Upadacitinib Hits JAKPPPOT in Palmoplantar Pustulosis Trial
A trial showed upadacitinib (Rinvoq) reduced disease severity in palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) vs. placebo. The study met feasibility criteria, with 95% adherence and 94.7% acceptability. Mean PP-PASI scores dropped from 20.3 to 4.6 with upadacitinib, vs. 18.0 to 15.4 with placebo. Common side effects included headache and acne. The study was presented at EADV 2026 and funded by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
If the data lead to a pivotal Phase III trial and eventual label expansion, Eli Lilly could capture a new dermatology market.
Market read
New indication data could affect Eli Lilly's valuation and influence peer biotech stocks.
What to watch
Safety signals such as dyslipidemia and worsening psoriatic arthritis could limit uptake.
Background
The JAKPPPOT study is an open‑label feasibility trial in the UK, comparing upadacitinib to historic placebo data from the APRICOT trial.
Ticker impact
Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) showed significant efficacy in a feasibility trial for palmoplantar pustulosis, a new indication for Eli Lilly.
likely upward pressure as investors price in potential new label expansion
The trial met feasibility criteria and showed large PP-PASI improvements versus historic placebo, suggesting a meaningful clinical benefit.
Market effects
May stimulate interest in JAK inhibitors and dermatology biotech peers.
UK dermatology research community gains visibility; US biotech investors may re‑allocate.
Potentially relevant for global investors tracking specialty drug pipelines.
Counterpoint
Trial size is small and open‑label; efficacy may not translate to larger, controlled studies.
Key entities
- companyEli Lilly
Pharmaceutical company that manufactures upadacitinib (Rinvoq).
- drugUpadacitinib (Rinvoq)
JAK inhibitor being tested for palmoplantar pustulosis.
