Developing the Next Generation of Dermatology Treatments

Incyte’s science-first approach and heritage in immunology has formed the foundation of our company. Today, we are building on this legacy as we discover and develop innovative dermatology treatments to bring solutions to patients in need.

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Our research and development efforts in dermatology are initially focused on leveraging our knowledge of the JAK-STAT pathway. We are exploring the potential of JAK inhibition for a number of immune-mediated dermatologic conditions with a high unmet medical need, including atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Research has shown that the JAK-STAT pathway mediates the cellular effects of cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of many immune-mediated dermatologic conditions. We strive to identify and develop therapies to modulate immune pathways driving uncontrolled inflammation to help restore normal immune function and bring the body closer to homeostasis.

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Disease Areas of Interest

VITILIGO

Vitiligo is a condition that causes the skin to lose its pigment cells (melanocytes), often resulting in discolored patches of the skin.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by depigmentation of skin that results from the loss of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Overactivity of the JAK signaling pathway is believed to drive inflammation involved in the pathogenesis and progression of vitiligo. It affects approximately 0.5% to 2.0% of the population globally1. In the United States, more than 1.5 million people are diagnosed with vitiligo2. The overall prevalence of the condition is estimated to be approximately 2–3 million3, with the majority of patients (approximately 85%) suffering from nonsegmental vitiligo4. Vitiligo can occur at any age, although many patients with vitiligo will experience initial onset before the age of 305. Vitiligo is associated with quality-of-life impairments6,7 and patients are at an increased risk for comorbidities and mental health disorders, including depression8,9.

References: 

  1. Kruger C, Schallreuter KU. A review of the worldwide prevalence of vitiligo in children/adolescents and adults. Int J Dermatol. 2012;51(10):1206-1212.
  2. Bergqvist C, Ezzedine K. Vitiligo: A Review. Dermatology. 2020;236:571-592.
  3. Gandhi K, Ezzedine K, Anastassopoulos KP, et al. Prevalence of vitiligo among adults in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(1):43-50.
  4. Ezzedine K, Eleftheriadou V, Whitton M, van Geel N. Seminar: Vitiligo. Lancet. 2015;386:74-84.
  5. Frisoli M, Essien K, Harris JE. Vitiligo: mechanisms of pathogenesis and treatment. Annu Rev Immunol. 2020;38(1):621-648.
  6. Morrison B, Burden-Teh E, Batchelor JM, Mead E, Grindlay D, Ratib S. Quality of life in people with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol. 2017;177(6):e338-e339.
  7. Silverberg JI, Silverberg NB. Association between vitiligo extent and distribution and quality-of-life impairment. JAMA Dermatol. 2013;149(2):159-164.
  8. Wang G, Qiu D, Yang H, Liu W. The prevalence and odds of depression in patients with vitiligo: a meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(8):1343-1351.
  9. Alavi A, Hamzavi I, Brown K, et al. Janus kinase 1 inhibitor INCB054707 for patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa: results from two phase II studies. Br J Dermatol. 2022;186(5):803-813. doi:10.1111/bjd.20969

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic dermatitis (AD)—the most common type of eczema—is an immune-mediated skin condition that causes irritation and itch.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the skin. Signs and symptoms of AD include irritated and itchy skin that can cause red lesions that may ooze and crust1. Patients with AD are also more susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal infections2. The clinical signs and symptoms of the disease can have a profound impact on a patient’s quality of life3-8.

References: 

  1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema Types: Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/symptoms. Accessed on September 11, 2020.
  2. Baker BS. Clin Exp Immunol. 2006;144(1):1-9.
  3. Eichenfield LF, Tom WL, Berger TJ, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):116-132.
  4. Boguniewicz M, Fonacier L, Guttman-Yassky E, Ong PY, Silverberg J, Farrar JR. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120:10-22.
  5. Narla S, Silverberg JI. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(1):66-72.
  6. Silverberg JI, Gelfand JM, Margolis DJ, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;121(3):340-347.
  7. Silverberg JI, Gelfand JM, Margolis DJ, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2019;181(3):554-565.
  8. Silverberg JI, Garg NK, Paller AS, Fishbein AB, Zee PC. J Invest Dermatol. 2015;135(1):56-66.

HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA

Red, painful lumps can develop under the skin for many reasons—including a condition called hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes painful bumps to form in the armpit, groin, breast and anal regions of the body1. The condition typically begins during puberty and is often most active between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Some of the bumps can eventually lead to disfiguring scars. It has a significant impact on daily life and can be debilitating for some patients1.

Reference: 

  1. Morrison B, Burden-Teh E, Batchelor JM, Mead E, Grindlay D, Ratib S. Br J Dermatol. 2017;177(6):e338-e339.

PRURIGO NODULARIS

Prurigo nodularis is a condition that causes itchy bumps on the skin called “nodules” that appear after excessive scratching.

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itch and thickened red bumps, typically on the arms, legs and trunk1. Sometimes the bumps may be painful and the constant itch can affect sleep quality1. Prurigo nodularis appears to be more common in older individuals and can have a substantial impact on a patient’s quality of life1.

Reference: 

  1. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Prurigo Nodularis. https://rarediseases.org/rarediseases/prurigo-nodularis/. Accessed on April 21, 2023

LICHEN SCLEROSUS

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin condition that causes white scaly plaques that usually form in the anogenital area of the body.

Lichen sclerosus affects women more often than men and is associated with intolerable itch, which can lead to bleeding and scarring, and ultimately, drastic changes to genital anatomy1. There is an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated2,3.

Reference: 

  1. Fistarol SK, Itin PH. Diagnosis and treatment of lichen sclerosus: an update. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2013;14(1):27-47.
  2. Smith YR, Haefner HK. Vulvar lichen sclerosus: pathophysiology and treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5:105-125.
  3. Tran DA, Tan X, Macri C, et al. Lichen Sclerosus: An autoimmunopathogenic and genomic enigma with emerging genetic and immune targets. Int J of Biol Sci. 2019;15(7):1429.

LICHEN PLANUS

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin that may also present on the nails and in the mouth.

Lichen planus can cause lesions, bumps or plaques on the skin that are itchy and purple. Onset of the condition usually affects the wrists, forearms and legs. Lichen planus occurs equally in males and females and tends to appear between 50 to 70 years of age1,2. While itch is considered the most bothersome symptom3, the condition is associated with relatively high rates of depression and anxiety4.

Reference: 

  1. Schwager Z, Stern M, Cohen J, et al. Clinical epidemiology and treatment of lichen planus: A retrospective review of 2 tertiary care centers. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(6):1397-1399.
  2. Wagner G, Rose C, Sachse M. Clinical variants of lichen planus. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2013;11(4):309-319.
  3. Welz-Kubiak K, Reich A. Mediators of pruritus in lichen planus. Autoimmune Dis. 2013.
  4. Jalenques I, Lauron S, Almon S, et al. Prevalence and odds of signs of depression and anxiety in patients with lichen planus: systematic review and meta-analyses. Acta Derm Venereol. 2020;100(18):1-8.