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.

Tim Smith

The past year brought several important updates in 

US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approvals

, trial results, and guideline changes with direct implications for clinical practice. These updates affected the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), giving clinicians additional evidence-based treatment options.

Clinical research highlighted alternative therapies, optimized treatment strategies, and novel mechanisms of action for sleep disorders. Check out the top 7 sleep health news stories from 2025.

FDA Rejects Pitolisant NDA for Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Harmony Biosciences received a Refusal to File (RTF) from the FDA for its supplemental New Drug Application (NDA) seeking approval of pitolisant (WAKIX) to treat excessive daytime sleepiness in adults with IH. The Phase 3 INTUNE study did not meet its primary endpoint during the randomized withdrawal phase, though open-label data showed clinically meaningful improvements on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, with most patients maintaining normal wakefulness for over a year.

Pitolisant, already approved for narcolepsy-related sleepiness and cataplexy, is a selective H₃ receptor antagonist. Harmony plans to conduct a pivotal phase 3 trial for an enhanced formulation, Pitolisant HD, targeting a 2028 PDUFA date.

Pitolisant Shows Benefit for IH in Phase 3 Open-Label Trial, with Bruce Corser, MD

FDA Grants Approval of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation System for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

The FDA has approved Nyxoah’s Genio hypoglossal nerve stimulation system for adults with moderate to severe OSA and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 15–65. The leadless, bilateral stimulation system features a wearable, nonimplanted battery compatible with MRI.

DREAM trial data demonstrated significant reductions in AHI and Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), with 82% of participants achieving an AHI < 15. Efficacy was consistent across supine and nonsupine positions, addressing a key challenge in OSA treatment. Safety was favorable, with few device-related serious adverse events.

On December 17, 2025, SleepRes announced that the FDA had cleared its Kricket Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) device for obstructive sleep apnea in patients who weigh > 66 pounds. KPAP technology is designed to reduce CPAP-related discomfort by synchronizing therapy with a patient’s natural breathing and airway dynamics.

The device offers the KPAP algorithm alongside traditional CPAP and automatic PAP modes. SleepRes plans to launch Kricket for use at home, in hospitals, or other institutions in the first half of 2026.

RLS Guidelines Advise Against Dopamine Agonists, With John Winkelman, MD, PhD

At SLEEP 2025, John W. Winkelman, MD, PhD, highlighted the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s updated guidelines advising against dopamine agonists for restless legs syndrome (RLS) due to augmentation risks.

The guidelines now favor iron therapies—oral or intravenous—and alpha-2-delta ligands such as gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, and pregabalin. Winkelman emphasized a gradual transition strategy, addressing aggravating factors like serotonergic antidepressants, sleep apnea, and alcohol, before slowly tapering dopamine agonists over 6–12 months, ensuring safer, more effective RLS management for long-term patient outcomes.

Axsome Presents Positive Phase 3 Data for AXS-12 in Narcolepsy at SLEEP 2025

Axsome Therapeutics presented positive phase 3 ENCORE and SYMPHONY data at SLEEP 2025, showing roboxetine (AXS-12) significantly reduced cataplexy attacks and improved daytime functioning in patients with narcolepsy.

Roboxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and cortical dopamine modulator with FDA Orphan Drug Designation, enhanced wakefulness, cognition, and overall patient function. ENCORE results showed a lower mean weekly cataplexy frequency versus placebo during a randomized-withdrawal period.

Aroxybutynin and Atomoxetine (AD109) Reduces Obstructive Sleep Apnea Burden in Phase 3 SynAIRgy

Phase 3 SynAIRgy data demonstrated that the combination therapy AD109—aroxybutynin plus atomoxetine—significantly reduced AHI scores and improved oxygen desaturation and hypoxic burden in adults with OSA. Conducted over 26 weeks in 639 participants intolerant of positive airway pressure therapy, AD109 improved AHI4 events by 55.6% versus placebo and enhanced fatigue and sleep impairment scores.

The oral regimen, combining an antimuscarinic and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, was well-tolerated, with manageable adverse events. These results support Apnimed’s plans to submit an FDA New Drug Application for AD109, offering a promising treatment for OSA.

