Innovations in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment: Navigating the Evolving Landscape

Program Description

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting hair follicles and characterized by debilitating and painful lesions, abscesses, nodules, and often interconnected tunnels (fistulas), which significantly impact patients' quality of life. Despite its disease burden and distinct pathophysiology involving inflammatory pathways, people living with HS frequently face challenges in diagnosis, often experiencing delays of 7 to 10 years before accurate identification. This delay, coupled with limited and evolving treatment options, contributes to the substantial physical and psychological toll on affected individuals. Researchers are investigating inhibitors of the IL-17/IL-23 pathway in HS, and biologic therapy is being explored. Managed care professionals should be knowledgeable about the growing armamentarium for HS to improve access to appropriate care. Given the high cost associated with both inpatient and outpatient care for HS, including the significant expense of biologic therapies, managed care pharmacists play a vital role in addressing these challenges by assisting with the nuanced management of these complex treatment regimens. This program will examine formulary considerations for advanced and emerging HS therapies, evaluating their cost-effectiveness and impact on overall health care utilization.

Target audience: Managed Care Pharmacist

Type of activity: Application
Release date: August 28, 2025
Expiration date: August 28, 2026

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the key clinical features of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and impact on patient quality of life.
• Apply the recent clinical data and real-world evidence for new and emerging agents in the treatment of HS.
• Explain the long-term economic impact of unmanaged HS and the cost-effectiveness of early and aggressive treatment strategies to support value-based decision-making principles and formulary coverage decisions.