What To Expect at the Dermatology Drug Development Summit in 2026
Join 90+ leaders across discovery, translational medicine, preclinical development, clinical strategy, medical affairs and commercial functions at the 10th Dermatology Drug Development Summit. As competition intensifies across Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis and a growing range of common and rare inflammatory skin diseases, this meeting will explore how the industry can identify novel targets, improve translational confidence, optimize dosing strategies and accelerate clinical success.
From AI-enabled drug discovery and human-relevant disease models to next-generation biologics, topical therapies, biomarkers and commercialization strategy, attendees will gain practical insights, benchmark emerging science and connect with the companies shaping the future of dermatology innovation.
Unmissable Event Highlights:
Workshop B: Rare & Ultra-Rare Inflammatory Skin Disease: Exploring Under-Researched Populations to Address High Unmet Need & Unlock Scalable Innovation
Explore the growing opportunity in rare and under-researched skin diseases, from vitiligo and alopecia to fibrotic and inflammatory disorders. Discuss how to generate meaningful evidence in small patient populations, overcome translational challenges and build scalable development strategies that transform niche indications into valuable pipeline opportunities.
Targeting Novel Pathways Beyond IL & JAK Inhibitors to Differentiate Therapies & Expand Treatment Options
Discover how developers are moving beyond established IL- and JAK-targeted approaches to uncover the next generation of dermatology therapies. Explore emerging pathways, novel modalities and translational strategies that are helping companies validate new targets, differentiate crowded pipelines and expand treatment options for patients with inflammatory skin diseases.
Redefining the Oral Psoriasis Market: Positioning Next-Generation TYK2 Inhibitors to Compete with Biologics on Efficacy, Convenience & Durability
Explore how next-generation oral TYK2 inhibitors are challenging biologics in psoriasis by delivering high levels of skin clearance, durable responses and once-daily convenience. Learn what will define meaningful differentiation in an increasingly competitive market and how clinical, regulatory and commercial expectations are shaping the future of oral psoriasis therapies.
From 140 Million Cells to Human Trials: Applying AI & Human Tissue Biology to Accelerate Dermatology Drug Discovery
Discover how AI and human tissue biology are transforming dermatology drug discovery. Learn how advanced multi-omics datasets and proprietary cellular atlases are being used to uncover novel disease mechanisms, prioritize therapeutic targets and accelerate the journey from target identification to clinical development in significantly shorter timelines.
Bringing Cosmetic Dermatology Back into R&D & Addressing High Patient Demand Through Scientific Innovation
Explore why cosmetic dermatology remains underinvested despite significant patient demand and commercial opportunity. Discuss how advances in regenerative medicine, longevity science, skin rejuvenation and hair biology are creating new opportunities to transform cosmetic dermatology into a science-led field driven by innovation, evidence generation and therapeutic development.
Phase III-Ready Topical PPARγ Modulator for Moderate-to-Severe Acne
Discover the potential of a first-in-class topical PPARγ modulator designed to address multiple drivers of acne simultaneously. Review encouraging Phase IIb results, explore its differentiated mechanism of action and learn how this Phase III-ready program could redefine the future of topical acne treatment after decades of limited innovation.
What’s New?
Expanded Coverage Across the Next Wave of Dermatology Innovation
While Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis remain at the heart of dermatology drug development, innovation is rapidly expanding into a broader range of high-unmet-need indications. This year’s summit reflects that evolution with dedicated discussions spanning Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Vitiligo, Acne, Alopecia Areata, Molluscum Contagiosum, Prurigo Nodularis, wound healing, skin aging and other rare inflammatory skin diseases.
By bringing together experts working across both established and emerging markets, the agenda provides attendees with fresh opportunities to uncover novel biology, benchmark development strategies, evaluate future investment areas and identify where the next generation of dermatology breakthroughs may emerge.
New Companies for 2026:
Explore Two Dedicated Tracks Designed to Accelerate Dermatology Innovation
Discovery & Preclinical
Clinical & Commercial
Explore the Full Agenda
- Explore 35+ sessions covering discovery, translational medicine, clinical development, commercialization and investment strategy
- See how leaders from AbbVie, Galderma, Eli Lilly, Merck, Rubedo, AOBiome and more are advancing next-generation dermatology pipelines
- Discover emerging opportunities across inflammatory, autoimmune, and rare dermatologic conditions.
- Preview the dedicated Discovery & Preclinical and Clinical & Commercial tracks designed to accelerate learning and networking
- Benchmark your strategy against the latest thinking on AI-driven discovery, novel targets, biomarker development, dosing optimization and market differentiation
Attending Companies Include
Explore the Agenda to Discover the Translational to Access Priorities Shaping Dermatology R&D in 2026
Explore a focused agenda of scientific case studies, expert panels and interactive discussions designed to help you discover novel targets, improve translational confidence, optimize clinical development, differentiate therapies and accelerate the next generation of dermatology innovation across both common and rare inflammatory skin diseases.
Partner to Position Your Solutions at the Centre of Active Dermatology Pipelines
Partner with the summit to showcase your capabilities to senior pharma and biotech teams actively seeking support across biomarkers, imaging, clinical trials, manufacturing and formulation.
Join Biopharma Experts to Connect with the Decision-Makers Driving Dermatology Development Forward
Join a global audience of 90+ senior leaders from pharma and biotech for high-value networking, candid peer exchange and relationship-building across preclinical and late-stage development, access and launch.