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.

 field continued to show significant advancements, in terms of new treatments for dermatologic diseases, 

 news, and new data on various disease states.

 Month in Review series, the editorial team has highlighted a series of headlines from February’s dermatology news coverage. Two new episodes of 

’s dermatology podcasts were also released this month. From FDA news related to imsidolimab for generalized pustular psoriasis to new data on tirzepatide and ixekizumab combination therapy, February was certainly a notable month in skin health news.

The following list of the most significant news in dermatology highlights 6 of these key developments in the space:

Upadacitinib Regulatory Applications Submitted for Adults, Adolescents with Vitiligo

In February, both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) received regulatory applications by AbbVie seeking approval of upadacitinib (Rinvoq) 15 mg once per day for adults and adolescents with non-segmental vitiligo (NSV). The February 3 announcement of AbbVie’s submissions followed previous data resulting from the Viti-Up clinical trial program, assessing upadacitinib’s efficacy and safety among individuals with NSV.

"Many patients experience ongoing frustration due to the unpredictability of non-segmental vitiligo spread and the lack of systemic treatment options that can stabilize disease progression and achieve skin re-pigmentation," Kori Wallace, MD, PhD, vice president and global head of immunology clinical development at AbbVie, said in a statement.

FDA Accepts BLA for Imsidolimab as Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Treatment

The FDA also accepted for review a Biologics License Application (BLA) for imsidolimab as a treatment for patients living with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). Vanda Pharmaceuticals’ announcement of this BLA acceptance also highlights the drug’s FDA Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target date as December 12, 2026.

"The acceptance of the BLA filing for imsidolimab marks a critical milestone in our efforts to bring this innovative therapy to patients suffering from GPP," Mihael H. Polymeropoulos, MD, president, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Vanda Pharmaceuticals, said in a statement. "Imsidolimab builds on our growing expertise in rare orphan disorders and our anti-inflammatory portfolio.”

Ixekizumab, Tirzepatide Effective Together for Psoriasis and Obesity or Overweight

In another notable headline from February, Eli Lilly and Company released new findings suggesting adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and obesity or overweight see significant improvements with combined ixekizumab (Taltz) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) treatment in both skin clearance and weight reduction as opposed to ixekizumab alone. These were positive topline findings resulting from the phase 3b TOGETHER-PsO trial, an open-label study assessing the combined use of ixekizumab and tirzepatide versus ixekizumab alone.

Nemolizumab Shows Long-Term Efficacy in Prurigo Nodularis for Up to 3 Years

On February 27, new data were released suggesting treatment with nemolizumab (Nemluvio) for up to 3 years is associated with sustained disease control and a favorable tolerability profile among those with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis. These data, highlighted by Galderma, resulted from the open-label extension phase of the OLYMPIA clinical program evaluating nemolizumab in patients living with prurigo nodularis. The drug is FDA-approved for adults with prurigo nodularis.

“Prurigo nodularis is not only intensely itchy, painful and uncomfortable, it can also take a profound toll on sleep, emotional well-being, and daily functioning,” Shawn Kwatra, MD, lead OLYMPIA investigator and Joseph W. Burnett Endowed Professor and Chairman of Dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, said in a statement. “That’s why achieving sustained, long-term disease control is critical for patients.”

The Medical Sisterhood: Physician Mom Burnout & Mental Health Strategies, With Jennifer Hsiao, MD

 podcast featured a discussion between host Mona Shahriari, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, and Jennifer Hsiao, MD, a dermatologist and clinical associate professor of clinical dermatology at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC), regarding the topics of balance, leadership, and success working as a physician in dermatology as well as a parent. The invisible labor faced by female physicians, particularly mothers, was highlighted in this episode.

Additionally, the pair highlighted the common use of mental checklists, calendar management, and the constant juggling of professional and personal responsibilities. Hsiao touches on her own life as a dermatologist and mother of 2 children, speaking about the various challenges of maintaining work-life balance and the societal expectations placed on moms. Throughout the episode, Shahriari and Hsiao emphasize the need for shared responsibilities at home.

