Emerging Updates in Psoriasis from 2026 AAD Annual Meeting

In ‘Emerging Updates in Psoriasis from 2026 AAD Annual Meeting,’ our panel explores the most impactful findings from the latest clinical gatherings, focusing on how new data is reshaping real-world practice. Dr. Mark Lebwohl highlights the clinical debut of several new TYK2 inhibitors and the recent FDA approval of icotrokinra, the first oral anti-IL-23 receptor peptide. A major focal point of the discussion is the revolutionary data regarding the combination of GLP-1 agonists with standard psoriasis biologics. Dr. Lebwohl notes that in patients with a BMI near 40, adding anti-obesity medication led to a 40% increase in PASI 100 achievement and a 64% improvement in psoriatic arthritis measures.

Dr. Tina Bhutani-Jacques and Dr. Lebwohl examine the biological mechanisms behind these results, suggesting that weight-loss drugs may possess independent anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the heart and joints even in the absence of significant weight reduction. Dr. Lebwohl emphasizes that addressing obesity is now a mandatory component of psoriasis care, as certain types of fat secrete the very cytokines that drive disease progression. He shares his clinical approach to these sensitive conversations, focusing on longevity and health rather than aesthetics. The experts conclude that by integrating anti-obesity treatments with highly selective TYK2 inhibitors or biologics, clinicians can move beyond treating skin surface area to fundamentally altering the patient's systemic inflammatory profile and long-term survival.

Our final episode, ‘Closing Thoughts on TYK2 Inhibition in Psoriasis,’ features the panelists offering practical advice for clinicians navigating the modern treatment landscape. Dr. Bhutani-Jacques and Dr. Lebwohl encourage providers to prioritize total skin clearance and proactive comorbidity management as the standard of care for all patients.