapy that can achieve meaningful functional cure. Bepirovirsen is uniquely positioned to effectively treat CHB based on its potential to reduce the replication of hepatitis B virus, suppress hepatitis B surface antigen and stimulate the immune system,” said Brett Monia, PhD, chief executive officer, Ionis.

 “Today’s positive results are made possible by the strategic collaboration between Ionis and GSK, and demonstrate that bepirovirsen has the potential to bring hope to the millions of people living with CHB. This is the first of five anticipated Phase 3 readouts from Ionis’ partnered programs this year, underscoring the broad applicability of our technology.”

GSK. GSK announces positive results from B-Well 1 and B-Well 2 phase III trials for bepirovirsen, a potential first-in-class treatment for chronic hepatitis B. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 7, 2026. 

https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-announces-positive-results-from-b-well-1-and-b-well-2-phase-iii-trials-for-bepirovirsen-a-potential-first-in-class-treatment-for-chronic-hepatitis-b/

Ionis Pharmaceuticals. Ionis partner GSK announces positive topline results from B-Well 1 and B-Well 2 Phase 3 studies for bepirovirsen, a potential first-in-class medicine for chronic hepatitis B. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 7, 2026. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260106121974/en/Ionis-partner-GSK-announces-positive-topline-results-from-B-Well-1-and-B-Well-2-Phase-3-studies-for-bepirovirsen-a-potential-first-in-class-medicine-for-chronic-hepatitis-B

GSK's phase 3 trials, B-Well 1 and B-Well 2, have shown promising results for bepirovirsen, an investigational antisense oligonucleotide for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The trials, involving over 1800 patients across 29 countries, met their primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful functional cure rate. Bepirovirsen, licensed from Ionis Pharmaceuticals, inhibits viral DNA replication, suppresses HBsAg levels, and stimulates the immune system. The trials confirmed its safety and tolerability, and results will support regulatory submissions and future development as a treatment backbone.

The investigational antisense oligonucleotide met the primary endpoint for functional cure rate in the phase 3 B-Well 1 and B-Well 2 trials in chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatology

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Bepirovirsen Meets Function Cure Endpoint in Phase 3 B-Well Trials for Hepatitis B

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.

 has granted priority review to the Biologics License Application (BLA) for atacicpet for the treatment of adults with

The decision was announced on January 7, 2027, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date set for July 7, 2027. If approved, atacicept would offer patients an autoinjector for at-home self-administration of a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.

Atacicept is an investigational recombinant fusion protein, containing the soluble transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor receptor, which binds to the cytokines B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL). BAFF and APRIL are members of the tumor necrosis superfamily, playing crucial roles in immune system regulation, and promote B-cell survival and autoantibody production associated with IgAN, 

“Atacicept offers a distinct approach through dual targeting of BAFF and APRIL, which we believe could advance the standard of care in IgAN, if approved,” said Marshall Fordyce, MD, founder and CEO of Vera Therapeutics, in a company statement. “FDA’s Priority Review designation reinforces the need for new therapies that can reshape the IgAN treatment landscape. We remain committed to working with the FDA to facilitate a thorough review of the BLA. Our team is focused on bringing a potential treatment to patients with the urgency they deserve.”

The BLA submission was supported by data from the ORIGIN 3 trial’s prespecified interim analysis. The phase 3 trial 

of reduction in proteinuria at week 36 in June 2025, with a 46% reduction compared to baseline, and a 42% reduction compared to placebo (

< .0001). According to study investigators, these results were consistent and improved from the ORIGIN phase 2b trial.

During the randomized trial period, the safety profile was comparable between atacicept and placebo. Through 96 weeks, atacicept demonstrated further improvements in Gd-IgA1, hematuria, and proteinuria, as well as stabilization of estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR).

“ORIGIN 3 is the first Phase 3 clinical trial in IgAN to demonstrate this magnitude of UPCR reduction compared to placebo at week 36. These results convincingly demonstrate the impact of atacicept to reduce proteinuria,” said Richard Lafayette, MD, FACP, a professor of medicine, nephrology, and director of the Glomerular Disease Center at Stanford University Medical Center, and a primary investigator for both ORIGIN 2b and ORIGIN 3, in a previous statement.

ORIGIN 3 is an ongoing global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial of 431 adults with IgAN, where participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to atacicept 150 mg, self-administered at home via once weekly subcutaneous injection, or placebo. The placebo-controlled, blinded trial will continue to evaluate the change in kidney function over 2 years as measured by eGFR, with results expected in 2027.

Therapeutics V. Vera Therapeutics Announces U.S. FDA Granted Priority Review to Biologics License Application for Atacicept for Treatment of Adults with IgA Nephropathy. GlobeNewswire News Room. Published January 7, 2026. Accessed January 7, 2026. 

