Linda Stein Gold, MD, is a dermatologist at Henry Ford Health. 

Linda Stein Gold, MD

What’s Next in Dermatology? Dermatologists Weigh In On 2026

 are looking ahead to a year defined by expanding oral therapeutics, immunologic insights, next-generation biologics, and the increasing artificial intelligence (AI) integration into clinical settings. At the 

 team spoke on-site with several leaders in the field of skin health about new data and therapeutic advances they anticipate shaping the field in the year ahead.

Featured leaders included Linda Stein Gold, MD, director of dermatology clinical research at Henry Ford Health System; Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children’s Hospital and professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the University of California (UC), San Diego School of Medicine; Neal Bhatia, MD, director of clinical dermatology at Therapeutics Clinical Research in San Diego; Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology and pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine and Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego; Philip J. Mease, MD, director of rheumatology research at Providence Swedish Medical Center and clinical professor at the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine; Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, George F. Odland Endowed Chair in Dermatology at the UW School of Medicine; and Walter J. Liszewski, MD, dermatologist and clinical educator specializing in complex medical dermatology.

Stein Gold noted 2026 may mark “the year of the oral psoriasis therapy,” highlighting anticipation surrounding the potential approval of the oral interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitor icotrokinra and continued development of next-generation TYK2 inhibitors. She pointed to the expansion of oral options as potentially providing patients with efficacy comparable to biologics without compromising safety or tolerability, broadening flexibility in systemic psoriasis.

Lawrence Eichenfield focused on atopic dermatitis, noting several unanswered questions surrounding long-term immunologic modulation. He pointed to differences among biologics targeting IL-4/IL-13 pathways, IL-13 alone, IL-31, and upstream mediators such as OX40 and OX40 ligand. Although clinical endpoints such as Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores remain central, Eichenfield indicated understanding immunologic “rebooting” after prolonged therapy may shape treatment paradigms in the future, especially among pediatric and adult patients.

Bhatia pointed to excitement around a novel systemic acne therapy, denifanstat, a fatty acid synthase inhibitor targeting de novo lipogenesis to reduce sebum production. Unlike isotretinoin or antibiotics, Bhatia describes this mechanism as addressing a key driver of the pathogenesis of acne without retinoid-associated adverse effects, representing a potential paradigm shift in moderate-to-severe acne management. It is pending additional US-based research.

Dawn Eichenfield highlighted advances in the pediatric dermatology space, particularly highlighting genetic diagnostics and evolving biologic platforms. She suggested oral biologics and medications with extended dosing intervals could improve patient adherence as well as the quality of life of children and adolescents who prefer not to experience injections at an increased frequency.

In Mease’s segment of this interview, he described continued innovation across dermatology and rheumatology, noting small-molecule and biologic therapies aimed at IL-17A/F, IL-23, and TL1A pathways. Mease additionally referenced emerging long-acting biologic options potentially requiring administration only once or twice per year. This development of emerging options reflects efforts to refine molecular configurations for sustained treatment efficacy.

Nghiem spoke in his interview about AI’s growing role in dermatology, particularly in complex malignancies such as Merkel cell carcinoma. While he acknowledged potential overhype, Nghiem emphasized AI’s potential value in expanding patient access to multidisciplinary insights and surfacing considerations clinicians may not initially identify.

In his segment, Liszewski highlighted increasing awareness of chronic hand eczema (CHE) and renewed dermatology engagement in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) management, especially with the emergence of newer agents such as remibrutinib and dupilumab. These drugs, Liszewski highlighted, are reshaping treatment algorithms.

Collectively, these leading experts at Maui Derm Hawaii 2026 signaled a year defined not only by new research and emerging treatment options, but by deeper immunologic understanding, improved personalization of medications, and expanded tools to enhance patient-centered care in the field of dermatology.