Skin of Color Savvy: Why 2026 Is the Year of Skin Equity, With Susan Taylor, MD, Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, and Mona Shahriari, MD

In the Skin of Color Savvy episode posted in February, hosted by Skin of Color Society (SOCS) leaders and produced by 

, the podcast welcomed Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine and host of 

, who led a conversation on advancing skin health equity with Susan Taylor, MD, the Bernett Johnson Endowed Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, board-certified dermatologist and Professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology.

The 3 speakers pointed to 2026 as a potentially “pivotal year,” noting the need for a shift from simple awareness of disparities toward measurable action. The speakers looked at the different wats the the current moment differs from the past, citing tangible therapeutic advances in conditions that disproportionately affect patients with skin of color, including hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and atopic dermatitis.

Articles

February 2026 dermatology developments centered on regulatory momentum and late-stage clinical readouts spanning inflammatory and pigmentary disease. AbbVie submitted upadacitinib 15 mg QD applications to the FDA and EMA for adolescent/adult non-segmental vitiligo, addressing an unmet need for systemic stabilization and repigmentation. The FDA accepted Vanda’s BLA for imsidolimab in generalized pustular psoriasis with a December 12, 2026 PDUFA date. Phase 3b data supported ixekizumab plus tirzepatide for concurrent psoriasis and obesity, while long-term extension results reinforced nemolizumab durability in prurigo nodularis.

In this February review of the most significant developments in dermatology, the month’s most notable coverage of disease states such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis is highlighted.

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6 Dermatology Headlines You Missed in February 2026

Muthiah Vaduganathan, MD, MPH, is a cardiologist specializing in cardiorenal metabolism at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. Vaduganathan is a member of Practical Cardiology's advisory board and co-host of Don't Miss a Beat, a podcast presented by Inside Cardiology.

Optimizing Multidisciplinary Collaboration in CKD Management

In the final episode, ‘Optimizing Multidisciplinary Collaboration in CKD Management,’ the panelists explore the following critical questions:

How do you collaborate with other multidisciplinary clinicians, such as cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, primary care, to ensure coordinated CKD identification and follow-up?

What advice would you like to share with colleagues about implementing both uACR and eGFR testing to support earlier CKD diagnosis and cardiovascular risk management in clinical practice?

Led by the moderator, the experts conclude by addressing the challenge of maintaining a continuum of care between infrequent clinical visits, identifying the EHR as the critical "common denominator" for aligning primary care, cardiology, and endocrinology on a unified plan. Dr. Kushner stresses the importance of explicit clinician-to-clinician communication and detailed "SOAP" plan documentation to prevent therapeutic inertia during the months between specialist consultations. A major highlight of the discussion is the expanded role of the pharmacist in executing "de-congestion" strategies, such as remote medication titration, which allows physicians to focus on diagnostic complexity while ensuring patients reach guideline-directed doses.

The panel also underscores the necessity of patient empowerment, suggesting that showing a patient their position on the KDIGO heat map can bridge the literacy gap and foster shared decision-making. Final pearls from the experts reinforce that the "science is clear" and the current therapeutic armamentarium offers a unique opportunity to change the trajectory of CKD if caught early. By embracing a "know your numbers" campaign for uACR and fostering a community of healthcare responsibility, the panelists argue that clinicians can meaningfully delay or even prevent the progression to end-stage renal disease, providing patients with a significantly higher quality of life.

Thank you for watching this Peer Exchange series on chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular risk. Please subscribe to our newsletter for information on upcoming video series.

Videos

Learn how uACR and eGFR tracking, EHR prompts, and team-based titration streamline early CKD care and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Video Series

Clinical and Biomarker Signals for Escalating Therapy in High-Risk CKD

This episode, titled, ‘Clinical and Biomarker Signals for Escalating Therapy in High-Risk CKD,’ features panelists discussing the following critical question:

What clinical or biomarker-based signals prompt treatment modifications or escalations in patients with CKD and elevated cardiovascular risk?

