HCPLive Editorial Staff

As 2025 comes to a close, healthcare is already being shaped by a series of high-impact developments cutting across clinical specialties.

, the ninth edition of our annual series, will reflect on the breakthroughs, challenges, and evolving conversations across healthcare. This year’s coverage will deliver a new installment every evening Monday through Friday, for the entire month of December, featuring in-depth features, expert commentary, podcasts, and dynamic multimedia content highlighting the most impactful developments in medicine from across the HCPLive Network.

This year’s series brings together perspectives on major advances across specialties, including progress in liver disease, evolving treatable traits in COPD and asthma, and continued shifts in diabetes care. Nephrology takes a central role with updates on rare kidney diseases and new insights on kidney stones, while metabolic health stays at the forefront through coverage of GLP-1 therapies reshaping cardiology, neurology, and other specialties as well as new obesity research following the latest Lancet Commission findings. 

Additional installments examine rising interest in nonhormonal options for vasomotor symptoms, renewed national attention on cancer screening after President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, the impact of falling vaccination rates and health misinformation, and key developments in dermatology, xenotransplantation, pulmonary screening, multiple sclerosis biomarkers, vaccine policy, and oral immunotherapy.

This edition will also feature new episodes of HCPLive’s flagship podcasts, including 

, adding expert-driven conversation to the mix.

Together, these stories and discussions carry forward the momentum of 2025 and illustrate how medicine continues to evolve as we head into 2026.

This year’s series is a collaboration across the HCPLive Network:

 on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn using the hashtag 

, or follow the series on HCPLive’s homepage and daily newsletter.

A full list of entries and summaries will be available as the series unfolds. Check back throughout December for new installments and insights as we look toward 2026.

Articles

The healthcare landscape in 2025 is being shaped by significant developments across various clinical specialties. The ninth edition of "This Year in Medicine" will provide a comprehensive review of these advancements, featuring daily installments throughout December. Key areas of focus include liver disease, COPD, asthma, diabetes care, nephrology, and metabolic health. The series will also address nonhormonal treatments for vasomotor symptoms, cancer screening, vaccination rates, and health misinformation. Expert commentary and multimedia content will enhance the coverage, offering insights into the evolving field of medicine as we approach 2026.

Explore groundbreaking advancements in healthcare as 2025 concludes, featuring expert insights and dynamic multimedia. 

This Year in Medicine 2025: Recognizing Top Advances in Healthcare

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

Each week, we highlight 5 key developments or headlines from healthcare that you need to know—whether it's a cutting-edge treatment, regulatory updates, or innovations shaping the future of medicine. This week's top stories include the US Food and Drug Administration acceptance of a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for roflumilast (Zoryve) cream 0.3% in children aged 2-5 years with 

 and the approval of plozasiran (Redemplo) for the reduction of triglycerides in adult patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), new American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) clinical practice guidelines on the pharmacologic management of moderate-to-severely active Crohn’s disease (CD), and phase 3 data on telitacicept in IgA nephropathy and tralokinumab in adults with 

 and moderate-to-severe hand involvement.

With The HCPFive, you'll get the essential takeaways to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Here’s your quick dive into the top stories for the week of November 16, 2025—let’s jump in!

FDA Accepts sNDA for Roflumilast Cream 0.3% in Children Ages 2 to 5 with Psoriasis

On November 17, 2025, the FDA accepted Arcutis Biotherapeutics’ sNDA for roflumilast (Zoryve) cream 0.3% in children 2-5 years of age with psoriasis, assigning a PDUFA target action date of June 29, 2026. The sNDA is supported by data from a 4-week Maximal Usage Systemic Exposure (MUSE) study in children aged 2-5 years with plaque psoriasis, as well as data from a long-term open-label study that included children in that age range.

FDA Approves Plozasiran for Adults With Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome

On November 18, 2025, the FDA approved Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals’ plozasiran (Redemplo) for the reduction of triglycerides in adult patients with FCS, making it the first and only FDA-approved siRNA medicine for people living with FCS. The decision was supported by clinical data from the phase 3 PALISADE study.

