Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting between 1% and 4% of the population. It results from a combination of follicular keratinocyte dysfunction, microbial dysbiosis and an abnormal inflammatory response, indicating a potential link with autoinflammatory processes.

HS is clinically characterized by the presence of painful nodules, abscesses, and draining tunnels in areas where skin frequently rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. The chronic nature of HS, combined with recurrent lesions, scarring, and persistent pain, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life.

Recent advances in HS research have focused on therapies targeting key inflammatory pathways, such as IL-1, IL-17, IL-36, and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. Many of these targeted therapies are now undergoing clinical trials, with promising preliminary results offering hope for improved outcomes in HS management.

Despite these significant advancements, much of HS’s underlying biology remains poorly understood. Continued research into disease mechanisms and identification of novel therapeutic targets is critical to the development of more effective treatments.

At QIMA Life Sciences, we support clients in accelerating HS drug discovery and development by providing advanced solutions for both preclinical and clinical stages.

Interested in learning how we can support your drug discovery and development?

Learn more below.

Related Publications

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS ON HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA

Exploring the human hair follicule microbiome

>> Check the full list HERE.

Conference Contributions

We share our research on dermatology and trichology through international conferences and publications, contributing to the advancement of research in these fields.

  • Exploring initial events in Hidradenitis Suppurativa pathogenesis by utilizing the hair follicle ex vivo model (EHRS 2025)
  • Deciphering Secukinumab’s mechanism in reducing hidradenitis suppurativa inflammation: Insights from diseased skin organ culture (AAD 2025)
  • Exploring the potential of selective BET inhibition as a treatment for Hidradenitis suppurativa (EHSF 2025)

>> Check our past contributions HERE.

Preclinical Research Solutions for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

IN VITRO MODELS

  • Outer Rooth Sheath Keratinocytes
  • PBMCs from healthy donors or HS patients
  • Skin-derived immune cells from healthy donors or HS patients

EX VIVO MODELS

  • Occipital healthy human hair follicles ex vivo
  • Induction of HS phenotype in occipital healthy human hair follicles ex vivo
  • Co-culture of human hair follicles with autologous blood- or skin-derived immune cells
  • Healthy human (scalp) skin ex vivo
  • Organ culture of peri-lesional, nodule-containing, or fistula-containing lesional biopsies from HS patients

We can help you evaluate the following readouts

Cytokine & Chemokine Release

Spatial Proteomics (up to 40 markers)

Spatial Transcriptomics

RNAseq

scRNAseq

…among many others.

Clinical Research Solutions for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

BIOANALYSIS OF CLINICAL SAMPLES

  • Sample collection (skin biopsies)
  • Analysis and quantification of cellular components (proteins, lipids) via analytical chemistry
  • HS biomarker analysis

CLINICAL IMAGING

  • Image capture
  • Tracking of HS lesions

CLINICAL TRIALS

  • Clinical study implementation
  • Clinical study performance
  • Data management
  • Data analysis

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Study Examples

IMMUNE CELL INFILTRATION IN THE DERMIS

Test: Immune cell detection

Method: Immunohistofluorescence staining

Model: Lesional skin biopsies from HS patients

Results: Immunofluorescence staining demonstrates the presence of CD3+ CD8+ T cells infiltrating the dermis of lesional skin from HS patients.

IMMUNE CELL INFILTRATION IN LESIONAL TISSUE FROM HS PATIENTS

Test: Histological Analysis

Method: H&E staining

Model: Lesional skin tissue from patients with HS

Interpretation of results: Representative H&E-stained section illustrating immune cell infiltration (indicated by blue arrows in the top panel). The bottom panel shows a higher-magnification image highlighting nodule formation within lesional tissue.

ADALIMUMAB REDUCES CYTOKINE RELEASE IN LESIONAL TISSUE

Test: Cytokine quantification

Method: ELISA test

Model: Organ culture of peri-lesional and fistula-containing lesional skin samples

Interpretation of results: CCL20 levels are significantly increased in the culture medium derived from fistula-containing skin tissue. Treatment with adalimumab markedly decreases the release of CCL20 from skin tissue containing fistulae, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect.

Immune Cell InfiltrationNodule Formation

At QIMA Life Sciences, we are committed to staying at the forefront of dermatology research by developing innovative approaches.

We offer smart solutions for studying hidradenitis suppurativa using validated models at both preclinical and clinical stages, making us the perfect partner for your research.

Explore Our Models & Assays in Our Flyer

DOWNLOAD HERE

Interested in Learning More?

SKIN & HAIR RESEARCH

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HIGH-DEFINITION IMAGING: SKINCAM PRO® 

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