Fall Clinical 2026 First Half Recap: Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, and More

The first half of the 2026 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference in Las Vegas brought new long-term data in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, alongside practical guidance from expert sessions on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), vitiligo, and skincare. The HCPLive team has been on-site covering the meeting, which runs from October 8 to 11, 2026.

The following recap highlights several key stories from HCPLive’s coverage so far:

What New Psoriasis Data Were Presented?

ICONIC-LEAD: Icotrokinra Sustains Psoriasis Skin Clearance at 2 Years

New 2-year data from the phase 3 ICONIC-LEAD study showed the oral IL-23 receptor-targeting peptide icotrokinra maintained high rates of skin clearance in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. From Week 64 through Week 112, at least 72% of patients achieved PASI 90 and at least 70% achieved clear or almost clear skin. Among Week 24 PASI 90 responders withdrawn from treatment, 85% regained response within 24 weeks of retreatment.

Ixekizumab, Tirzepatide Broaden Biomarker Effects in Psoriasis, Obesity

Exploratory data from the phase 3b TOGETHER-PsO trial suggested an immunometabolic relationship between psoriasis and obesity. Concomitant ixekizumab and tirzepatide changed 482 proteins and 467 genes by Week 36, compared with 140 proteins and 16 genes with ixekizumab alone. Changes in neutrophil-associated markers mediated part of the additional skin clearance seen with combination therapy.

What Long-Term Data Emerged in Atopic Dermatitis?

Nemolizumab Sustains Atopic Dermatitis Skin, Itch Control Through 3 Years

A post hoc analysis of the ARCADIA long-term extension study found most early responders to nemolizumab maintained deep responses through Week 152. At that timepoint, 80% of patients achieved EASI-90, 50% achieved complete skin clearance, and 80% were itch-free or nearly itch-free. Separate OLYMPIA long-term extension data also showed sustained itch, pain, and sleep improvements in prurigo nodularis.

What Did Experts Share on HS, Vitiligo, and Skincare?

Optimizing HS Biologics, Combinations, and Surgery

Andrea Murina, MD, reviewed strategies for what comes after biologic selection in HS. She highlighted claims data showing 6 in 10 patients stop adalimumab within 1 year, and she encouraged dose optimization and add-on therapies before switching agents. Murina also noted more effective biologics may reduce the need for surgery in some patients with severe disease, and she stressed systemic therapy should not be stopped around procedures.

Topical vs Oral JAK Inhibitors in Vitiligo, With Iltefat Hamzavi, MD

In an interview with HCPLive, Iltefat Hamzavi, MD, of Henry Ford Health, explained how he chooses between topical and oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in vitiligo. He described topical ruxolitinib as suited to localized, stable disease, with oral agents favored for more extensive or unstable disease. Hamzavi also outlined 3 exam findings signaling instability and the cardiovascular risk factors warranting caution with oral therapy.

A Framework for Evaluating Skincare Products

Cheri Frey, MD, offered a framework for evaluating cosmeceuticals, noting terms such as “clean” and “medical grade” correspond to no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) category. Using an evidence pyramid, she stressed asking whether biomarker improvements translate into clinically meaningful results. Contrasting pigmentation examples illustrated the point: thiamidol produced meaningful improvement in moderate-to-severe melasma, while an exosome-derived product with strong in vitro data showed no clinically apparent brightening, likely because of poor penetration.

Stay tuned to HCPLive for continued coverage from the remainder of the meeting.