Program Description
Patients living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) experience considerable psychosocial burden and impaired quality of life resulting from the chronic, painful skin inflammation and recurrent nodules and lesions in intertriginous areas. HS frequently emerges in adolescence, leading to years of diagnostic delays, limited treatment options, and persistent health care disparities. Managing this complex condition requires a multifaceted approach that addresses not only the clinical symptoms but also the systemic inflammatory nature of the disease, which is driven by genetic factors, lifestyle and mechanical triggers, and a dysregulated immune response involving tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Recent advances in HS management have shifted management from focusing on general symptom control to prioritizing precise, targeted interventions. This webinar is designed to equip managed care professionals and pharmacists with the clinical and strategic expertise needed to navigate these advancements and optimize care for patients with HS. Current guideline-recommended treatments will be reviewed, and participants will also explore the clinical data surrounding established biologics and emerging therapies. Beyond the clinical landscape, this activity focuses on the practical application of population health management to improve patient outcomes. The discussion will examine the economic burden of HS and the role of biologics in value-based care, while gaining practical strategies for formulary management, prior authorization navigation, and the development of multidisciplinary, coordinated care models.
Target audience: Managed Care Pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: September
29, 2026
Expiration date: November 29, 2026
Time
to complete activity: 1 hour
Learner level: Foundational,
Intermediate
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Identify the underlying disease mechanisms, patient burden, and clinical presentation of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) to facilitate earlier identification and timely management
- Explain the current treatment paradigm for HS, including guideline alignment, emerging therapies, and comparative clinical data, ensuring appropriate medication use across diverse patient populations
- Determine the downstream clinical and economic impact of delayed or insufficient HS treatment to guide managed care strategies that optimize access, outcomes, and resource utilization