AGA Releases Updated Clinical Crohn’s Disease Guideline Reflecting New Therapies

On November 20, 2025, the AGA released a living clinical practice guideline on the pharmacologic management of moderate-to-severely active CD, intended to support a comprehensive, patient-centered, evidence-based approach to managing this patient population. The document includes 16 recommendations emphasizing early use of high-efficacy therapies including infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab, and upadacitinib over step-up treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Telitacicept Achieves Primary Endpoint in IgA Nephropathy Phase 3 Study

New phase 3 data show that in patients with IgAN at high risk of progression, treatment with telitacicept for 39 weeks resulted in a rapid, substantial, and statistically significant reduction in proteinuria compared with placebo, with a favorable safety profile. The investigational recombinant fusion protein enters a rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape in IgAN, where multiple B-cell–, BAFF-, and APRIL-targeted approaches are under active clinical investigation.

Tralokinumab Improves Atopic Dermatitis with Hand Involvement at 32 Weeks

On November 17, 2025, LEO Pharma A/S announced positive topline key findings on tralokinumab in adults with atopic dermatitis and moderate-to-severe hand involvement who are also candidates for systemic treatments. Findings from the 32-week analysis of the phase 3b ADHAND trial evaluating patients with atopic dermatitis and disease involvement affecting the hands build upon previous week 16 findings demonstrating statistically significant improvement compared to placebo in all primary and key secondary endpoints such as clear or almost clear skin, itch, and pain.

The FDA has accepted a supplemental New Drug Application for roflumilast cream for young children with psoriasis, with a decision expected by June 2026. Plozasiran has been approved for reducing triglycerides in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome, marking it as the first siRNA treatment for this condition. The AGA has updated its guidelines for Crohn’s disease, recommending early use of high-efficacy therapies. Telitacicept has shown significant efficacy in reducing proteinuria in IgA nephropathy. Tralokinumab has demonstrated improvements in atopic dermatitis with hand involvement in a phase 3b trial.

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including FDA approvals and new Crohn's disease guidelines, in this week's essential news roundup.

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 11/16

Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA)

 is holding the 23rd Annual Fall Dermatology Conference from November 5–9, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Over the course of this 5-day conference, dermatology physician associates, nurse practitioners, and leading experts will gather to provide attendees with updates spanning inflammatory skin disease, pediatric dermatology, systemic immunology, and recent therapeutic innovations.

SDPA’s Fall Conference continues to expand its multidisciplinary focus, providing those in attendance with sessions crafted to strengthen clinical proficiency and collaborative patient care. Those at the SDPA meeting can expect a program featuring updates in dermatology research, case-based learning, and evidence-based discussions centered on improving outcomes among patients in the field.

 will be on-site to deliver exclusive interviews with session presenters, daily highlights of recent data presented at the meeting, and practical coverage throughout the conference.

Wednesday, November 5 | 3:00–5:00 PM CT


Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA; Erin Darzugas, NP; Jennifer Hernandez Parra, APRN; Amanda Mixon, PA-C


The “IMID and Obesity Bootcamp” will launch the meeting with a dynamic, multidisciplinary workshop designed to equip APPs with specialized knowledge for managing immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and obesity. Those in attendance will be taught about clinical strategies that can help to bridge dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and metabolic medicine, emphasizing patient-centered, integrated approaches to complex chronic disease management.

Thursday, November 6 | 9:15–10:05 AM CT


 Heather Goff, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center


 In this talk at SDPA, Goff will explore the impact of diet, hormones, sleep, exercise, and lifestyle on skin health and disease. Goff will describe how modifiable behaviors shape inflammation, repair, and immune regulation, thereby providing attendees with practical insights for counseling patients on lifestyle options that support dermatologic and systemic wellness.

The ABC’s of Genetic Disorders of the Skin: Guidelines for Recognition and When to Refer

Thursday, November 6 | 10:20–11:10 AM CT


Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Children’s National Hospital


In this session, Kirkorian is slated to review common genetic syndromes with cutaneous manifestations, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 and tuberous sclerosis. She will highlight diagnostic hallmarks that should prompt the referral of patients to genetics or specialty clinics. The session is designed to help attendees to gain a framework for recognizing dermatologic clues that signal multisystem disorders requiring early multidisciplinary intervention.

