A Call to Accelerate Hidradenitis Suppurativa Research and Improve Care

There is a dearth of high-level evidence guiding our understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Despite an estimated prevalence of 1% in Western populations and quality of life impairment often exceeding other chronic skin diseases, annual HS-related publications lag far behind annual publications for other common and rare skin diseases (Figure, A). Federal funding to study HS wanes in comparison to funding for other chronic cutaneous dermatoses, with only 0.1% of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases total research funds for skin diseases dedicated to HS (Figure, B). By December 31, 2018, only 17 clinical trials dedicated to HS had been completed in the United States and there is only 1 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapy for HS, compared with numerous trials and nearly a dozen currently FDA-approved systemic medications for psoriasis. The paucity of HS medical knowledge and effective therapies have contributed to patient distrust of the medical community and subsequent reluctance to seek medical care. Partnership with patients in research and clinical care is desperately needed to meaningfully improve the lives of people suffering with HS.
Source: JAMA Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research