For more information on research covered at the 2026 Maui Derm conference, view the full video above or check out the 

Disclosures: Stein Gold has reported serving as an investigator, advisor, or speaker for Johnson & Johnson. Lawrence Eichenfield previously reported receiving personal fees from Pfizer; grant support from AbbVie, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Castle Biosciences, Dermavant Sciences, Galderma, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi; consulting fees from multiple pharmaceutical companies; and serving on the board of directors of Forté Pharma. Bhatia has reported serving as an advisor, consultant, and investigator for AbbVie, Almirall, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Beiersdorf, Biofrontera, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Dermavant Sciences, EPI Health, Ferndale, Galderma, Incyte, ISDIN, Johnson & Johnson, La Roche-Posay, LEO Pharma, Lilly, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, Sun Pharma, and Verrica Pharmaceuticals. Dawn Eichenfield had no relevant disclosures of note for this interview. Mease has previously reported receiving research grants from AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma and UCB; and serving as a consultant and/or receiving speaker fees from AbbVie, Acelyrin, Aclaris, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Galápagos, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, UCB, Ventyx Biosciences, and XinThera. Liszewski has no disclosures of note.

Stein Gold L, Hawkes J. Best of the Best at Maui Derm. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.

Eichenfield L, Silverberg J, Chovatiya R. Atopic Dermatitis and Pruritus: Current Concepts and Therapeutics for 2026. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii 2026; January 25-29, 2026; Maui, Hawaii.

Rosen T, Bhatia N. New Drugs and Therapies in 2026. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.

Eichenfield D, Fallon Friedlander S, Treat J, et al. Pediatric Dermatology 2026. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.

Stein Gold L, Song E, Gordon K, et al. Psoriasis Update 2026. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii 2026; January 25-29, 2026; Maui, Hawaii.

Liszewski W. Contact Dermatitis Update 2026. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii 2026; January 25-29, 2026; Maui, Hawaii.

Videos

Dermatology leaders preview 2026 breakthroughs including oral psoriasis drugs, new biologics, novel acne drugs, and AI tools transforming patient care.

Emerging Psoriasis, PsA Drugs and Future Developments in Dermatology, With Linda Stein Gold, MD

 titled ‘Best of the Best at Maui Derm,’ during which its 2 presenters highlighted recent data in the psoriasis treatment space on emerging therapeutic agents.

Linda Stein Gold, MD, director of Dermatology Clinical Research for the Henry Ford Health System, and Jason Hawkes, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, presented this talk. Stein Gold, who previously touched on these findings in an 

 interview, was asked in this video about what stood out in the panel discussion about improving early recognition of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

“When we think about our psoriasis patients, we have to remember that this is a systemic disease, and psoriatic arthritis is one of those manifestations that occurs quite commonly in our psoriasis patients,” Stein Gold explained.

Stein Gold noted during certain times, clinicians should have the potential for PsA development at front of mind. Such patients will specifically have scalp involvement or nail involvement. These patients may require substantial attention in terms of early PsA detection.

Later, Stein Gold was asked about practicing clinicians trying to navigate an increasingly complex therapeutic landscape. Specifically, she was asked which guiding principles she would emphasize when choosing among new and established psoriasis treatments.

“It can be very confusing when we look at our current options and our new options for psoriasis patients, but I think we really owe it to ourselves and to our patients to understand what's going on with each new drug,” Stein Gold explained. “We don't have to know every single drug, but we should get to know drugs in particular categories. Get to know a really good IL-23 drug and IL-17 drug, maybe a TNF-inhibitor, that you're comfortable with. Then let's look at the newer oral agents. Let's look at the TYK2 inhibitors.”

To find out more on the topics covered here, view Stein Gold’s full video above. For more from Maui Derm, view the 

The quotes used in this interview summary were edited for clarity.

Disclosures: Stein Gold has reported serving as an investigator, advisor, or speaker for AbbVie, Amgen, Arctis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB. AWA has served as a research investigator, scientific advisor, or speaker to AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Dermavant Sciences, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Incyte, Johnson & Johnson, Leo Pharma, Novartis, Parexel, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Takeda, and UCB. RB is an advisory board member, consultant, speaker, investigator for, or received honoraria or grants from AbbVie, Alumis, Amgen, AnaptysBio, Arcutis, BMS/Celgene, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, LEO Pharma, Organon, Nimbus, Takeda, UCB, VentyxBio, Vyne, Xencor, and Zurabio, and is also an employee and shareholder of Innovaderm Research.

Armstrong AW, Gooderham M, Papp K, et al. Tyrosine Kinase 2 Inhibition With Zasocitinib (TAK-279) in Psoriasis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2024 Oct 1;160(10):1066-1074. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.2701. PMID: 39167366; PMCID: PMC11339701.

