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

GRI-0621 was well tolerated by people with 

(IPF) over a 12-week treatment period, meeting the primary end point of the Phase 2a GRI-0621-IPF-02 clinical trial.

The trial also met its secondary end point, with treated participants exhibiting improvements in serum biomarkers. More recently, the GRI Bio also announced positive flow cytometry data.

“Treatment of patients with IPF in the GRI-0621 Phase 2a trial was observed to be safe and well tolerated through the completion of the 12-week study,” Toby Maher, MD, PhD, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC Los Angeles, said in a statement.

 “Secondary endpoints related to the effect of GRI-0621 on biomarkers associated with disease progression provided evidence that GRI-0621 maintains a net anti-fibrotic effect compared to standard of care. Lastly, FVC improved in patients treated with GRI-0621, with more patients experiencing an increase at 12 weeks than with standard of care. We look forward to watching the clinical advancement of GRI-0621 as a potential treatment for patients with IPF.”

The phase 2a randomized, double-blind, multinational, multicenter, placebo-controlled, parallel-design study enrolled 35 patients with IPF randomized 2:1 to receive oral GRI-0621 4.5 mg or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, no safety or tolerability concerns were identified among enrolled participants, with dry skin, dry lips, and muscle or joint pain representing the most frequently reported adverse events. Notably, no increases in cough were observed in the GRI-0621–treated group (0%) compared with placebo (25%), and gastrointestinal disorders were less frequent with GRI-0621 than with placebo, including diarrhea reported in 13% versus 33% of patients, respectively. Most participants (80%) were receiving background antifibrotic therapy with pirfenidone or nintedanib.

Treatment with GRI-0621 was also associated with favorable changes in serum biomarkers of collagen turnover, consistent with fibrosis resolution and activation of alveolar basement membrane repair mechanisms. Levels of PRO-C6, a marker of type VI collagen synthesis, decreased from baseline by 3% in GRI-0621–treated patients but increased by 12% in those receiving placebo plus standard of care. In contrast, C6M, a biomarker of type VI collagen degradation, increased by 6% with GRI-0621 and decreased by 3% with placebo. Overall, the type VI collagen remodeling rate shifted from fibrogenic in the placebo group (+10%, reflecting continued fibrosis progression) to fibrolytic in the GRI-0621 group (−7%, reflecting fibrosis resolution). Reductions in biomarkers of neutrophil and macrophage activity, as well as downregulation of genes associated with fibrosis, disease progression, and mortality, were also observed in GRI-0621–treated patients compared with placebo.

Placebo-adjusted changes from baseline in FVC showed an increase of 99 mL in the GRI-0621 arm and 139 mL among patients receiving both GRI-0621 and background standard of care. Given the known variability of spirometry, a post hoc analysis excluding extreme FVC outliers demonstrated placebo-adjusted increases of 54 mL in the overall GRI-0621 group and 81 mL in the subgroup on combination therapy. At week 12, 39% of patients treated with GRI-0621 experienced an increase in FVC, whereas 80% of placebo-treated patients experienced a decline.

“There remains a tremendous unmet need for safe, tolerable, and truly effective treatments for patients suffering from IPF,” Marc Hertz, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GRI Bio, said.

 “GRI-0621 continues to demonstrate a compelling profile, combining favorable safety and tolerability with a dual mechanism of action as both an immunomodulator and an anti-fibrotic agent.”

More recently, GRI announced that immune cell analyses from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) showed that GRI-0621 treatment inhibited invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell activity and drove a clear immunomodulatory shift toward an anti-fibrotic phenotype. Treated patients produced higher levels of the anti-fibrotic cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) alongside reduced production of pro-fibrotic cytokines, including interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-13, IL-17A, IL-22, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).

Consistent with reduced chronic activation, iNKT cells from GRI-0621–treated subjects demonstrated increased T-cell receptor (TCR) expression after 12 weeks compared with baseline and placebo-treated subjects receiving standard of care. Across both BAL and PBMC samples, T-cell subsets showed increased type 1–associated cytokine expression (IFN-γ) with concomitant reductions in type 2 (IL-4, IL-13) and type 3 (IL-17A, IL-22) cytokines. Reductions in TGF-β were also observed after 12 weeks of GRI-0621 treatment across multiple immune cell populations—including regulatory T cells (Treg and Treg-like), B cells, monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils—compared with baseline and placebo, further supporting a broad anti-fibrotic immunologic shift.

