Top FDA approval stories of 2022 in dermatology

The FDA approved many new drugs in 2022, including a variety of treatments for dermatological diseases and conditions.

Healio compiled the most read FDA approval stories of the year for dermatology, which included a story about Olumiant, the first systemic medication for the treatment of alopecia areata, as the most-read in 2022. Closely following were approval stories for drugs targeting vitiligo, psoriasis, rosacea and atopic dermatitis treatments.

Here are Healio’s top five dermatology-related FDA approval stories of 2022:

Olumiant approved for alopecia areata treatment

The FDA’s approval of Olumiant (baricitinib, Eli Lilly/Incyte) in June made it the first systemic medication approved for the treatment of alopecia areata. The drug is a once-daily oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that was previously approved for rheumatoid arthritis and atopic dermatitis. Read more.

FDA approves Opzelura cream for vitiligo

In July, Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream 1.5%, a topical JAK inhibitor, became the first FDA-approved treatment for repigmentation in patients with vitiligo. It is indicated for adolescents and adults with nonsegmental vitiligo. Read more.

Vtama gains FDA approval for topical psoriasis treatment

In May, Vtama (tapinarof) 1%, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, became the first topical drug approved for the treatment of psoriasis in more than 25 years and the only nonsteroidal drug approved for mild, moderate or severe indications. Read more.

FDA approves Epsolay cream for rosacea

The FDA approved Epsolay cream for the treatment of rosacea in April. Epsolay, a cream formulation of benzoyl peroxide 5% encapsulated within silica-based microcapsules, is designed to slowly release the drug over time to treat inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Read more.

FDA approves Rinvoq for atopic dermatitis

At the beginning of 2022, Rinvoq (upadacitinib, AbbVie), a selective JAK inhibitor, was approved for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis among patients aged 12 years and older. Supported by safety and efficacy results across three atopic dermatitis studies, Rinvoq met all primary and secondary endpoints. Read more.