Povorcitinib Improves Lesion Burden and Pain in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Oral povorcitinib produced early and sustained improvements in lesion burden and pain in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), according to “Effect of Povorcitinib on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Lesions Through 24 Weeks in STOP-HS Trials,” a poster by Jennifer L. Hsiao, MD, et al presented as part of the “Best of the Best at Maui Derm” late breakers session at Maui Derm Hawaii 2026.

Across the Phase 3 STOP-HS1 and STOP-HS2 trials, patients receiving povorcitinib experienced reductions in inflammatory nodules, abscesses, and draining tunnels through 24 weeks, with consistent benefit across baseline disease severity.

“These results show that povorcitinib can help improve HS symptoms regardless of baseline severity,” the authors stated.

The findings support povorcitinib as a potential oral targeted therapy in a disease area with limited treatment options.

“HS is messy and heterogeneous, and patients suffer,” said Jason E. Hawkes, MD. “Seeing meaningful improvement as early as 12 weeks is aggressive, but if we can get patients dramatically better by three months, that’s a huge win.”

Linda Stein Gold, MD, noted the dose-response findings.

“As we follow patients longer, efficacy continues to increase, and it appears the higher dose may be particularly important for patients with tunnels and flares.”