“Our Phase 2a study was intentionally designed to assess a broad range of clinical, biomarker, and mechanistic endpoints,” Hertz said.

 “The immune cell data announced today are highly consistent with our earlier findings on collagen turnover, lung tissue repair, and improvements in pulmonary function, further strengthening the overall clinical proof-of-concept for GRI-0621.”

GRI Bio Announces Positive Topline Data from its Phase 2a Study in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (“IPF”). News release. GRI Bio. December 10, 2025. https://gribio.com/gri-bio-announces-positive-topline-data-from-its-phase-2a-study-in-idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-ipf/

GRI Bio Announces Additional Positive Data from Phase 2a Study in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Strengthening Clinical Proof-of-Concept for GRI-0621. News release. GRI Bio. January 8, 2026. 

https://gribio.com/gri-bio-announces-additional-positive-data-from-phase-2a-study-in-idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-strengthening-clinical-proof-of-concept-for-gri-0621/

Articles

GRI-0621 demonstrated safety and tolerability in a Phase 2a trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), achieving primary and secondary endpoints. The trial showed improvements in serum biomarkers and forced vital capacity (FVC) in treated patients. GRI-0621 exhibited a dual mechanism as an immunomodulator and anti-fibrotic agent, reducing pro-fibrotic cytokines and enhancing anti-fibrotic cytokine production. Immune cell analyses revealed a shift towards an anti-fibrotic phenotype, with increased T-cell receptor expression and reduced chronic activation. These findings support GRI-0621's potential as a treatment for IPF.

News

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Pulmonary Fibrosis

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.

Clinical

clinical page is a resource for content on every specialty, disease, and topic available on our medical news site.

GRI-0621 Well-Tolerated, Shows Positive Biomarker and FVC Data in IPF

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.

 who failed to adequately respond to dupilumab may attain skin and itch improvements after switching to upadacitinib, new findings suggest.

These new data were the result of a second period of the 

, authored by such investigators as Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine. In this second LEVEL UP period, Bunick and colleagues built on prior findings from the initial phase of the phase 3b/4 LEVEL UP head-to-head trial.

The prior analysis suggested upadacitinib use resulted in greater concurrent achievement of near-complete skin clearance and minimal to absent pruritus versus dupilumab after 16 weeks in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe disease.

“The current report extends these findings by providing results from period 2 of the LEVEL UP study where patients not achieving ≥ 75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 75) from baseline at the end of period 1 (week 16) entered an additional 16-week treatment period (period 2),” the team wrote.

Design and Findings on Switching from Dupilumab to Upadacitinib

Individuals who failed to achieve a 75% improvement from baseline at minimum in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 75) by Week 16 at the conclusion of period 1 of LEVEL UP (NCT05601882) were considered eligible to enter a 16-week extension phase. Bunick and coauthors designated this phase as period 2. In this second phase of LEVEL UP, those who had been treated with dupilumab were switched to upadacitinib at an initial dose of 15 mg. They were given the option to raise their dosage to 30 mg depending on their clinical responses.

Evaluations of efficacy in the second phase of the trial were aimed at greater thresholds of atopic dermatitis control and relief in itch. Assessments included a Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (WP-NRS) score of 0 or 1, attainment of EASI 90, and the combined achievement of both at the 20 and 32-week marks. There were 208 trial subjects who were transitioned from dupilumab to upadacitinib and entered period 2 of LEVEL UP.

A substantial proportion of these individuals in the extension phase demonstrated, at Week 32, meaningful improvements following the medication switch.

 Bunick and colleagues noted 79.6% reached an EASI 75 score. Additionally, they highlighted the achievement of EASI 90 by 58.7% and EASI 100 by 19.9%. Among study subjects showing a baseline WP-NRS score of 4 at minimum, the investigative team found 60.2% had a reduction of 4 points or more in their level of itch severity.

They found 37.0% of those who entered the second phase with a baseline WP-NRS score exceeding 1 achieved little to no itch, as reflected by a WP-NRS score of 0 or 1.

 In another notable result, the team found 26.8% had met the stringent composite end point of simultaneous EASI 90 and WP-NRS 0/1 by the 32-week mark. Improvements considered clinically meaningful were already evident, according to Bunick et al, at the 20-week mark.

 This result suggested a relatively rapid response after switching medications.

From a safety perspective, a lack of unexpected adverse events (AEs) during this second phase was observed.

