Paths Forward in Hypertension Awareness and Control, With Keith Ferdinand, MD

Despite years of successful awareness campaigns and significant advancements in both treatment and prevention, 

 (BP) – the most prevalent and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease – is still insufficiently controlled in the US.

The current American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) hypertension guidelines highlight a variety of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for patients at all points on the hypertension timeline. Given their continued relevance and the ongoing hypertension crisis in the US, the editorial team at 

 spoke with Keith Ferdinand, MD, the Gerald S. Berenson Chair in Preventive Cardiology, director of Preventive Cardiology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, and co-author of the AHA/ACC hypertension guidelines, to discuss the limitations still preventing patients from receiving optimal treatment.

“One of the main problems is that, early on in the process, you generally feel okay,” Ferdinand told 

. “If you have severe hypertension, you may have chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, weakness, et cetera, but in most patients, especially when the blood pressure is only mildly or moderately elevated, they don’t have acute symptoms. That becomes a barrier, because many of us see treating disease as treating symptoms, and that’s not the case.”

 highlighted substantially reduced hypertension awareness among adults with the condition, particularly among younger patients. Its status as a “silent killer,” due in large part to its frequent asymptomatic presentation, makes it especially important for clinicians to spread awareness of both the disease’s effects and screening and treatment avenues available to patients with suspected high BP.

The AHA/ACC guidelines corroborate this finding, with both awareness and control of hypertension cited as being far below target levels, due in large part to age- and race-based disparities. However, despite this issue being well-known and well-documented, the guidelines do not provide firm suggestions on improving awareness, instead listing it beneath the “evidence gaps” section. This indicates a need for further research and testing to establish the best course of action to improve public awareness.

Ferdinand also highlights the guidelines’ perspective on the connection between obesity and hypertension, noting the correlation between increased adiposity and higher levels of BP. These conditions frequently co-occur, and when exhibited in tandem with other obesity-related metabolic conditions like dyslipidemia, the group of comorbidities is referred to as metabolic syndrome.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of targeting the underlying pathophysiology of obesity as a component of hypertension management. However, the authors also note that some antihypertensive therapies, namely thiazide-type diuretics and beta-blockers, have been suggested to adversely impact metabolic health; however, outcome data from a variety of studies have not shown overt harm. Additionally, medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown substantial BP reductions in previous trials.

“In the new guideline, we recognize that obesity is one of the risk factors for high blood pressure, and in fact, we suggest that weight loss is a pathway to better control of blood pressure,” Ferdinand said. “Some medicines, or even bariatric surgery if the patient has severe obesity, may be beneficial. Weight loss itself lowers blood pressure, improves cardiac function, overall lifestyle, and quality of life.”

Editors’ Note: Ferdinand reports disclosures with Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medtronic, Novartis, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer.

Jones DW, Ferdinand KC, Taler SJ, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation and management of high blood pressure in adults: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2025;82(10). 

Muntner P, Hardy S, Fine L, et al. Trends in Blood Pressure Control Among US Adults With Hypertension, 1999-2000 to 2017-2018. JAMA. 2020;324(12):1190-1200. 

Videos

Ferdinand shares his advice on high blood pressure management, drawing on his perspective as co-author of the ACC/AHA 2025 hypertension guidelines.

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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.

Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD, is an associate professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine.

Hosts breakdown news and updates related to the atopic dermatitis pipeline, specifically examining news surrounding a pair of agents targeting OX40 and OX40 ligand as therapeutic pathways.

ABCs in Dermatology: Understanding OX40L in Atopic Dermatitis

000:00 - Introduction: Why OX40/OX40L Matters in Atopic Dermatitis and Chronic Inflammation

08:37 - Ligand vs Receptor Targeting: Mechanistic Differences and the Role 

26:39 - Phase 2/3 Data for Amlitelimab: Efficacy, Dosing Frequency, and Disease Modification Signals

41:58 - Safety Profile, Patient Selection, and Future Directions for OX40L Inhibition

 is emerging as a central focus of therapeutic development, with OX40–OX40 ligand signaling offering a potential pathway for more durable disease control beyond downstream cytokine blockade. 

, co-hosts Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, and Lindsay Ackerman, MD, examine the evolving science behind OX40 and OX40 ligand inhibition, with particular focus on how this pathway may alter T-cell activation, memory T-cell formation, and immune homeostasis in chronic inflammatory skin disease. 