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/01/07/3214426/0/en/Vera-Therapeutics-Announces-U-S-FDA-Granted-Priority-Review-to-Biologics-License-Application-for-Atacicept-for-Treatment-of-Adults-with-IgA-Nephropathy.html

Vera Therapeutics Announces Atacicept Achieved 46% Proteinuria Reduction in ORIGIN Phase 3 Trial in Adults with IgA Nephropathy | Vera Therapeutics. Vera Therapeutics. Published 2025. Accessed January 7, 2026. 

https://ir.veratx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vera-therapeutics-announces-atacicept-achieved-46-proteinuria

The FDA has granted priority review to the Biologics License Application for atacicept, a potential treatment for IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Atacicept is a recombinant fusion protein targeting BAFF and APRIL, cytokines involved in B-cell survival and autoantibody production. The ORIGIN 3 trial demonstrated significant proteinuria reduction, supporting the application. The trial showed a 46% reduction in proteinuria at week 36, with a safety profile comparable to placebo. If approved, atacicept would be available as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection for at-home use.

The FDA grants priority review of Vera Therapeutics’s Biologics License Application for the B-cell modulating, atacicept, in IgAN. 


Nephrology

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FDA Grants Priority Review Of Biologics License Application For Atacicept In IgA Nephropathy

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.

Upadacitinib has demonstrated superior short-term efficacy versus 4 other oral Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors for 

, according to recent findings, supporting its preferential consideration as a systemic JAK inhibitor.

These findings resulted from a study conducted to compare oral upadacitinib therapy to 4 other JAK inhibitors, or JAKis: abrocitinib (100 or 200 mg), baricitinib (2 or 4 mg), and ivarmacitinib (4 or 8 mg). The analysis was authored by an investigative team led by Arya Babul, from the West Career & Technical Academy and Society for Awareness of Neglected Diseases.

Babul et sl described indirect comparisons made via Bayesian network meta-analysis (BNMA) as helpful for comparisons of medication efficacy, as they may help to guide therapeutic decision-making. Nevertheless, they noted before this study, “NMAs published before June 2025 did not include ivarmacitinib, as its phase 3 data in [atopic dermatitis] and regulatory approvals in China for [atopic dermatitis] only became available in 2025.”

Therefore, Babul and colleagues set out to conduct a BNMA assessing the short-term efficacy results of 4 JAK inhibitors indicated for atopic dermatitis treatment.

The investigators, in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, conducted a systematic review conducted and registered in PROSPERO evidence drawn from various phase 2 and phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. These studies would be evaluating oral JAK inhibitors for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, and the investigators’ searches involved the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases.

In the early portion of their study, through August 2025, they conducted their search for trials. This was also supplemented by a manual screening of reference lists along with relevant congress abstracts, with Babul and coauthors seeking to ensure inclusion of all eligible research. In their review, they looked at data on baricitinib at doses of 2 mg and 4 mg, abrocitinib at 100 mg and 200 mg, upadacitinib at 15 mg and 30 mg, and ivarmacitinib at 4 mg and 8 mg. Age eligibility criteria were noted by the investigators as consistent with criteria implemented in the pivotal clinical development programs for each of these drugs.

Research related to abrocitinib included the JADE MONO-1 study (NCT03349060), JADE MONO-2 (NCT03575871), and a phase 2b analysis (NCT02780167), with patients evaluated being aged 12 years and older. Data on upadacitinib’s use were derived from MEASURE UP-1 (NCT03569293) and MEASURE UP-2 (NCT03607422). These 2 studies included participants between the ages of 12 - 75 years.

The BREEZE-AD1 (NCT03334396), BREEZE-AD2 (NCT03334422), and BREEZE-AD5 (NCT03435081) studies were used to look at baricitinib, and all of these trials were limited to adults aged 18 years or older. For ivarmacitinib, Babul et al used a phase 3 study (NCT04875169) involving the enrollment of adolescents and adults between 12 - 75 years of age. In terms of primary efficacy outcomes, they looked for patient attainment of at least a 75% improvement from baseline in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) at 12 - 16 weeks.

Additionally, they looked at participants’ Investigator’s Global Assessment scores of clear or almost clear (IGA-AD 0/1). They also looked for a reduction of at least 4 points on the itch numeric rating scale, also known as the Itch NRS. Effects of therapies were estimated by the investigators via Bayesian hierarchical models, with odds ratios (ORs) being generated with corresponding 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Comparative ranking across these 4 drugs was determined through the use of surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probabilities.

In total, there were 9 randomized controlled trials. These studies were made up of 4261 individuals who had met the criteria for involvement. Across all endpoints examined by Babul and colleagues, upadacitinib 30 mg consistently had the strongest level of efficacy in those with atopic dermatitis. In their assessment of EASI 75 scores, the OR was 12.3 (95% CrI, 7.9–18.7). IGA-AD 0/1 response, on the other hand, yielded an OR of 18.9 (95% CrI, 12.0–29.7). Positive shifts in pruritus severity, defined by a ≥4-point reduction in trial participants’ Itch NRS scores, was also shown to be the greatest with upadacitinib 30 mg treatment, with an OR of 11.1 (95% CrI, 7.2–17.5).