 The consistency of the investigators’ safety findings and the established safety profile of upadacitinib was highlighted by Bunick and colleagues. No new safety concerns were identified during the extension phase.

The investigative team highlighted several potential limitations of their research, including noting the study’s limitation “by the absence of a comparator group during period 2 of the Level Up study; measures of improvement are based on a comparison to treatment response following a switch from the comparator group (DUPI) to the treatment group (UPA).”

Bunick CG, Magnolo N, Eyerich K, et al. Switching from Dupilumab to Upadacitinib in Adults and Adolescents with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis After Inadequate Response to Dupilumab: Efficacy and Safety Results from Period 2 of Phase 3b/4 Study (LEVEL UP). Am J Clin Dermatol. 2026 Jan 14. 

Silverberg JI, Bunick CG, Eyerich K. Efficacy and safety of upadacitinib versus dupilumab in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: week 16 results of an open-label randomized efficacy assessor-blinded head-to-head phase IIIb/IV study (Level Up). Br J Dermatol. 2024 Dec 23;192(1):36-45. doi: 10.1093/bjd/ljae404. PMID: 39438067.

New findings suggest that patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who did not respond adequately to dupilumab may experience significant improvements in skin and itch after switching to upadacitinib. The LEVEL UP study's second phase demonstrated that a substantial proportion of patients achieved meaningful improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores and itch severity after the switch. The study reported no unexpected adverse events, confirming upadacitinib's established safety profile. However, the absence of a comparator group in the second phase was noted as a limitation.

In these new phase 3b/4 data from LEVEL UP, findings on switching from dupilumab to upadacitinib in patients with atopic dermatitis are explored.

Dermatology

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.

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.

LEVEL UP: New Data on Switching from Dupilumab to Upadacitinib in Atopic Dermatitis

Diane MacDougall, MS, is the vice president of science and research at the Family Heart Foundation.

LDL-C Management is Dangerously Low Among US Adults With ASCVD, With Diane MacDougall, MS

low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)

 in the US is subpar, with only 13% of adults with 

atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)

 receiving and taking guideline-recommended therapy.

A non-interventional cohort study by the Family Heart Foundation, including >3 million patients with ASCVD, has revealed a significant gap between guideline recommendations and clinical care. Despite widespread awareness of guidelines and the risks of ASCVD, only 13% of included patients were found to have LDL-C management across the 3 prespecified components of receiving high-intensity LDL-C therapy, using high-intensity LDL-C therapy, and achieving an LDL-C level <70 mg/dL.

“We saw that 28% of individuals over the 24-month period were dispensed no LDL-lowering therapy at all,” Diane MacDougall, MS, vice president of science and research at the Family Heart Foundation, told 

 in an exclusive interview. “Of the people who are being treated, many are not being treated with high-intensity therapy, and many are not receiving combination therapy; only 8% received any kind of combination therapy.”

MacDougall and colleagues retrieved patient data from the Family Heart Database, which was established in 2014 and has been updated regularly since. The database contains medical claims of medication use, diagnoses, procedures, and surgeries in >340 million patients between 2012 and 2023.

The team enrolled patients ≥18 years diagnosed with ASCVD prior to 2022, with ≥1 dispensed medication each of years 2022 and 2023, and ≥1 LDL-C measure at any time during either year. Baseline ASCVD was defined as ≥1 inpatient or ≥2 outpatient qualified diagnosis claims, or ≥1 procedure or surgical medical claims corresponding to clinical conditions of myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and so on.

Investigators also collected data regarding the use of LDL-C mono- and combination therapies, including PCSK9 inhibitors, ezetimibe, statins, bempedoic acid, and bile acid sequestrants, categorizing them according to the most intense therapy received. High-intensity LDL-C therapy was defined as having a high likelihood of an LDL-C reduction >50%.

A total of 3,593,954 adult patients with ASCVD were enrolled; although baseline ASCVD was the most common, 39% of patients were diagnosed exclusively with cerebrovascular and/or peripheral arterial disease. The cohort’s mean age was 67 years and included 48% (n = 1,728,391) women, 11% (n = 381,252) Black patients, and 7% (n = 238,421) aged <50 years.

MacDougall and colleagues found that 36% of adults with ASCVD were dispensed LDL-C therapy for >20 of 24 months, while others were dispensed LDL-C therapy for 13-20 months (17%), <13 months (19%), or not at all (28%). Additionally, 41% of patients had an LDL-C <70 mg/dL, 41% were dispensed high-intensity LDL-C therapy, and 35% were dispensed LDL-C therapy for >20 of 24 months – this results in a total of 13% of patients having LDL-C management based on the 3 predetermined components.