Tirzepatide Shows Consistent Benefit for OSA Regardless of Baseline Severity

A post-hoc analysis of the Phase 3 SURMOUNT-OSA trials showed that tirzepatide provided consistent benefits in adults with moderate to severe OSA and obesity, regardless of baseline OSA severity or use of PAP therapy. The analysis revealed significant improvements compared to the placebo in AHI, sleep apnea–specific hypoxic burden, systolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and body weight across all severity subgroups. Tirzepatide increased the likelihood of achieving clinically meaningful AHI reductions in nearly all groups, with no consistent association between baseline severity and treatment response.

Phase 3 Data Shows Iptacopan Eases Fatigue in C5i-Experienced, -Naïve PNH Patients

Phase 3 trials APPLY-PNH and APPOINT-PNH demonstrate that iptacopan, a first-in-class oral selective complement factor B inhibitor, significantly improves fatigue, quality of life, and hematologic outcomes in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). In C5 inhibitor-experienced and C5i-naïve patients, iptacopan monotherapy increased hemoglobin and reduced lactate dehydrogenase.

APPLY-PNH showed 51% of C5i-experienced patients achieved meaningful fatigue improvement versus 11% with prior therapy. APPOINT-PNH reported 56% of C5i-naïve patients reached fatigue improvement thresholds.

Articles

Recent advancements in sleep medicine have introduced new FDA approvals, trial results, and guideline updates, impacting the management of sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH). Notable developments include the FDA's rejection of pitolisant for IH, approval of the Genio hypoglossal nerve stimulation system for OSA, and clearance of the Kricket PAP device. Updated RLS guidelines now advise against dopamine agonists, favoring iron therapies and alpha-2-delta ligands. Positive trial data for AXS-12, AD109, and tirzepatide highlight promising treatment options for narcolepsy and OSA.

From FDA decisions to late-phase trial readouts and updated practice guidelines, 2025 delivered clinically actionable insights across sleep conditions.

​​Sleep in 2025: Year in Review

Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color

The Skin of Color Savvy podcast, presented by Skin of Color Society (SOCS) leaders and produced by HCPLive, presents a special year-end highlights reel to close out 2025, featuring moments from every 'Savvy Conversations' episode released throughout 2025. The compilation reflects the breadth of topics, voices, and lived experiences that shaped the podcast’s inaugural year, underscoring its commitment to advancing clinically rigorous, culturally responsive dermatologic care for patients of color.  Throughout the season, expert dermatologists explored conditions that disproportionately affect patients with skin of color, including atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, vitiligo, pigmentary disorders, hidradenitis suppurativa, scarring alopecia, and curly hair–specific concerns. In conversations featuring Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH, and Shawn Kwatra, MD, the discussion centered on the biologic and social drivers of itch and inflammatory skin disease, highlighting how environmental exposures and health disparities intersect with cutaneous health.  Pigmentary disorders were a recurring theme, with episodes featuring Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, Michelle Rodrigues, MBBS, Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, and Karolyn Wanat, MD, emphasizing the diagnostic complexity of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and depigmentation across diverse skin types. These conversations reinforced the importance of nuanced clinical evaluation and patient-centered decision-making, particularly when conditions such as vitiligo are incorrectly dismissed as cosmetic.  Hair and scalp disorders were another focal point of the season. Episodes with Crystal Aguh, MD, John Harris, MD, PhD, Loren Krueger, MD, Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, Janiene Luke, MD, Amy McMichael, MD, and Kayla Taylor, MD, addressed scarring and non-scarring alopecias, the role of hair-care practices, and the cultural significance of curly and textured hair. Panelists stressed that hair loss often requires time-intensive visits, longitudinal care, and open conversations about styling, identity, and patient expectations.  Patient perspective was powerfully incorporated during the episode featuring Tiffany Mayo, MD, Steven Daveluy, MD, and patient advocate Jasmine Ivanna Espy, who shared her lived experience with hidradenitis suppurativa. Her story highlighted the diagnostic delays, emotional burden, and quality-of-life impact of chronic inflammatory disease, reinforcing the importance of listening to patients as partners in care.  Additional episodes tackled sunscreen counseling, winter skin care, and the need for diversity in clinical trials, with insights from Rebecca Vasquez, MD, Adewole Adamson, MD, MPP, Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, and Tasneem Mohammad, MD, alongside discussions on global dermatologic equity and the expanding role of organizations like the Skin of Color Society.  Together, the year-end reel captures the essence of Skin of Color Savvy: a platform grounded in evidence-based medicine, cultural humility, and inclusive dialogue. As the podcast looks ahead to the coming year, the highlights serve as a reminder of the progress made, and the work still needed, to improve dermatologic care for all patients.  To learn more about SOCS’s mentorship programs and initiatives, visit Skin of Color Society.  Editor’s note: This summary was edited with the help of artificial intelligence tools.