This dose was followed in overall efficacy by upadacitinib 15 mg. Then, Babul and coauthors found abrocitinib 200 mg had the next best efficacy, followed by ivarmacitinib 8 mg. In contrast, they found baricitinib at both the 2 mg and 4 mg doses had been consistently in the lowest treatment ranking positions. They reinforced such data via SUCRA analyses. Upadacitinib 30 mg attained probabilities ranging from 97% - 98%, which the investigators note suggests an increased likelihood of being the most effective option across the different endpoints.

Overall, the investigative team concluded upadacitinib, especially at the 30 mg dose and followed by the 15 mg dose, allows for the most robust short-term improvements in both patients’ level of skin clearance and their level of itch among these 4 oral JAKis.

“These findings support a provisional efficacy preference for upadacitinib in managing moderate-to-severe [atopic dermatitis] unresponsive to biologic or topical therapies,” they wrote.

Babul A, Mehta D, Babul N, et al. Upadacitinib Leads in Efficacy: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Four JAK Inhibitors in Moderate-To-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. Int J Dermatol. 2026 Jan 5. 

Zhao Y, Gooderham M, Zhang J. Ivarmacitinib for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Adults and Adolescents: A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2025 Jul 1;161(7):688-697. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.0982. PMID: 40305055; PMCID: PMC12044538.

Upadacitinib has shown superior short-term efficacy compared to four other oral JAK inhibitors for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. A Bayesian network meta-analysis evaluated upadacitinib against abrocitinib, baricitinib, and ivarmacitinib, using data from various randomized controlled trials. Upadacitinib, particularly at a 30 mg dose, demonstrated the highest efficacy in improving Eczema Area and Severity Index scores, Investigator’s Global Assessment scores, and itch severity. The findings suggest upadacitinib as a preferred systemic treatment option for patients unresponsive to biologic or topical therapies.

Investigators ranked the short-term effectiveness of 4 oral JAKis, upadacitinib, abrocitinib, baricitinib, and ivarmacitinib in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis 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 dermatitis research, treatment, and drug development.

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Upadacitinib 30 mg Superior to 4 Other JAKi Monotherapies for Atopic Dermatitis

Sayna Norouzi, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine, clinical nephrologist, and founder and director of the glomerular disease and polycystic kidney disease clinics at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Videos

In this segment, the panel focuses on clarifying terminology and discussing evolving treatment strategies for IgA nephropathy.

Video Series

Challenges in Integrating B-Cell Modulators into IgAN Clinical Practice

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.

Q4 2025 psychiatry highlights: FDA approvals, clearances, and submissions, plus new clinical data shaping personalized treatment in MDD, bipolar, and schizophrenia.

Psychiatry

Psychiatry condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on mental illnesses. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and more.

Major Depressive Disorder

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Q4 2025 Recap: Psychiatry News and Updates

In this segment, the panel discusses how B-cell modulators such as atacicept, sibeprenlimab, and povetacicept may fit within evolving treatment pathways for IgA nephropathy.

Positioning Emerging B-Cell Modulators in Future IgAN Treatment Algorithms

The Q4 recap for hepatology spotlights new AASLD guidelines, changes to CDC hepatitis B vaccination recommendations, and more.

MASH / MASLD

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Q4 2025 Recap: Hepatology News and Updates

Kohli discusses the importance of the FDA’s recent label change and how clinicians can help reduce the continued prescription of ineffective medication.

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...

Addressing Fenofibrates’ Lack of Cardiovascular Benefit, With Payal Kohli, MD, FACC

The pulmonology year in review highlights FDA approvals and pivotal data readouts.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonology in 2025: Year in Review

This study highlights the efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib 6 mg in psoriasis, with results stratified by body mass index and age in a Japanese patient cohort.

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.

Deucravacitinib 6 mg Effective in Patients with Psoriasis Over 2 Years

Retrospective data suggest serum creatinine trajectories might predict 28-day mortality in acute kidney injury on chronic kidney disease. 


Chronic Kidney Disease

Serum Creatinine Trajectories May Predict 28-Day Mortality in CKD

A study found no differences in depressive symptom reduction when nonresponders continued therapy, switched therapists, or changed both therapist and treatment approach.

Switching Therapists for Psychotherapy Offers No Advantage in MDD

Catch up on IBD steroid exposure risk, intensive weight loss before colorectal cancer surgery, a new chronic idiopathic constipation treatment option, and more.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on digestive and GI conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for 

, IBS and IBD, Crohn's disease, and more.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

On the HCPLive inflammatory bowel disease page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into IBD can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on IBD and more.

Latest News

Q4 2025 Recap: Pulmonology News and Updates

FDA Approves 2-Gram Presentation of Fibryga for Acquired Fibrinogen Deficiency

Bepirovirsen Meets Function Cure Endpoint in Phase 3 B-Well Trials for Hepatitis B

FDA Grants Priority Review Of Biologics License Application For Atacicept In IgA Nephropathy

Upadacitinib 30 mg Superior to 4 Other JAKi Monotherapies for Atopic Dermatitis