Upadacitinib for treating moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents

Upadacitinib is in clinical development for treating moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in people aged 12 years and above. HS is a long term, painful and debilitating skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring on the skin. The cause of HS is not completely known, but it occurs near hair follicles where there are sweat glands, such as the bottom, breasts, armpits and groin. HS can start after puberty and can persist for many years and worsen over time. This has a profound effect on a person’s quality of life. Mild to moderate stages can be treated with antibiotics, topical therapies and lifestyle changes but moderate to severe HS is known to be unresponsive to treatment. Though surgery is an option for severe HS, but it often reoccurs and can cause complications.