The episode, which is supported by Sanofi with independently developed content, frames the pathway as one of the most closely watched areas in atopic dermatitis drug development, particularly as phase 3 data begin to clarify both the promise and remaining questions around upstream immune modulation. Bunick explains that OX40 ligand, expressed on antigen-presenting cells and other cell types such as dermal fibroblasts, interacts with OX40 on activated T cells as a costimulatory signal. 

By targeting this upstream interaction, investigational agents may reduce multiple downstream inflammatory pathways, including TH1, TH2, TH17, and TH22 signaling, while preserving or restoring regulatory T-cell activity. Ackerman emphasizes that this mechanism raises the possibility of disease modification, though both hosts note that the field still needs clearer definitions around what that term means clinically, whether durable remission, reduced treatment frequency, or true off-drug control.

A major portion of the discussion centers on distinguishing OX40 ligand blockade from OX40 receptor inhibition, particularly the implications of T-cell–depleting versus nondepleting antibody designs. That distinction has become increasingly relevant following Kyowa Kirin’s March 3, 2026, announcement that all ongoing rocatinlimab trials would be discontinued after a planned safety update identified emerging malignancy concerns with possible viral or immune-related links, including 1 new confirmed case and 1 suspected case of Kaposi sarcoma in addition to a previously confirmed case. 

Kyowa Kirin noted the overall malignancy rate remained below expected background rates but said the characteristics of the cases raised a plausible biological concern that could not be excluded. Against that backdrop, the hosts review safety considerations in the OX40 pathway more broadly, including pyrexia, chills, headache, and malignancy surveillance. In Sanofi’s phase 3 amlitelimab program, the company reported no Kaposi sarcoma events across COAST 1, COAST 2, or SHORE, with malignancy rates low, below 1%, and generally similar between amlitelimab and placebo groups. 

Sanofi also reported 2 cumulative Kaposi sarcoma cases among 3778 patients exposed to amlitelimab across all indications, both in patients with known risk factors, and no additional cases across an estimated 4630 patients in the full development program, including blinded studies. 

The episode also reviews phase 3 data for amlitelimab, a fully human, non–T-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody targeting OX40 ligand, across COAST 1, COAST 2, and SHORE. The studies enrolled patients aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and evaluated amlitelimab given every 4 weeks or every 12 weeks, with both regimens following a loading dose. COAST 1 and COAST 2 evaluated amlitelimab as monotherapy in 601 and 589 participants, respectively, while SHORE evaluated amlitelimab with topical corticosteroids, with or without topical calcineurin inhibitors, in 643 participants. 

Bunick and Ackerman highlight that the amlitelimab data showed progressively increasing efficacy through Week 24, with Sanofi reporting no evidence of plateau across endpoints. In COAST 1, vIGA-AD 0/1 responses were 21.1% with every-4-week dosing and 22.5% with every-12-week dosing, compared with 9.2% for placebo; EASI-75 responses were 35.9% and 39.1%, respectively, compared with 19.1% for placebo. 

In SHORE, where amlitelimab was studied with topical therapy, vIGA-AD 0/1 responses reached 28.7% and 32.3% with every-4-week and every-12-week dosing, compared with 16.8% for placebo, while EASI-75 responses were 48.1% and 46.8%, compared with 32.3%. 

The hosts note that these later-improving response curves are particularly relevant when considering the potential for extended dosing intervals and long-term immune recalibration. They also emphasize the clinical importance of less frequent dosing, given Sanofi’s statement that the data reinforce the potential for every-12-week dosing from the start, while underscoring that amlitelimab remains investigational and has not been evaluated by any regulatory authority.

Relevant disclosures for Bunick include AbbVie, South Beach Symposium, Almirall, Apogee Therapeutics, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly, LEO Pharma, US, Novan, Novartis, Ortho Dermatologics, Palvella Therapeutics, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Timber Pharmaceuticals, and UCB. Relevant disclosures for Ackerman include AbbVie, Alumis, Amgen, Arcutis, Beiersdorf, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermavant, Galderma, L'Oréal, Novartis, Sun Pharmaceutical, and UCB.