, presents a special year-end highlights reel to close out 2025, featuring moments from every 'Savvy Conversations' episode released throughout 2025. The compilation reflects the breadth of topics, voices, and lived experiences that shaped the podcast’s inaugural year, underscoring its commitment to advancing clinically rigorous, culturally responsive dermatologic care for patients of color.

Throughout the season, expert dermatologists explored conditions that disproportionately affect patients with skin of color, including atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, vitiligo, pigmentary disorders, hidradenitis suppurativa, scarring alopecia, and curly hair–specific concerns. In conversations featuring Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH, and Shawn Kwatra, MD, the discussion centered on the biologic and social drivers of itch and inflammatory skin disease, highlighting how environmental exposures and health disparities intersect with cutaneous health.

Pigmentary disorders were a recurring theme, with episodes featuring Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, Michelle Rodrigues, MBBS, Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, and Karolyn Wanat, MD, emphasizing the diagnostic complexity of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and depigmentation across diverse skin types. These conversations reinforced the importance of nuanced clinical evaluation and patient-centered decision-making, particularly when conditions such as vitiligo are incorrectly dismissed as cosmetic.

Hair and scalp disorders were another focal point of the season. Episodes with Crystal Aguh, MD, John Harris, MD, PhD, Loren Krueger, MD, Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, Janiene Luke, MD, Amy McMichael, MD, and Kayla Taylor, MD, addressed scarring and non-scarring alopecias, the role of hair-care practices, and the cultural significance of curly and textured hair. Panelists stressed that hair loss often requires time-intensive visits, longitudinal care, and open conversations about styling, identity, and patient expectations.

Patient perspective was powerfully incorporated during the episode featuring Tiffany Mayo, MD, Steven Daveluy, MD, and patient advocate Jasmine Ivanna Espy, who shared her lived experience with hidradenitis suppurativa. Her story highlighted the diagnostic delays, emotional burden, and quality-of-life impact of chronic inflammatory disease, reinforcing the importance of listening to patients as partners in care.

Additional episodes tackled sunscreen counseling, winter skin care, and the need for diversity in clinical trials, with insights from Rebecca Vasquez, MD, Adewole Adamson, MD, MPP, Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, and Tasneem Mohammad, MD, alongside discussions on global dermatologic equity and the expanding role of organizations like the Skin of Color Society.

Together, the year-end reel captures the essence of 

: a platform grounded in evidence-based medicine, cultural humility, and inclusive dialogue. As the podcast looks ahead to the coming year, the highlights serve as a reminder of the progress made, and the work still needed, to improve dermatologic care for all patients.

To learn more about SOCS’s mentorship programs and initiatives, visit 

Editor’s note: This summary was edited with the help of artificial intelligence tools.

Videos

In this end-of-year reel, HCPLive has showcased several key highlights from the Skin of Color Savvy podcast in 2025.

Skin of Color Savvy: Highlights from 2025

 approvals of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression, expanded-use buprenorphine and risperidone injectables, and BrainsWay’s Deep TMS for adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD), offering clinicians new tools for personalized, effective care.

Clinical trials highlighted promising therapies: TEV-‘749 for schizophrenia, centanafadine and solriamfetol for ADHD, and MM120 (LSD) for generalized anxiety disorder, alongside expert insights on dermatologic comorbidities, psychiatry research updates, and ethical considerations in psychedelic treatments, shaping the evolving psychiatric landscape.

