Program Description

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, and debilitating inflammatory skin condition that disproportionately affects individuals during adolescence and early adulthood. Its pathophysiology is complex and multifactorial, involving genetics and dysregulation of key inflammatory pathways, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-17, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These mechanisms drive follicular occlusion, immune activation, and chronic inflammation, resulting in painful nodules and lesions in intertriginous areas. Early onset, limited effective treatment options, and substantial psychosocial burden contribute to poor outcomes. Recent advances in understanding HS immunopathogenesis have led to the development of targeted therapies. Current guideline-recommended management includes lifestyle modifications, surgical interventions, and pharmacologic therapies tailored to disease severity. This webinar is designed to equip managed care professionals and pharmacists with the knowledge to identify patients at highest risk for HS flares, optimize evidence-based treatment selection with expanding targeted therapies, and implement prevention strategies. Emphasis will be placed on value-based decision-making, real-world evidence, adherence, and patient-centered care. The program will also address multidisciplinary coordination, formulary management, prior authorization strategies, and targeted approaches for high-risk populations.

Target audience: Managed care pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: September 17, 2026
Expiration date: September 17, 2027
Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

Analyze the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and hallmark clinical features of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), including its impact on quality of life and long-term disease burden, to support earlier recognition and timely intervention
Identify current guideline recommendations and the therapeutic landscape for HS, including mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety data, and appropriate positioning across disease severity and patient populations
Explain the clinical and economic consequences of delayed or inadequately treated HS and value‑based managed care strategies to support appropriate access to HS therapies

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Faculty

Amy M. Lugo, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, FAPhA, FAMCP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Sarah Viruet; and Brianna Winters.

Any relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

Continuing professional education activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved by the labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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Advancing the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Emerging Therapies and Managed Care Strategies Across Patient Populations

Amy M. Lugo, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, FAPhA, FAMCP