This interview with Stein Gold continues her discussion of new and emerging psoriasis therapies in 2026.

Discussing Icotrokinra for Adolescents, Other Emerging Psoriasis Drugs, With Linda Stein Gold, MD

, held at the Grand Wailea hotel, featured a presentation titled ‘Best of the Best at Maui Derm’ highlighting some of the key recent data on emerging therapeutic agents.

This session was presented by Linda Stein Gold, MD, director of Dermatology Clinical Research for the Henry Ford Health System, and Jason Hawkes, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, in Sacramento. Stein Gold sat down with 

 to discuss some of the most notable information highlighted in this talk.

“I think that in 2026, we understand that we have options available for our psoriasis patients to get them under control better than we have in the past, and we have wonderful options in the topical arena. We have these new nonsteroidal options that actually allow us to get patients under control and keep them under control.”

Additionally, Stein Gold highlighted efficacy rates of some of the new non-steroidals as higher than more traditional non-steroidal options in the past. Such options may help to simplify the treatment regimens among patients with psoriasis. Stein Gold also highlighted biologic agents getting patients to clear or almost clear and working well for psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Stein Gold was later asked about any specific drugs on the horizon with a significant amount of data behind them.

“We have one oral agent, icotrokinra…and this is a drug that's actually an oral peptide,” Stein Gold said. “It's different from the small molecules in the biologic [realm], and it's been formulated to be better absorbed. This drug actually targets the IL-23 receptor.”

Stein Gold noted icotrokinra was developed to selectively bind the interleukin (IL)-23 receptor and inhibit IL-23–mediated signaling. The medication’s use in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis was explored in a variety of phase 3 clinical trials, including LEAD, ADVANCE 1, and ADVANCE 2.2 Stein Gold’s talk at Maui Derm included a discussion of data in adolescent patients specifically.

“We had a recent readout there where the efficacy data is really quite good, long term data does not show any safety signals that we seem to be concerned about,” Stein Gold explained. “We know that when we stop treatment with this drug, we see that we have about 8 - 12 weeks before we lose a PASI 90 or a PASI 75 response.”

For any additional information on these topics, view Stein Gold’s full interview posted above. To find out more from Maui Derm, view the 

The quotes contained in this interview were edited for clarity.

Armstrong A, et al. Comparative analysis of icotrokinra and approved advanced treatments for achievement of completely clear skin in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: A systematic literature review and network meta-analysis. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29. Accessed January 28, 2026.

This interview at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii meeting features a discussion of new and emerging therapies in psoriasis, including icotrokinra.

Final reflections from physicians Stein Gold, Soung, and Cotter, emphasizing multidisciplinary, patient-focused advances in psoriasis and PsA care.

Closing Thoughts on the Impact of IL-23s in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

, despite the expanding therapeutic landscape. Linda Stein Gold, MD, and her colleagues analyze patient- and provider-reported data from the 

 surveys, revealing that many patients remain dissatisfied with current therapies and that oral agents are overwhelmingly preferred over injectables. The experts discuss how patient lifestyle, comorbidities, and psychosocial burden influence shared decision-making and treatment adherence. They also interpret the 

International Psoriasis Council’s (IPC)

 and explore its implications for reducing “topical churn” and advancing systemic therapy earlier in the disease course.

 and its potential to close current gaps in care. The panel provides an in-depth review of the 

 clinical development program, summarizing the 

 trials, which demonstrated superior efficacy versus deucravacitinib at both 16 and 24 weeks, with favorable safety and tolerability. They also discuss new 

 showing sustained clearance and no new safety signals in adults and adolescents. The faculty reflect on ICO’s implications for adolescent psoriasis and how early, aggressive oral intervention may help prevent progression to psoriatic arthritis, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of oral IL-23–targeted therapy.

The final portion of the series shifts focus to 

managing active psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

. The experts discuss new findings from the 

 demonstrated the first clear evidence of IL-23–mediated inhibition of structural joint damage, reinforcing the rationale for early biologic use in high-risk patients. They compare APEX to prior IL-23 studies, discuss implications for therapy sequencing, and highlight other emerging data from 

 studies. In closing, Stein Gold and colleagues emphasize a forward-looking approach that integrates personalized therapy selection, early detection of PsA, and cross-specialty collaboration to elevate standards of psoriasis care

Linda Stein Gold, MD

Articles