Key Highlights from Maui Derm Hawaii 2026: Emerging Dermatological Therapeutics and Future Directions

At Maui Derm Hawaii 2026, late-phase data highlighted topical JAK inhibitors (ruxolitinib) and BTK inhibitors as important emerging options—reflecting practice-relevant advances in rapid symptom control and more targeted systemic management across inflammatory skin diseases.

TRuE-AD shows rapid itch relief and meaningful skin clearance in patients 12 and older: in the trials, ruxolitinib cream produced statistically significant EASI and IGA improvements by week 8 alongside early pruritus reduction. That establishes a topical option that achieves short-term symptomatic control with objective improvement within two months.

Topical JAK inhibition has demonstrated favorable safety with minimal systemic exposure in clinical trials, including use in sensitive areas such as the scalp and eyelids. Ruxolitinib cream is FDA-approved for atopic dermatitis in patients 12 years and older, supporting its use as a non-steroidal topical option with rapid itch reduction and improved skin clearance when used as indicated.

Phase 3 REMI-series data demonstrate that remibrutinib produces rapid reductions in UAS7 with sustained control in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Meanwhile, oral IL-23 receptor blockers and other targeted systemic therapies are emerging as additional options for psoriasis and difficult-to-treat inflammatory dermatoses—expanding the therapeutic pipeline and informing future management strategies for refractory disease.