Weekly Research Intelligence Report

This Week in HS: Oral Treatment Advances, Gut-Skin Science, and a Deepening Pipeline

Week of March 10, 2026 · War Against HS Research Intelligence

Executive Summary

The week of March 10, 2026 brought several meaningful developments across the Hidradenitis Suppurativa research and treatment landscape. The most significant story continues to be the regulatory progression of povorcitinib, Incyte's oral JAK1 inhibitor, which is now the closest any oral HS therapy has ever come to approval. Alongside that headline, new research on the gut-skin microbiome axis has added further scientific weight to the idea that what happens in the gut may profoundly influence what happens in HS lesions. And the pipeline continues to deepen, with multiple Phase 2 programs advancing toward data readouts later this year.

Key Development

Povorcitinib Advances Toward First Oral HS Approval

The most closely watched story in HS treatment right now is the regulatory journey of povorcitinib (Incyte), an oral selective JAK1 inhibitor. Following the presentation of positive 24-week Phase 3 data at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress in September 2025, Incyte filed for regulatory approval with the European Medicines Agency in late 2025. A US FDA submission is expected in early 2026. The Phase 3 STOP-HS data are compelling: nearly 60% of patients receiving povorcitinib achieved HiSCR50 at week 24, with improvements in pain and quality-of-life scores observed as early as week 12 and sustained through the end of the study.

Clinical Trial Updates

The povorcitinib announcement was the most significant clinical trial update this week, with full data expected to be presented at an upcoming medical conference. Regulatory submissions are anticipated in the US and EU later this year. The sonelokimab Phase 2 trial continues to recruit at sites in the US and Europe.

Research Findings

A growing body of evidence continues to implicate the gut-skin microbiome axis in HS pathogenesis. A systematic review published in PMC in late 2025 found decreased overall gut microbial diversity and richness in HS patients compared to healthy controls - a pattern that overlaps with findings in other chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease and psoriasis. A case series published in JAMA Dermatology extended this work to pediatric patients, suggesting gut dysbiosis may be present even in younger patients.

Pipeline News

Beyond povorcitinib, the HS drug development pipeline is among the most active in all of dermatology. Phase 2 data from sonelokimab, orismilast, and brivekimig are all expected in 2026. The diversity of mechanisms under investigation reflects a sophisticated and evolving understanding of HS pathophysiology.

Bottom Line for Patients

The potential for a new, effective oral treatment could be a game-changer for many patients. The growing evidence around the gut-skin axis also empowers patients to discuss proactive lifestyle and dietary strategies with their healthcare providers. As always, the most important step any patient can take is to stay engaged with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who can help translate these developments into personalized care decisions.