The investigators cited a simulation model in US individuals hospitalized for myocardial infarction, which states that if guideline-recommended LDL-C management were followed, 1 in 5 patients could avoid a recurrent event within 3 years. The team also encourages clinicians to adjust their prescribing patterns, branching out to nonstatin and combination therapy options.

“There are some strategies that were discussed in the discussion section,” MacDougall said. “For example, arranging an LDL-C measurement prior to the clinical visit, to be used as a basis of a discussion with the patient during the visit. It’s really important to focus comprehensively on LDL-C management, including receiving high-intensity therapy, getting the LDL <70, and staying on therapy.”

Editor’s Note: MacDougall reports no relevant disclosures.

Babros J. New Family Heart Foundation Study Finds Only 13% of Adults With Cardiovascular Disease Achieve Comprehensive LDL-C Management. 

. December 3, 2025. Accessed January 22, 2026. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251203415792/en/New-Family-Heart-Foundation-Study-Finds-Only-13-of-Adults-With-Cardiovascular-Disease-Achieve-Comprehensive-LDL-C-Management

MacDougall DE, Ferdinand K, Baum SJ, et al. Cholesterol management in US adults with ASCVD in the family heart database® during 2022–23: Current state of care and opportunities for improvement. American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. 2025;24:101354. 

Videos

MacDougall discusses the Family Heart Foundation’s recent study indicating that very few adults with ASCVD are receiving guideline-directed therapy.

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...

Dyslipidemia

Nancy Reau, MD, is Professor of Internal Medicine, Richard B. Capps Chair of Hepatology, Associate Director of Solid Organ Transplantation, and Section Chief of Hepatology at Rush University Medical Center.

Liver Lineup: Advances, Gaps, and What’s Next in Viral Hepatitis

Liver Lineup: Updates and Unfiltered Insights

, hosts Nancy Reau, MD, and Kimberly Brown, MD, tackle a paradox that continues to define viral hepatitis care: despite curative therapies for 

 and highly effective suppression for hepatitis B, global and domestic elimination goals remain out of reach. The conversation reframes viral hepatitis not as a “finished” chapter in hepatology, but as an ongoing public health challenge shaped by missed screening, gaps in linkage to care, and uneven adoption of evidence-based interventions.

Reau and Brown begin by emphasizing that hepatitis B and C persist largely because patients are not being identified or connected to treatment. Even in well-resourced health systems, screening often falls to primary care settings where competing priorities can delay testing. Both experts highlight successful but labor-intensive models that rely on universal screening and proactive outreach, underscoring that cure is only possible when diagnosis comes first.

The discussion then shifts to prevention strategies that extend beyond antivirals. Reviewing large population-based datasets, the hosts examine data suggesting statin use is associated with reduced risks of hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Importantly, these benefits appear independent of antiviral therapy, reinforcing the message that statins should not be withheld solely due to compensated liver disease.

Similarly, emerging data on GLP-1 receptor agonists point to improvements in liver-related outcomes, cancer risk, and cardiometabolic complications among patients with viral hepatitis and diabetes. While neither expert advocates prescribing these agents solely for cancer prevention, both agree the findings are reassuring and further support their use when clinically indicated.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the evolving hepatitis B pipeline, particularly strategies aimed at achieving a functional cure. Reau reviews durability data for antisense oligonucleotide therapies, noting that while response rates remain modest, selected patients with low baseline surface antigen levels may benefit. Both experts stress that durability, safety, and long-term outcomes will ultimately determine the role of these agents alongside well-tolerated lifelong nucleos(t)ide therapy.

The episode concludes with a deep dive into hepatitis D, one of the most aggressive viral liver diseases. Reau and Brown discuss promising combination approaches using monoclonal antibodies and siRNA therapies that have demonstrated substantial viral suppression in clinical trials. While relapse remains common after treatment discontinuation, the data signal meaningful progress in a field with limited therapeutic options.

Across the conversation, one message is clear: viral hepatitis may no longer dominate headlines, but sustained attention, better screening, and thoughtful integration of new therapies are essential to reducing long-term liver-related morbidity and mortality.

Editors’ note: Relevant Disclosures for Reau include AbbVie, Gilead, Salix, Arbutus, and VIR. Relevant disclosures for Brown include Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Gilead, Salix, Intercept, Ipsen, and Madrigal.

