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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Brepocitinib, a first-in-class oral TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor, showed rapid and durable improvements in skin symptoms for patients with cutaneous dermatomyositis — a condition with zero FDA-approved treatments. Phase 3 VALOR trial data published in JAMA Dermatology showed significant reductions in itch, skin disease activity, and corticosteroid use, with benefits appearing as early as week 4 and holding strong through week 52.
Cutaneous dermatomyositis is a painful autoimmune disease that leaves patients with severe itch, visible skin redness, and emotional distress — and until now, no FDA-approved treatments to turn to. That may be about to change. New skin-specific data from the phase 3 VALOR trial, published in JAMA Dermatology, show that brepocitinib (Priovant Therapeutics) — a first-in-class oral TYK2 and JAK1 inhibitor — delivered rapid, consistent, and clinically meaningful improvements across multiple outcomes in 241 patients with dermatomyositis.
Improvements kicked in early (as soon as week 4) and held through week 52, covering itch reduction, skin clearance, quality of life, and the ability to taper off corticosteroids — a meaningful win given the long-term toxicity concerns with steroid use.
By the Numbers:
45% achieved clear or almost clear skin by week 52 vs. 21.8% on placebo
40% of brepocitinib patients discontinued oral corticosteroids entirely
Why it matters: With no approved therapies and off-label options often falling short, dermatomyositis patients have had few good options. Brepocitinib's consistent, multi-outcome efficacy signals a potential turning point for this underserved patient population.