FDA Clears BrainsWay’s TMS Device for Adolescents with MDD Aged 15 to 21 Years

The FDA has cleared BrainsWay Ltd’s Deep TMS system for adolescents aged 15–21 years with MDD, announced on November 13, 2025. Supported by extensive real-world data, the noninvasive device delivers daily 20-minute sessions over 4–6 weeks, demonstrating significant reductions in depressive symptoms and comorbid anxiety.

FDA Approves Risperidone Extended-Release Injectable for Bipolar I Disorder

Announced on October 10, 2205, the FDA has approved Teva Pharmaceuticals’ UZEDY, a once-monthly, subcutaneous extended-release risperidone, for adults with bipolar I disorder. Using SteadyTeq™ technology, UZEDY provides controlled drug release, supporting maintenance therapy and addressing treatment gaps previously managed with oral or other long-acting formulations.

FDA Initiates Acetaminophen Label Change, Leucovorin Approval for Cerebral Folate Deficiency

The FDA has initiated a label change for acetaminophen, citing evidence linking prenatal use to increased autism and ADHD risk, while collaborating with GSK to approve leucovorin (Wellcovorin) for cerebral folate deficiency. Both actions aim to enhance awareness, improve safety, and expand treatment options for neurological conditions.

APhA, Coalition of Autism Scientists Cite Insufficient Data to Support Acetaminophen, Autism Link

FDA Approves Expanded Use of Buprenorphine Extended-Release Injection for OUD Treatment

Announced on February 24, 2025, the FDA has approved expanded use of Indivior’s SUBLOCADE, a buprenorphine extended-release injection for opioid use disorder, adding thigh, buttock, and upper arm injection sites. Label updates reduce induction to a single dose with one-hour observation, improving adherence and supporting flexible, patient-centered treatment.

FDA Approves Esketamine as First Monotherapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression

The FDA has approved Johnson & Johnson’s esketamine (SPRAVATO®) nasal spray as the first monotherapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression, which was announced on January 21, 2025. Phase 4 trials demonstrated rapid, superior improvement in MADRS scores within 4 weeks, providing a standalone option for patients unresponsive to oral antidepressants.

Teva Pharmaceuticals Submits NDA on TEV-‘749 for Schizophrenia to the FDA

Teva Pharmaceuticals submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for TEV-‘749, a once-monthly subcutaneous olanzapine extended-release injection for adult schizophrenia. Phase 3 SOLARIS trial data demonstrated efficacy, safety, and high patient, nurse, and physician satisfaction, offering a controlled-release alternative to oral olanzapine.

Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Submits NDA for Centanafadine to Treat ADHD in Children

Otsuka Pharmaceuticals submitted an NDA to the FDA for centanafadine, a novel NDSRI, for ADHD in patients aged 4–55 years. Four phase 3 trials showed significant, clinically meaningful improvements in ADHD symptoms with once-daily extended-release centanafadine, demonstrating a first-in-class mechanism and favorable tolerability.

J&J Submits sNDA to FDA for Lumateperone (CAPLYTA) to Prevent Schizophrenia Relapse

Johnson & Johnson submitted a supplemental NDA (sNDA) to the FDA for lumateperone (CAPLYTA) to prevent schizophrenia relapse. Phase 3 data showed a 63% reduction in relapse risk, characterized by high serotonin 5-HT2A receptor occupancy and lower dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, supporting its safety and long-term efficacy.

Solriamfetol Significantly Reduces ADHD Symptoms in Axsome’s Phase 3 Trial

Axsome Therapeutics’ FOCUS Phase 3 trial showed solriamfetol significantly reduced ADHD symptoms in adults, achieving a 45% mean reduction in AISRS scores versus placebo. Symptom improvement was observed as early as week 1, with a favorable safety and tolerability profile.

Single Dose of MM120 (LSD) Shows Lasting Anxiety Reduction in GAD: Phase 2b Results

A phase 2b trial by MindMed showed a single 100 μg dose of MM120 (LSD) significantly reduced anxiety in adults with GAD, with effects sustained through 12 weeks. Rapid improvements were seen by day 2, demonstrating dose-dependent efficacy and a favorable safety profile.