Sanofi. Press Release: AAD: new results from Sanofi’s amlitelimab phase 3 studies in atopic dermatitis presented in late-breaking research session. Sanofi.com. Published March 28, 2026. Accessed May 27, 2026. 

https://www.sanofi.com/en/media-room/press-releases/2026/2026-03-28-15-00-00-3264184

Kyowa Kirin. Kyowa Kirin Announces Discontinuation of Rocatinlimab Clinical Trials - Kyowa Kirin. Kyowakirin.com. Published March 3, 2026. Accessed May 27, 2026. 

https://www.kyowakirin.com/media_center/news_releases/2026/e20260303_01.html

Podcasts

Explore OX40/OX40L inhibition in atopic dermatitis: phase 3 amlitelimab efficacy, safety signals, and what upstream immune control could mean.

ABCs in Dermatology

Welcome to ABC’s in Dermatology, HCPLive’s newest dermatology podcast, hosted by a pair of the field’s leading minds in Lindsay Ackerman, MD, and Chris Bunick, MD, PhD.

Created by the same team behind The Medical Sisterhood and Skin of Color Savvy, ABCs in Dermatology is a monthly podcast designed to deliver candid conversations, clinical insight, and forward-looking perspectives from the voices shaping dermatology today.

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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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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Krunal Patel, MD, of Temple University Hospital.

Sotatercept Shows Promise in Group 3 Chronic Lung Disease Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension (CLD-PH) 

remains one of the most difficult forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) to treat, with limited therapeutic options and poor long-term outcomes. New real-world findings presented at the 

2026 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference

 in Orlando suggest sotatercept may offer clinical benefit beyond its currently approved indication in group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

 Krunal Patel, MD, of Temple University Hospital, discussed data from a single-center cohort evaluating sotatercept in patients with group 3 CLD-PH. The analysis demonstrated improvements across hemodynamic, functional, and echocardiographic parameters, including reductions in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), oxygen requirements, and BNP levels, alongside improvements in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and right ventricular (RV) remodeling.

“At the end of the day, it’s all patient outcomes,” Patel said. “You want to make sure the patient is feeling better. Out of all of those parameters, I think the 6-minute walk distance will have the greatest impact because that’s what’s actually going to affect the patient.”

The retrospective analysis included 16 patients with CLD-PH treated with sotatercept at a tertiary PH referral center. Investigators compared pre- and post-treatment assessments, including right heart catheterization, BNP, NYHA functional class, oxygen requirement, 6MWD, and transthoracic echocardiography findings.

Among patients with paired hemodynamic data, right atrial pressure fell from 7.1 mmHg to 3.8 mmHg, while mPAP declined from 47.9 mmHg to 30.7 mmHg and PVR decreased from 10.4 to 6.0 Wood units. Cardiac output increased from 3.46 L/min to 4.81 L/min. BNP levels also declined substantially, from 378 pg/mL to 92 pg/mL.

Functionally, oxygen requirements decreased from 5.4 to 4.2 L/min, and 6MWD improved from 211 meters to 252 meters. Patel noted the functional improvements may ultimately carry the greatest clinical significance for patients.

One of the most notable findings involved evidence of RV remodeling reversal on echocardiography. Patel described substantial improvements in RV dilation and systolic function after approximately 1 year of therapy.

“That’s probably the biggest outcome that we saw,” Patel said. “Patients before sotatercept initiation would have severe RV dilation and reduced RV systolic function, and then after initiating sotatercept, we saw improvement in RV remodeling. Some patients almost had full recoverability of their RV function.”

The cohort size remains small, however, and Patel emphasized the findings should be viewed as an early proof-of-concept rather than practice-changing evidence. Patel said they have continued to collect data since submitting the abstract and have observed similar results.

Investigators also observed modest hemoglobin increases in most patients, consistent with the known safety profile of sotatercept. Patel noted this occasionally required treatment interruption or dose reduction, particularly because many group 3 PH patients already have elevated baseline hemoglobin levels related to chronic hypoxemia.

“Even with interruptions and dose reductions, we still saw significant improvement in the hemodynamics,” Patel said.

According to Patel, the next step will require larger prospective placebo-controlled studies to determine whether the observed benefits can be replicated in broader CLD-PH populations. Still, Patel suggested the observed RV recovery may represent the most compelling signal from the early experience with sotatercept in this difficult-to-treat population.

“The big takeaway was…[the] significant RV remodeling and improvement in RV function,” Patel said. “[That’s] a huge step in treatment when it comes to pulmonary hypertension patients in the chronic lung disease cohort.”