Led by the moderator, this discussion explores how clinicians can use "responsive" biomarkers to combat the "silent" nature of early-stage CKD and keep patients engaged in their care. Much like HbA1c in diabetes or LDL-C in lipid management, the panel suggests that tracking uACR provides a visual feedback loop that proves a drug is working, specifically aiming for the ADA-recommended 30% reduction. Dr. Desai and Dr. Kushner explain that this feedback is essential for shared decision-making, allowing clinicians to tailor the "starting therapy" based on a patient’s unique profile—such as prioritizing GLP-1 receptor agonists for a patient with obesity or SGLT2 inhibitors for those with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

The experts also contrast the "race to four drugs" seen in heart failure with the longer-term horizon of CKD, suggesting that while the ultimate goal remains comprehensive cardiorenal protection, the sequencing of medications can be a collaborative, incremental process. By framing uACR reduction as an improvement in systemic endothelial health and a decrease in cardiovascular risk (as reflected in updated PREVENT scores), clinicians can move from a "one-size-fits-all" recipe to a nuanced, patient-centered strategy. This approach is particularly effective for patients with a family history of dialysis, where the motivation to intercept disease progression is high, making the "fun part" of clinical practice the integration of evidence-based guidelines with personalized patient goals.

In the last episode, ‘Optimizing Multidisciplinary Collaboration in CKD Management,’ the panelists advocate for transforming the CKM care pathway by leveraging electronic health records (EHR) as a universal platform for trust and communication among primary care and specialist teams. They emphasize a multidisciplinary "team-based" approach—utilizing pharmacists for titration and telehealth for monitoring—to ensure that the momentum of early diagnosis is maintained throughout the long-term journey of chronic disease management.

See how UACR trends motivate patients, guide shared decisions, and tailor therapies to slow CKD while lowering cardiovascular risk.

Tailoring CKD Management to Cardiovascular Risk and Multidisciplinary Monitoring

In ‘Tailoring CKD Management to Cardiovascular Risk and Multidisciplinary Monitoring,’ our experts delve into the following critical questions:

How does the management strategy for patients with CKD and T2D change based on their cardiovascular risk profile?

How do cardiology and nephrology perspectives differ in monitoring therapeutic response in CKD, particularly with respect to reliance on eGFR alone versus combined eGFR and uACR assessment?

Drawing from successful implementation strategies in heart failure, Dr. Desai argues for a paradigm shift in CKD care toward simultaneous initiation of the "four pillars" of therapy. This approach moves away from the traditional model of maximizing one drug before adding another, instead prioritizing early, comprehensive coverage to capture synergistic benefits across the cardiorenal metabolic spectrum. The experts note that because these therapies often target the same high-risk patient population—those with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—clinicians have a unique opportunity to simplify complex regimens into a core group of multi-organ protective agents.

The discussion also details the logistical requirements of a follow-up visit, which must balance disease monitoring with medication onboarding. Dr. Beavers outlines a dual-track monitoring system: tracking eGFR and uACR progression according to the KDIGO heat map's risk levels, while simultaneously managing the aggressive monthly titration schedules required for newer agents like GLP-1 receptor agonists. The panel concludes that while the initial onboarding phase requires frequent assessment (often within one month of starting therapy), the predictable response of biomarkers like uACR provides a reliable metric for clinicians to gauge treatment success and ensure long-term stability.

Our next episode, ‘Clinical and Biomarker Signals for Escalating Therapy in High-Risk CKD,’ further explores chronic kidney disease, highlighting the transition of uACR from a diagnostic tool to a responsive biomarker, emphasizing its value in providing patients with tangible evidence of treatment success. They highlight that achieving at least a 30% reduction in uACR is a key clinical goal that not only confirms renal protection but also serves as a motivator for long-term adherence to complex, individualized therapy regimens.

Heart failure playbook reshapes CKD care: early combo therapies, right dosing, and smart uACR/eGFR follow-up to boost adherence.

Approaches to Prioritizing and Sequencing Therapies in CKD

In this episode, ‘Approaches to Prioritizing and Sequencing Therapies in CKD,’ the panelists explore the following questions:

What role do angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, non-steroidal MRAs, and GLP-1 receptor agonist play in your treatment decisions for patients with CKD in patients with T2D and other comorbidities?

How do you prioritize and sequence therapies for patients with CKD?