Single Dose of MM120 Shows Rapid Anxiety Reduction in GAD, With Maurizio Fava, MD

Silent Weight of Psoriasis: Addressing Depression, Anxiety, Stigma in Care

Patients with psoriasis are 1.5 times likely to develop depression, highlighting the importance of routine mental health screening. Experts like Eva Parker, MD, of Vanderbilt Health, emphasize addressing both visible skin symptoms and the emotional impact to improve overall patient well-being.

Medical Ethics Unpacked: Unique Ethical Challenges of Psychedelic Therapies

, hosts Steve Levine, MD, and Dominic Sisti, PhD, with guest Amy McGuire, JD, PhD, explore ethical challenges in psychedelic therapies, including consent, cultural integration, dosing, and clinical trial considerations.

Introducing The Gus Alva Perspective, with Gus Alva, MD

The Gus Alva Perspective, hosted by psychiatrist Gus Alva, MD, delivered biweekly expert insights on psychiatry, covering new treatments, research updates, and Southern California Psychiatry Meeting highlights to support clinicians in practice.

In 2025, significant advancements in psychiatry included FDA approvals for esketamine as a monotherapy for treatment-resistant depression, expanded-use buprenorphine, and risperidone injectables. BrainsWay's Deep TMS was cleared for adolescents with MDD. Promising clinical trials featured TEV-‘749 for schizophrenia, centanafadine and solriamfetol for ADHD, and MM120 (LSD) for generalized anxiety disorder. The FDA initiated acetaminophen label changes and approved leucovorin for cerebral folate deficiency. Ethical considerations in psychedelic treatments and the impact of dermatologic comorbidities on mental health were also highlighted.

In 2025, psychiatry saw major FDA approvals, novel treatments, and pivotal clinical updates that are transforming care for depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, and anxiety.

​​Psychiatry in 2025: Year in Review

 has spotlighted many major developments in 

 in our coverage, spanning high-impact clinical trial readouts, regulatory decisions by the 

, and evolving standards of care for chronic skin conditions. Notable news headlines included updated safety and efficacy findings on oral small molecules such as Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, continued expansion of biologic and targeted drugs into new dermatologic indications, and growing attention to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools in the field.

Alongside these regulatory and research milestones, 

 podcasts throughout the year showcased expert perspectives across dermatology, with discussions highlighting various advances in diagnostic innovation, personalized treatment strategies, and even work-life balance for clinicians. In this Year in Review overview, the editorial team has curated some of the most consequential dermatology-related headlines and expert commentary published on the 

 platform, allowing for greater perspective as 2026 approaches.

Delgocitinib (Anzupgo) Scores FDA Approval for Chronic Hand Eczema

The approval of delgocitinib (Anzupgo) cream was announced in 2025 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE). The announcement by LEO Pharma highlighted delgocitinib cream’s use for CHE among adult patients who have had an inadequate response to, or for whom topical corticosteroids are not advisable. The medication’s FDA approval was based on data from the DELTA 1 and DELTA 2 clinical studies.

FDA Approves Pz-cel (Zevaskyn) Gene Therapy for RDEB

The FDA also approved prademagene zamikeracel (Zevaskyn) in 2025 for the treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Abeona Therapeutics Inc.’s 2025 announcement of the approval noted prademagene zamikeracel, often referred to as pz-cel, is the first autologous cell-based gene therapy for the treatment of wounds in adult and pediatric patients with RDEB, marking a significant milestone for the debilitating condition.

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

The FDA’s approval of adalimumab-aaty (Yuflyma) was announced by Celltrion in 2025, with adalimumab-aaty’s indication expanded, along with its unbranded version, to include adolescent patients ≥ 12 years of age living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and treating uveitis (UV) in patients ≥ 2 years of age. The recombinant fully human anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) monoclonal antibody was designated by the agency as an interchangeable biosimilar in a prefilled syringe and autoinjector.

FDA Approves Remibrutinib for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Remibrutinib (Rhapsido), a highly selective Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, was approved in 2025 for adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The medication was specifically approved for those with CSU who are unresponsive to antihistamines, providing an oral alternative to omalizumab. Phase 3 research on remibrutinib has shown significant reductions in CSU symptoms, with sustained efficacy beibg observed for up to 52 weeks.

