Molecular Effect of Brepocitinib in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The study investigates the molecular effects of brepocitinib, a TYK2 and JAK1 inhibitor, in treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin disease. In a Phase II trial involving 47 patients treated with brepocitinib and 30 with placebo, RNA sequencing revealed significant downregulation of interferon signaling pathways, particularly at 29 days post-treatment. Key interferon-related genes such as MX1, ISG15, and IFIT1 were consistently downregulated, indicating brepocitinib's systemic effect in reducing interferon signaling in HS patients. No baseline gene expression differences were found between responders and non-responders.