Thursday, November 6 | 11:35 AM–12:00 PM CT


Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, FAAD, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Founder, DermFriends


This talk will examine hyperpigmentation across diverse skin types, reviewing the etiologies, challenges for treatment, and emerging therapies beyond traditional hydroquinone. Woolery-Lloyd is set to highlight novel depigmenting agents and their clinical evidence, explore sample skincare regimens, and stress the foundational role of sun protection in long-term outcomes among patients.

It’s Just a Little Different in Peds: Demystifying Complex Pediatric Dermatology Cases

Thursday, November 6 | 3:55–4:45 PM CT


This session will feature Kirkorian addressing complex pediatric dermatologic presentations including RIME, severe drug eruptions, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, eczema herpeticum, and severe atopic dermatitis. In this talk, Kirkorian will highlight red-flag findings, emergency recognition, and best practices for urgent evaluation and referral in pediatric settings.

Difficult Cases & Red Flags in Dermatology: When to Admit From the Clinic

Kassandra Holzem, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin


In this case-based session, Holzem is slated to explore challenging dermatologic presentations that require escalation of care. She will highlight any “red flag” signs for serious illness and will delve into clinical triage strategies and decision-making frameworks, seeking to aid providers in determining when hospitalization is warranted from the outpatient setting.

Friday, November 7 | 10:40–11:30 AM CT


 Kenneth Gordon, MD, Professor of Dermatology, and Shikha Singla, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin


In this collaborative session, presenters will highlight treatment strategies for psoriasis in individuals with comorbid conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The session will  help to address optimizing patient safety, addressing life quality by applying multidisciplinary coordination to complex psoriasis management.

Advanced Breakout – When a Rash Is More Than Skin Deep: Systemic Mastocytosis Essentials

 Early recognition of systemic mastocytosis can significantly improve patient outcomes. During this presentation, Abbas will help to inform dermatology providers about ways to identify cutaneous clues of systemic disease. He will also outline diagnostic pathways, with the session being designed to enhance collaboration with hematology and oncology teams for comprehensive disease management.

The Itch Within: Immune Pathways Driving Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

 Saturday, November 8 | 9:00–9:50 AM CT


This session will feature Nguyen's exploration of the evolving immunopathology of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), focusing on autoimmunity, mast cell dysregulation, and type IIb inflammation. This talk will help to bridge basic science with clinical application, outlining diagnostic tools and therapeutic advances designed to target immune pathways in CSU.

Skin in the Game: Mastering Skin Cancer for the Dermatology PA

 Saturday, November 8 | 1:15–2:05 PM CT


Shanthi Narla, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Director of Adult Derm Clinical Trials, Medical College of Wisconsin


During this clinically focused session, presenters will empower dermatology PAs with strategies for early recognition, evidence-based diagnosis, and management of skin cancer. Narla will provide an overview of high-risk lesion identification, treatment modalities, and patient education tactics aimed at improving confidence and precision in skin cancer care.

JAKpot: Therapeutic Advantages of JAK Inhibitors in Dermatology

 Sunday, November 9 | 9:15–10:05 AM CT


This talk will provide a deep dive into the efficacy, safety, and comparative advantages of JAK inhibitors in dermatology. Dasilva will review data supporting JAK inhibitors in atopic dermatitis, look into misconceptions related to boxed warnings, and discuss expanding therapeutic roles in management of alopecia areata and psoriasis.

 team will deliver comprehensive updates on-site, along with exclusive interviews and recaps of sessions directly from the SDPA 23rd Annual Fall Dermatology Conference in San Antonio.

Editor's note: This summary was edited with the help of AI tools.

The 23rd Annual Fall Dermatology Conference by the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates will take place from November 5–9, 2025, at the JW Marriott. The event will feature updates on inflammatory skin disease, pediatric dermatology, systemic immunology, and therapeutic innovations. Attendees will benefit from multidisciplinary sessions aimed at enhancing clinical skills and patient care. Key sessions include workshops on immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, lifestyle impacts on skin health, genetic skin disorders, hyperpigmentation, pediatric dermatology, and the use of JAK inhibitors. HCPLive will provide on-site coverage and exclusive interviews.

This preview of the 2025 SDPA Fall Dermatology Conference highlights different sessions and interviews covered by HCPLive.

Conference Preview: SDPA Fall Dermatology Conference 2025

October 2025 saw a wide array of developments in the 

 field come to light, with many such headlines having been covered by the 

2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference

 in Las Vegas to recent data presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress in Paris, October saw a wide variety of news updates. In this iteration of 

’s ‘Month in Review’ series, we highlight key examples of headlines from October in the dermatology space.

