Conference MDAngle offers personal perspectives from conference attendees, showcasing their anticipation, quick takeaways, and insights into how the presented research will affect their patients.
The 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting took place in Orlando from March 7-11 and showcased the latest advancements in dermatology, including groundbreaking research, emerging therapies, and innovative treatment approaches for urticaria. Attendees were presented with late-breaking clinical trial data, new insights into disease management, and specialized forums which included emerging biologic therapies as well as presentations on the impact of diet on the management of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). In addition, efficacy and safety results were presented from the REMIX-1 and REMIX-2 trials.
Adam Friedman, MD
Professor and Chair, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
“Patients spend a lot of money and time managing [CSU], which highlights the gap in our therapeutic approaches and our gap in the guidelines… But the good news is there is hope on the way, there are future therapies that should be in our back pocket, hopefully in the next year or two… Remember, this [disease incidence] is 1% worldwide. That's millions of people who are suffering that we can certainly help.”
Preconference Considerations
AAD 2025: New Horizons for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Management
Dr Friedman describes how the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Orlando will bring together experts to discuss the role of dermatologists in managing chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Notable sessions include Forum 83 on Monday morning, focused on the latest advancements in CSU diagnosis and treatment, along with therapeutic updates from phase 2 and 3 drug trials. Additionally, a talk on the potential impact of diet on CSU management will be presented on Saturday afternoon in Forum 50.
Quick Clinical Takeaways
Key Highlights from AAD 2025: Advances in CSU Management
Dr Friedman reports how at the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting the focus was on managing CSU, with an emphasis on vitamin D supplementation to enhance treatment with antihistamines. He notes that while food can trigger acute urticaria, it rarely causes chronic cases, and a low-histamine or Mediterranean diet may help manage symptoms. Research pointed to cytokines like interleukin 6, 17, and 31 as potential future targets for treatment, and new agents, such as remibrutinib, show promise in improving CSU symptoms, offering hope for better treatment options.
How Will My Patients Benefit?
New Hope for CSU: Applying Key Insights from AAD 2025
Dr Friedman left the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting encouraged by new treatment options for CSU, including remibrutinib and an expanded indication for dupilumab. He highlighted the importance of giving patients hope, explored the potential benefits of diet and vitamin D supplementation, and emphasized awareness of the financial and emotional burdens of the disease to improve patient care. Additionally, he stressed the value of open conversations with patients to strengthen relationships and better manage chronic inflammatory conditions.
Polling Question
Summary
Reflecting on discussions held at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the AAD, Dr Adam Friedman shared key insights into the evolving landscape of CSU treatment. He emphasized dietary interventions, with Mediterranean and low-histamine diets, alongside vitamin D supplementation, emerging as potential adjuncts to traditional therapies like antihistamines and omalizumab in managing CSU. Dr Friedman also pointed to research linking cytokines to CSU disease activity, which could unlock new treatment targets in the future. The promising development of oral small molecule drugs and biologics further fueled optimism, as these therapies demonstrate the potential to improve CSU symptoms. Lastly, Dr Friedman underscored the profound cost burden CSU treatments place on patients, both financially and emotionally, advocating for greater awareness to enhance patient care. His takeaway from the meeting was clear: a wave of innovation is on the horizon, and with it, the potential for more targeted, effective treatments that offer hope to those affected by CSU.