ICONIC-ADVANCE: Icotrokinra Beats Deucravacitinib for Plaque Psoriasis

Johnson & Johnson noted, in September 2025 icotrokinra was shown in new data to be superior to deucravacitinib (Sotyktu) for achievement of skin clearance among those with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis at the 16 and 24-week marks. The first-in-class investigational targeted oral IL-23 inhibitor also demonstrated comparable rates of adverse events (AEs) to placebo in 52-week data from the ICONIC-LEAD trial. Both ICONIC-ADVANCE and ICONIC-LEAD’s findings were released at the European Association of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2025 Congress in Paris, France.

Nemolizumab Rapidly Relieves Itch in Atopic Dermatitis, Prurigo Nodularis

A post-hoc analysis in 2025 of the ARCADIA and OLYMPIA trials confirmed significant improvements in itch and sleep outcomes by the second day of treatment with nemolizumab. The drug relieved itch and sleep disturbances by the second day of utilization among patients living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and those with prurigo nodularis. These data pointed to the potential of targeting the IL-31 pathway for these 2 dermatologic disease states.

Temtokibart Shows Benefit, Effect on Biomarkers in Phase 2b Atopic Dermatitis Trial

A set of presentations on phase 2b findings was released during the European Association of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2025 Congress, highlighting temtokibart’s impact in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. These late-breaking data suggest temtokibart, an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to target the IL-22RA1 receptor subunit from Leo Pharma, was linked with significant improvements in several measures of atopic dermatitis severity and activity.

Once-Daily Oral Zasocitinib Delivers Strong Phase 3 Efficacy in Plaque Psoriasis

Takeda highlighted positive topline findings from a set of phase 3 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active comparator-controlled studies of zasocitinib (TAK-279) in 2025. The drug, a next-generation, highly selective oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, was formulted to treat adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. In the Latitude studies, the superiority of zasocitinib compared to placebo for the co-primary endpoints of static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) 0/1 and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 was observed at the 16-week mark.

AI in Dermatology: Discussing Downsides to the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence

In a ‘This Year in Medicine’ series feature article from 2025, titled ‘AI in Dermatology: Discussing Downsides to the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence,' the evolving topic of AI, its practical use in fields such as medicine, and the potential downsides of its widespread utilization were covered. Despite the view among many in the field suggesting AI is beneficial for addressing the needs of patients with diseases such as psoriasis, this feature highlighted 3 experts’ varied opinions on AI and recent data highlighting possible issues with reliance on such technologies.

Rethinking the Black Box: JAK Inhibitors Find Their Place in Dermatology

In a feature posted in October 2025, interviews with a series of experts in dermatology were conducted to examine different perceptions in JAK inhibitor safety, to explore the initial excitement surrounding such drugs, the subsequent caution resulting from black box warnings, and the more recent confidence seen in the months since. JAK inhibitors and their safety were viewed as important to examine in this feature, as they have seen an explosion in approvals and are fast becoming key players in the management of conditions such as psoriasis, alopecia areata, and atopic dermatitis.

The Connection Between Gut Health and Dermatologic Diseases

 Special Report series, Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, clinical associate professor at Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School and the director of the Center for Medical Dermatology and Immunology Research, spoke alongside his wife, Adalina Hung, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist. Hung is known for her role as director of the IBD Program at Sinai Health System, Chicago, and as a clinical assistant professor at the Rosalind Franklin University Medical School. The pair highlighted the overlapping immunologic and barrier-based mechanisms shared between dermatologic and gastrointestinal diseases.

In 2025, significant advancements in dermatology were marked by FDA approvals, clinical trial updates, and expert insights. Key FDA approvals included delgocitinib for chronic hand eczema, prademagene zamikeracel for RDEB, and remibrutinib for chronic spontaneous urticaria. Clinical trials revealed promising results for icotrokinra in plaque psoriasis and nemolizumab in atopic dermatitis. The role of AI in dermatology was critically examined, alongside discussions on JAK inhibitors and the interplay between gut health and dermatologic diseases, providing a comprehensive overview of the year's dermatological progress.

Catch up on news headlines highlighted in the dermatology space by HCPLive in 2025 with this Year in Review.