This segment explores the operational challenges of implementing the modern quadruple therapy framework for chronic kidney disease, particularly in the overlap of type 2 diabetes and CKM syndrome. Dr. Kushner highlights a common clinical pitfall: the failure to titrate RAS inhibitors to their maximum tolerated doses, noting that sub-therapeutic dosing significantly limits the potential to slow disease progression. To improve adherence, the experts suggest a practical communication shift—explicitly labeling prescriptions with the medication's purpose (e.g., "for slowing kidney disease progression") to help patients understand the systemic protection these drugs provide beyond mere symptom management.

The experts also emphasize the necessity of evolving care models to include pharmacists and mid-level providers who can focus on the intensive work of dose optimization and navigating insurance access barriers. Dr. Beavers introduces the concept of "de-prescribing" less effective medications to reduce pill burden and make the core guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) more tolerable for the patient. By combining motivational interviewing with shared decision-making, the panel argues that clinicians can align these complex therapeutic regimens with the patient’s personal health goals, ultimately moving toward a more sustainable and effective management strategy.

The next episode in this series, ‘Tailoring CKD Management to Cardiovascular Risk and Multidisciplinary Monitoring,’ features the experts advancing their conversation on chronic kidney disease. The panelists apply foundational principles from heart failure management to CKD, emphasizing that early "upstream" combination therapy—starting low-to-intermediate doses of multiple drug classes simultaneously—is more effective than slow, sequential titration. They suggest that long-term adherence can be improved by reframing these treatments as a unified regimen that simultaneously targets weight, glycemia, and cardiorenal protection.

Explore the four-pillars approach to slowing kidney disease—max dose ACE/ARB, add SGLT2, MRA, GLP‑1—plus access and team-based tips.

Learn how KDIGO risk staging and urine ACR guide CKD management, triage, and timely nephrology referral when red flags appear.

Guiding CKD Treatment Decisions with uACR and eGFR Trends

Clinicians rethink cardio-renal care: educate teams, streamline workflows, expand screening via pharmacists and EHRs, and prioritize prevention over dialysis.

Unmet Needs Remaining in CKD Diagnosis

Why uACR urine testing lags: incentives, workflow gaps, and silos—and how KDIGO staging strengthens kidney and cardiovascular risk conversations.

uACR and eGFR Testing in CKD: Addressing Barriers and Patient Communication

Learn why pairing eGFR with urine albumin-creatinine ratio improves CKD screening, avoids missed diagnoses, and guides follow-up care.

Evaluating Clinical Gaps in Combining uACR and eGFR Testing in CKD Diagnosis

Learn how UACR testing complements eGFR, reveals hidden kidney and cardiovascular risk, and uses a color-coded heat map to guide patient communication and referrals.

Combined Role of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) Testing in CKD

Clinicians across specialties share responsibility for early kidney disease screening—use UACR and eGFR at every touchpoint to prevent patients slipping through cracks.

Emphasizing Multidisciplinary Collaboration for Early CKD Diagnosis

Cogent Biosciences previously submitted an NDA for bezuclastinib at the end of 2025.

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SUMMIT: Bezuclastinib Delivers Durable, Deepening Symptom Relief in NonAdvSM, With Cem Akin, MD

Girish Nadkarni, MD, MPH, is the Irene and Dr. Arthur M. Fishberg Professor of Medicine, System Chief of the Division of Data Driven and Digital Medicine , Co-Director of the Mount Sinai Clinical Intelligence Center, and the Director of Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine.

Nadkarni’s research suggests LLMs often pass along medical misinformation, underscoring the need for oversight, evaluation, and stronger AI guardrails.

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Mapping Medical Misinformation Risks in the Age of Generative AI, With Girish Nadkarni, MD, MPH

Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, is a dermatologist in California. 

In this segment of the recent Skin of Color Savvy podcast, the value of advocacy and meaningful change in skin health equity is highlighted.

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What Systemic Changes in Skin Health Equity Are Taking Place?

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.

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Latest News

6 Dermatology Headlines You Missed in February 2026

Optimizing Multidisciplinary Collaboration in CKD Management

Clinical and Biomarker Signals for Escalating Therapy in High-Risk CKD

Tailoring CKD Management to Cardiovascular Risk and Multidisciplinary Monitoring

Approaches to Prioritizing and Sequencing Therapies in CKD