The following list represents a sample of notable headlines in dermatology news, including conference coverage, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) news, and recent research in the field in general.

Oral IL-23 Blocker Icotrokinra Sustains High Clearance in Scalp and Genital Psoriasis

New phase 3 data were announced in October by Johnson & Johnson at the Fall Clinical Conference, highlighting 52-week results from the ICONIC-TOTAL analysis assessing icotrokinra therapy—a first-in-class, oral peptide designed to selectively block the interleukin-23 (IL-23) receptor. This drug was evaluated in adults and adolescents ≥12 years with plaque psoriasis affecting high-impact and difficult-to-treat regions of the body such as the hands, scalp, genitals, and feet.

Biologics Compared in Systematic Review for Moderate-to-Severe Pediatric Psoriasis

In other research highlighted in October, all biologic medications were found to have been significantly more effective in children with moderate-to-severe psoriasis versus placebo, though ixekizumab was noted as having ranked highest for complete skin clearance among such patients. These data were authored by Abdulmajeed Sulaiman Alharbi, from Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University’s College of Medicine in Saudi Arabia, who worked with a team to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing biologics for pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

BRAVE-AA-PEDS: Baricitinib Leads to Hair Regrowth in Adolescents with Alopecia Areata

In 52-week data presented at Fall Clinical in October, once-daily treatment using oral baricitinib (Olumiant) led to notable hair regrowth on the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows among adolescent patients living with severe alopecia areata after 1 year of use. These findings were announced by Eli Lilly and Incyte and resulted from the phase 3 BRAVE-AA-PEDS study (NCT05723198). The medication’s safety profile in adolescent patients was consistent with previous research, with no new safety signals after 1 year of treatment being observed.

Discussing Phase 2b Findings on Temtokibart for Atopic Dermatitis, With Chih-ho Hong, MD, FRCPC

In an interview at EADV 2025, new late-breaking data were discussed suggesting temtokibart, an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin (IL)-22RA1 receptor subunit, was associated with significant improvements in various measures of disease severity and activity for atopic dermatitis biomarkers. This interview in Paris, France, featured guest Chih-ho Hong, MD, FRCPC, a trial investigator for this phase 2b randomized, double-blind trial (NCT05923099) evaluating the use of temtokibart.

FDA Approves Roflumilast (Zoryve) Cream 0.05% for Atopic Dermatitis in Children Aged 2-5 Years

In 1 notable FDA news headline from October, the agency approved Arcutis Biotherapeutics’ supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for topical roflumilast (Zoryve) cream 0.05% as a treatment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children 2-5 years of age. FDA officials based this approval off of data resulting from the phase 3 INTEGUMENT-PED study, the INTEGUMENT-OLE long-term extension analysis, and a phase 1 pharmacokinetic study. This approval by the FDA represents the 6th for the roflumilast portfolio in close to 3 years.

FDA Approves Adalimumab-aaty (Yuflyma) Pediatric Indications in Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Uveitis

Another FDA decision was announced in October, specifically by Celltrion, regarding the approval of expanded indications for adalimumab-aaty (Yuflyma) and the medication's unbranded version to include the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adolescents ≥ 12 years of age and uveitis (UV) in individuals ≥ 2 years of age. In the announcement, adalimumab-aaty was noted as a high-concentration, low-volume, citrate-free biosimilar, interchangeable with Humira. Phase 3 study data supported the interchangeability designation by FDA officials, with similar outcomes being observed in the drug's pharmacokinetics, safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity.

October 2025 witnessed significant advancements in dermatology, highlighted by key findings from major conferences and FDA approvals. Notable developments include the efficacy of icotrokinra in treating psoriasis, the superior performance of ixekizumab among biologics for pediatric psoriasis, and baricitinib's success in promoting hair regrowth in adolescents with alopecia areata. Additionally, temtokibart showed promise for atopic dermatitis, while FDA approvals expanded treatment options for atopic dermatitis in young children and hidradenitis suppurativa and uveitis in pediatric patients, enhancing therapeutic strategies in dermatology.

In this review of the month of October, HCPLive highlights some of the most significant dermatology news updates.