ICYMI: Highlights From AAD 2025

Here are our highlights from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2025 Annual Meeting, which included panel discussions and presentations from various dermatology experts on the safety and efficacy of topical creams, combating prior authorization processes and costs, strategies for expanding access to treatment, and pivotal innovations in artificial intelligence (AI).

To view our full AAD 2025 coverage, click here and read more about innovative treatments and solutions in dermatology.

The key takeaways from AAD 2025 include expert insights on topical JAK safety, climate-driven skin challenges, tech innovation, and expanding equitable access in dermatology.

5. Ruxolitinib Cream Shows Long-Term Safety in AD, Potential for PN Treatment

Ruxolitinib, a topical Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor, demonstrated a favorable long-term safety and tolerability profile in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) across multiple clinical trials focused on exposure-adjusted incidence rates of adverse events. The 2 poster presentations showed low such rates in adults and adolescents who applied the topical cream and demonstrated ruxolitinib's ability to reduce the need for other topical treatments and biologics in patients with AD. These findings support the role of ruxolitinib cream as a safe and effective therapy in dermatologic care.

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4. Late-Breaking Data at AAD on Topical Ruxolitinib Show Itch Relief in Atopic Dermatitis, Prurigo Nodularis

The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®) spoke with Shawn Kwatra, MD, a physician scientist at the University of Maryland Medical System, about the findings from a new study that demonstrated the rapid efficacy of a JAK 1/JAK2 inhibitor's ability to relieve itch and inflammation in patients with AD and prurigo nodularis. Kwatra also addressed the broader landscape of JAK inhibitors and the importance of individualized treatment selection based on patient factors. This data adds to evidence that targeted JAK inhibition can offer both symptomatic relief and deeper disease control.

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3. Reviving the Classics: The Role of Older Medications in Modern Dermatology

such as cyclosporine, nicotinamide, and dapsone, can be used to treat various dermatological conditions, allowing patients worldwide access to a broader range of affordable and efficacious medications to treat their condition. Panelists emphasized that the use of generic medications helps combat prior authorization processes and costs commonly associated with newer options like biologics or JAK inhibitors.

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2. Climate Change, Pollution’s Growing Impact on Dermatology

Experts discussed the dermatologic challenges that arise due to climate and environmental changes and the disproportional impact they have on underserved populations and communities. Panelists during the session highlighted the impact of forever chemicals and microplastics in relation to dermatological conditions like AD but noted that more clinical research is needed to further investigate real-world outcomes. They ended the panel discussion emphasizing a call for dermatologists to adopt sustainable practices and climate advocacy, reduce procedural waste, and integrate environmental awareness into patient counseling and research.

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1. Technology Takes Center Stage at the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting

Emerging technologies took center stage at AAD 2025, showcasing innovations like digital tools, AI, teledermatology, and advanced imaging that promise to enhance clinical care and diagnosis, aiming to relieve high patient demand and physician burnout. Speakers and exhibitors emphasized the potential of these tools to improve efficiency, patient engagement, and accuracy in dermatologic practice. The coverage underscores a growing trend toward integrating tech solutions into everyday dermatology workflows to support evidence-based care.

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