Podcasts

Reau and Brown discuss recent research in hepatitis B, C, and D, including use of statins, GLP-1s, and more.

Hepatology

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into HCV can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on hepatitis C virus research, treatment, and drug development.

Liver Lineup: Updates & Unfiltered Insights

Introducing Liver Lineup: Updates & Unfiltered Insights — an exciting new podcast delivering timely, candid perspectives on the most pressing topics in the fast-moving world of hepatology. Created by Nancy Reau, MD, and Kimberly Brown, MD, and hosted by HCPLive, this series dives into the cutting edge of liver disease research, clinical care, and real-world practice.

podcasts page features a feed of medical news and interview podcast series, including DocTalk, Lungcast, Derm Discussions, and Heart Trials.

 is set to take place from January 25 - 29, at the Grand Wailea, bringing together leading experts in the 

 field for a week of education, recent research, and forward-looking exploration. Every year, the conference’s lectures, panel discussions, and workshops are designed to help clinicians navigate knowledge gaps, offering in-depth perspectives on topics that are vital to dermatologic practice.

In this year’s “new look” program format, the meeting will feature faculty delivering cutting-edge content across a wide variety of medical, cosmetic, and coding and billing topics. As part of our coverage of Maui Derm, 

 will be highlighting some of the most anticipated sessions while also sitting down with key faculty for exclusive post-session interviews.

These conversations will offer readers a closer look at the science, strategies, and perspectives driving dermatology forward, all set against the backdrop of the Grand Wailea hotel in Maui. The following list highlights several notable sessions to be covered at the meeting:

Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD; Sheila Fallon Friedlander, MD


Tsao and Friedlander are slated to discuss the most important papers in the dermatology space from 2025. Friedlander will add to the talk by discussing notable papers from current pediatric dermatology literature.

The talk is described as the “Ted and Neal Show,” with entertainment and educatation about new medications and therapies in dermatology being highlighted. The pair will also cover how the field will be using such treatments in 2026.

Ted Rosen, MD; George Martin, MD; Chrysalyne Schmults, MD; Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD


In this talk, management strategies along with therapeutic options for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK)s, non-melanoma skin cancer, including advanced BCC, SCC, Merkel cell carcinoma, and others conditions.

Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD; Sharon Fallon Friedlander, MD; Ilona Frieden, MD; James Treat, MD; Vikash Oza, MD


 In this panel of pediatric dermatologists, the speakers will touch on the latest data in the pediatric dermatology subfield. New medications and therapies for pediatric dermatology patients, as well as other issues impacting pediatric dermatology, will be covered.

 Linda Stein-Gold, MD; Kenneth Gordon, MD; Eingun James Song, MD; Philip Mease, MD


This panel of significant authorities will discuss the rapidly changing landscape of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The discussion will include new topical and systemic options, new data, management strategy updates, the immunology and genetics of psoriasis, and PsA. Several challenging case scenarios will also be presented.

 Lawrence Eichenfield, MD; Julie Harper, MD; Hilary Baldwin, MD


This talk will highlight new medications, recent data, and novel insights into the acne and rosacea spaces. The speakers will also cover how these new findings will shift existing treatment paradigms.

(Workshop) Pediatric Dermoscopy Workshop: Dermoscopy in Infants, Children, Teens and Young Adults


 Elizabeth Seiverling, MD; Ilona Frieden, MD; Elena Hawryluk, MD, PhD; Ashfaq Marghoob, MD


 This workshop will feature a presentation of practical applications of dermoscopy among pediatric and young adult patients. During the workshop, the presenters will be focused on the use of dermoscopy in the evaluation of melanocytic growths in children.

Atopic Dermatitis and Pruritus: Current Concepts and Therapeutics for 2026


 Lawrence Eichenfield, MD; Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD


The emergence of new oral JAK inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and topical non-steroidal drugs into dermatology practices will be discussed, as it has given the field new, highly effective and safe treatment options for atopic dermatitis. These experts will highlight where all these drugs can fit into the therapeutic armamentarium.

 These 2 faculty members are scheduled to discuss a range of disorders of pigmentation, ranging from melasma to vitiligo.

 In this session, Kuraitis will highlight his strategy for managing the cutaneous adverse events linked with an ever expanding variety of therapeutic options in the oncology space.