) Novel Real World Use of Sotatercept in Group 3 Chronic Lung Disease Pulmonary Hypertension Patients. Poster presented at ATS 2026 in Orlando, Florida, on May 19.

At ATS 2026, Krunal Patel, MD, discussed early real-world data suggesting sotatercept may improve hemodynamics, RV remodeling, and functional outcomes in group 3 CLD-PH.

Conference

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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.

Abigail Brooks is a strategic content lead overseeing 

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 US Food and Drug Administration has approved Ironwood Pharmaceuticals’ linaclotide (Linzess) for pediatric patients ≥ 2 years of age with functional constipation (FC), expanding its previous approval for patients ≥ 6 years of age with FC.

With this expanded indication, linaclotide is now available for children ages 2-5 years with FC and remains the only FDA-approved prescription therapy for pediatric FC.

“Managing functional constipation in young children is especially challenging, as this vulnerable patient population often continues to experience persistent symptoms despite treatment with over-the-counter therapies,” Julie Khlevner, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, said in a statement. “Clinicians must carefully balance safety, efficacy and the practical realities of what treatments young children are able and willing to take consistently. The availability of an FDA-approved therapy with an established safety profile expands evidence-based treatment options and may support a more tailored therapeutic approach for children aged 2-5 years. Parents can mix the contents of the [linaclotide] capsule with applesauce or water, providing flexibility for administration in young children.”

A guanylate cyclase C agonist, linaclotide increases intestinal fluid secretion, accelerates transit, and decreases the activity of pain-sensing nerves in the intestine. Its initial FDA approval dates back to 2012 for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and IBS-C in adults.

In November 2025, the FDA approved linaclotide for pediatric patients ≥ 7 years of age with IBS-C, making it the first treatment approved for IBS-C in this patient population. The approval for this indication was supported by extrapolation of efficacy from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults and a 12-week double-blind, randomized, parallel-group trial in pediatric patients 7-17 years of age who met modified Rome III criteria for child/adolescent IBS-C.

Now, the Agency has approved linaclotide for use in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with FC, supported by data from a 12-week phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating linaclotide in pediatric patients aged 2-5 years with FC.

In the study, linaclotide 72 mcg demonstrated improvement in spontaneous bowel movement frequency compared with placebo. The safety profile of linaclotide observed in the trial was generally consistent with the established safety profile from trials in adults with CIC and older pediatric patients with FC.

“This approval extends the use of [linaclotide] to younger patients with functional constipation, addressing an important gap in care for this historically underserved population, as reflected by the FDA’s decision to grant priority review,” said Tom McCourt, chief executive officer of Ironwood. “We see this as a natural progression for [linaclotide] that builds on a well-established safety and efficacy profile to expand the impact of our blockbuster medication in GI care.”

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. FDA Approves Use of LINZESS® (linaclotide) in Pediatric Patients Two Years of Age and Older with Functional Constipation (FC). May 27, 2026. Accessed May 27, 2026. 

https://investor.ironwoodpharma.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/FDA-Approves-Use-of-LINZESS-linaclotide-in-Pediatric-Patients-Two-Years-of-Age-and-Older-with-Functional-Constipation-FC/default.aspx

Brooks A. FDA Approves Linaclotide (Linzess) Capsules for Pediatric IBS-C. HCPLive. November 5, 2025. Accessed May 27, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/fda-approves-linaclotide-linzess-capsules-for-pediatric-ibs-c

Articles

Linaclotide gained FDA approval for functional constipation in pediatric patients aged ≥2 years, expanding prior authorization that began at ≥6 years. The decision is supported by a 12-week phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trial in children aged 2–5 years, where 72 mcg improved spontaneous bowel movement frequency versus placebo, with safety consistent with adult CIC and older pediatric FC experience. Linaclotide remains the only FDA-approved prescription option for pediatric FC, offering administration flexibility by mixing capsule contents with applesauce or water.

The approval indicates linaclotide for pediatric patients ≥ 2 years of age with functional constipation, expanding its previous use in patients ≥ 6 years of age.

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

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FDA News

FDA Approves Linaclotide (Linzess) for Functional Constipation in Patients 2 Years And Older

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.

