Hidradenitis Drug Showed Promise in Mid-Stage Study
Adults with moderate-to-severe disease saw significant reduction in skin lesions after 16 weeks of treatment.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Diseases — General
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Merck reported positive mid-stage trial results for tulisokibart, an experimental drug for people managing moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Patients using the highest dose of the medication experienced a notable improvement in inflammatory lesions over a 16-week period.
Why it matters
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition that causes painful skin lesions, and these findings suggest a potential new treatment pathway for patients who need effective management options.
In a 16-week mid-stage study, 72% of patients on the highest dose of tulisokibart achieved at least a 50% reduction in inflammatory lesions, compared to 35% of those on a placebo. Additionally, 41% of the drug group saw a 75% reduction in lesions, versus 15% in the placebo group.
The players
Merck
A global pharmaceutical company that develops treatments for a wide range of conditions, including immunology and oncology.
The details
Tulisokibart was evaluated against a placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa to assess its ability to control inflammation. The trial measured the reduction of inflammatory skin lesions throughout the treatment period. Safety profiles observed during the 16-week study were reported to be comparable between the treatment and placebo groups.
Timeline
The clinical study observation period lasted 16 weeks.
Merck reported the study results on September 30, 2026.
Health Landscape
This development represents an incremental step in the ongoing effort to expand the therapeutic options available for hidradenitis suppurativa. It follows a pattern of intensive pharmaceutical research focused on addressing chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
These findings are strictly preliminary and do not indicate a currently available treatment for patients. If you are managing hidradenitis suppurativa, discuss current standard-of-care options and any potential clinical trial enrollment opportunities with your dermatologist.
The takeaway
The study demonstrates that tulisokibart may help reduce lesion counts in some patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Patients should track the severity and frequency of their inflammatory flares to discuss potential changes in their care plan with their physician.
Further reading
For more on how new treatments are tested and brought to patients, visit the Diseases — General section.
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