 In this presentation, Liszewski is slated to discuss potential challenges in managing a wide range of dermatitis dilemmas.

The 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference will convene from January 25-29 at the Grand Wailea, featuring leading dermatology experts. The event will offer a revamped program with cutting-edge content on medical, cosmetic, and billing topics. Key sessions include updates on new drugs, therapies, and management strategies for conditions like psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis. Workshops and panel discussions will address pediatric dermatology, cutaneous oncology, and skin of color. Exclusive interviews with faculty will provide insights into the latest scientific advancements and strategies in dermatology.

This summary of the 2026 Maui Derm Conference highlights some of the sessions and interviews to look forward to.

Conference

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

What to Expect at the 2026 Maui Derm Conference

Spyridon Fortis, MD, from the division of pulmonary, critical care, and occupational medicine at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

COPDGene data show bronchodilator response more accurately predicts FEV₁ decline and disease progression than polygenic risk scores, including among smokers with preserved spirometry.

COPD

COPD condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on COPD research, treatment, and drug development.

Why Bronchodilator Response Matters in COPD Risk, With Spyridon Fortis, MD

Latha Palaniappan, MD, MS, is the associate dean for research at Stanford University.

Palaniappan explains what steps to take in managing cardiovascular disease risk among a population that does not adhere to the Life’s Essential 8 guidelines.

Heart Failure

The HCPLive heart failure page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on HF. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for heart disease, reduced and preserved ejection fraction, and more.

Stroke

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

Hypertension

The HCPLive hypertension page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on high blood pressure. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for hypertension, and more.

AHA 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: Progress and Pitfalls, With Latha Palaniappan, MD, MS

Frances Lee, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the division of liver diseases at Mount Sinai.

A pair of hepatology experts discuss the shifting therapeutic landscape in PBC, lingering unmet needs, and where the field may be heading next.

Cholangitis

cholangitis page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into cholangitis can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on research, treatment, and drug development in PBC, PSC, and more!

Closing Gaps in PBC Care With Emerging and Established Second-Line Treatments

Ahmad Masri, MD, MS, is the director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at Oregon Health and Science University. 

Maron and Masri define the ongoing role of surgical myectomy and alcohol septal ablation in the myosin inhibitor era and preview emerging trials of aficamten in nonobstructive HCM.

Video Series

Integrating Myosin Inhibitors With Septal Reduction and Future Directions in Nonobstructive HCM

Maron and Masri discuss whether myosin inhibitors, particularly aficamten, should be considered first-line therapy for symptomatic obstructive HCM in treatment-naive patients, in light of data from trials like MAPLE-HCM.

Positioning Cardiac Myosin Inhibitors as First-Line Therapy: Evidence Versus Beta-blockers

Maron and Masri review pivotal phase 3 trials of mavacamten and aficamten and explain how efficacy and systolic function monitoring shaped their respective REMS programs.

Phase 3 Evidence and Safety Framework for Myosin Inhibitors: EXPLORER, VALOR, SEQUOIA, and REMS

Maron and Masri introduce cardiac myosin inhibitors—mavacamten and aficamten—explaining their sarcomere-level mechanism and the rationale for targeting hypercontractility in obstructive HCM.

Cardiac Myosin Inhibitors in Obstructive HCM: Mechanism, Regulatory Milestones, and Clinical Rationale

Maron and Masri review decades of experience with beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, disopyramide, and septal reduction therapies, underscoring persistent under-treatment and the unmet need that set the stage for myosin inhibitors.

Historical Management of Obstructive HCM: Limitations of Medical Therapy and Septal Reduction Access

Albert Rizzo, MD, is the chief medical officer of the American Lung Association.

Lungcast reflects on pulmonology in 2025, looking back at topics ranging from ALA's ‘State of the Air’ report to the lung-gut microbiome.



Strategic Alliance Partnership

Lungcast

Join the American Lung Association and HCPLive every month as Dr. Al Rizzo interviews world-leading experts on the great challenges, accomplishments, and stories in respiratory medicine.

Latest News

GRI-0621 Well-Tolerated, Shows Positive Biomarker and FVC Data in IPF

LEVEL UP: New Data on Switching from Dupilumab to Upadacitinib in Atopic Dermatitis

LDL-C Management is Dangerously Low Among US Adults With ASCVD, With Diane MacDougall, MS

Liver Lineup: Advances, Gaps, and What’s Next in Viral Hepatitis

What to Expect at the 2026 Maui Derm Conference