Apogee Therapeutics has announced positive topline findings from Part B of the phase 2 APEX trial evaluating zumilokibart (APG777), an investigational anti–interleukin-13 monoclonal antibody, in adults with 

According to the company’s release, the randomized, placebo-controlled study met both its primary and secondary efficacy endpoints at 16 weeks, with those on the mid-dose regimen showing the strongest overall balance of efficacy and tolerability. The release points to the company’s intention to advance the mid-dose formulation into phase 3 development, pending regulatory authority discussions.

“Patients with atopic dermatitis and their physicians want therapies that provide durable and deeper disease control with less frequent dosing,” Ruth Ann Vleugels, MD, MPH, MBA, Heidi and Scott C. Schuster Distinguished Chair in Dermatology and Director of the Atopic Dermatitis Program at Mass General Brigham and Professor of Dermatology, said in a statement.

 “The APEX Part B results align extremely well with these patient-centric goals, particularly the achievement of very low disease activity, or vLDA, with simultaneous robust improvement in lesion and itch benefit in more than one fifth of mid-dose patients, which are results not seen with any biologic to date.”

 released from Part A of the phase 2 APEX study on zumilokibart (APG777) in adults with atopic dermatitis.

The APEX Part B trial involved 346 adult participants with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who were randomized equally to receive high-, mid-, or low-dose zumilokibart or placebo, with investigators looking at the proportion of those attaining at least a 75% reduction in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) scores at the 16-week mark as the primary endpoint.

At Week 16, EASI-75 responses were observed in 65.9% of patients receiving the mid-dose treatment, compared with 61.6% in the high-dose arm and 50.5% in the low-dose group. By comparison, 23.4% of placebo-treated participants achieved EASI-75. Both the mid- and high-dose groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements versus placebo (

The company highlighted the placebo-adjusted EASI-75 response rate for the mid-dose cohort at 41.9%. Several secondary efficacy endpoints also favored zumilokibart therapy. Among those on the mid-dose regimen, 46.0% achieved a Validated Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1, indicating clear or almost clear skin, compared with 10.9% in the placebo group (

Additionally, 47.4% of participants in the mid-dose arm achieved EASI-90 responses versus 9.3% of placebo recipients (

 < .001). A clinically meaningful itch improvement, defined as at least a 4-point Itch Numeric Rating Scale (I-NRS) reduction, was reported in 50.5% of subjects on the mid-dose therapy compared with 13.9% of those in the placebo arm (

Investigators also reported complete skin clearance (EASI-100) in 16.5% of patients receiving mid-dose zumilokibart, compared with 3.4% of placebo-treated patients (

 < .01). Very low disease activity (vLDA), defined as EASI-90 combined with an I-NRS score of 0 or 1, occurred in 20.6% of participants in the mid-dose cohort versus 4.5% of those assigned placebo (

Safety findings were described as generally consistent with previously reported outcomes for therapies targeting the IL-13 pathway. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events included nasopharyngitis, headache, and noninfectious conjunctivitis.

Rates of conjunctivitis appeared to vary according to dose level. The pooled conjunctivitis incidence for the mid-dose regimen selected for phase 3 development was 10.6%, compared with 15.1% in the low-dose group and 20.7% among patients receiving the high dose.

The investigational biologic enters an increasingly competitive atopic dermatitis treatment landscape that includes agents such as risankizumab (Skyrizi) and bimekizumab (Bimzelx). However, the company has positioned zumilokibart as a potential “best-in-class” IL-13 inhibitor based on its durability profile and dosing strategy.

“The Part B induction data demonstrated that zumilokibart delivered robust efficacy within the first 16 weeks with significantly fewer injections versus the current standard-of-care,” Vleugels said in her statement.

 “Together with Part A data demonstrating that zumilokibart can be dosed every 3 to 6 months in maintenance with continuous and even enhanced efficacy, we are seeing a strong clinical profile that offers what dermatologists are looking for in clinical practice for our patients.”

Outside of atopic dermatitis, the company stated that it is continuing to advance development plans for additional inflammatory indications, including asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis. Apogee noted that planned trial designs for those programs have already been disclosed. Following eventual regulatory feedback, the company plans to initiate phase 3 analyses of zumilokibart in atopic dermatitis within the second half of 2026.

Apogee Therapeutics Announces Positive 16-Week Part B Induction Dose Optimization Results from Phase 2 APEX Trial of Zumilokibart in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. Apogee Therapeutics. May 27, 2026. 

https://investors.apogeetherapeutics.com/news-releases/news-release-details/apogee-therapeutics-announces-positive-16-week-part-b-induction

Smith T. APEX: Zumilokibart Shows Durable Response at 52 Weeks in Atopic Dermatitis. HCPLive. March 23, 2026. Accessed May 27, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/apex-zumilokibart-shows-durable-response-52-weeks-atopic-dermatitis

Apogee reported positive 16-week induction results from the randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 APEX Part B trial of the anti–IL-13 mAb zumilokibart in 346 adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The mid-dose achieved the best efficacy–tolerability balance and is expected to move into phase 3 pending regulatory discussions. Mid-dose produced EASI-75 in 65.9% (placebo 23.4%), with strong IGA 0/1, EASI-90, itch, and vLDA gains. Safety was consistent with IL-13 blockade; conjunctivitis was dose-dependent. Prior 52-week maintenance data suggest dosing every 3–6 months with maintained or enhanced responses.

These topline findings from Part B of the phase 2 APEX trial highlight the efficacy of zumilokibart (APG777) in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

APEX: Positive 16-Week Data Released on Zumilokibart for Atopic Dermatitis

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.

FDA De Novo classification clears Cardiosense PCWP Analysis Software to estimate filling pressures in selected adults with HFrEF.

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.

FDA Grants De Novo Status to Cardiosense PCWP Software for HFrEF

The Liver Disease Panel represents the first comprehensive library of certified healthcare algorithms to support chronic liver disease management.

Hepatology

MASH / MASLD

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Roche Launches Liver Disease Panel, An Algorithm-Based Tool for Identifying and Managing CLD

Brittany Duchene, MD, from University of Vermont Medical Center.

Brittany Duchene, MD, found that depressive symptoms were associated with twice the odds of poorly controlled asthma.

Asthma

The HCPLive asthma page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on asthmatic disease. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for allergic and severe asthma, and more.

Depression and Poor Asthma Control Call for Mental Health Attention

This interview highlights phase 3 findings from the SUNRISE study regarding tezepelumab and oral corticosteroid (OCS) reduction in patients with severe, OCS-dependent asthma.

SUNRISE: Tezepelumab Shows Meaningful OCS Reduction in Severe Asthma, With Michael E. Wechsler, MD, MSc

Isam Albaba, MBSS, from the department of thoracic medicine & surgery at Temple University Hospital.

A quantitative CT-based approach may help predict pneumothorax risk after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction, according to findings presented at ATS 2026.

Higher-Resolution CT May Predict Pneumothorax After BLVR, With Isam Albaba, MBBS

Jason Guichard, MD, PhD, is an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist at Prisma Health and the lead investigator on the study.

Jason Guichard, MD, PhD, lead author of the study, discusses positive 2-year data from the investigative trial of the Cordella Pulmonary Artery Sensor System.

PROACTIVE-HF: Cordella PA Sensor Improves HF Status Regardless of EF

Jamey Moore, DO, a fellow at Temple University Hospital.

ATS 2026 data presented by Jamey Moore, DO, suggest greater upfront corticosteroid dosing may shorten hospitalization in acute exacerbations of autoimmune-related ILD.

Greater Steroid Doses Linked to Shorter Hospitalization in AE-SARD-ILD

Freed outlines which patients should proceed directly to IV iron without a trial of oral therapy and why oral iron follow-up is inadequately practiced in the United States.

Oral Versus IV Iron, Populations That Warrant Upfront Escalation, the Implementation Gap, and Always Finding the Underlying Cause

Njira Lugogo, MD, from University of Michigan.

At ATS 2026, Njira Lugogo, MD, discussed PASSAGE data showing tezepelumab reduced severe asthma exacerbations in smokers and patients with comorbid COPD.


Tezepelumab Reduced Severe Asthma Across Phenotypes in Phase 4 PASSAGE

Rebecca Vasquez, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern.

This episode highlights the importance of closing persistent gaps in skin cancer prevention and awareness for patients with skin of color.

Latest News

Paths Forward in Hypertension Awareness and Control, With Keith Ferdinand, MD

ABCs in Dermatology: Understanding OX40L in Atopic Dermatitis

Sotatercept Shows Promise in Group 3 Chronic Lung Disease Pulmonary Hypertension

FDA Approves Linaclotide (Linzess) for Functional Constipation in Patients 2 Years And Older

APEX: Positive 16-Week Data Released on Zumilokibart for Atopic Dermatitis