Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-term, inflammatory, recurrent, skin condition that causes painful inflamed nodules, or abscesses on the skin, around sweat glands, usually located in the armpits, groin, stomach and/or buttocks.¹

HS usually starts after puberty, most commonly affecting people in their 20s or 30s and impacts more women than men. It is estimated to affect more than 4% of people worldwide, and about approximately 1% of people living in Europe and the United States.^2,3

Illustration of a woman with HS crouching down against a wall

In more advanced stages of the disease, tunnels (also known as sinus tracts or fistulas) may form under the skin.^4,5,6 The draining tunnels (dT) can sometimes leak fluid and pus. People with dT experience a higher disease burden as they have more nodules and scarring and are more likely to have symptoms such as inflammation, malodorous drainage, pain, depression, and fatigue.⁷

HS is often difficult to manage and is currently treated with surgery and/or a range of medications, including some with novel mechanisms of action which have recently expanded the therapeutic options.⁸ Extensive surgery may be needed to treat more severe cases, and this can involve a long recovery time and burdensome complications, including pain and post-operative bleeding and infections.¹

Illustration of a woman with HS inspected her condition

Many people with HS cycle through different treatment options demonstrating a high unmet need for new effective options to manage the condition.^9,10,11 In particular, for people living with HS, it is recognized that there is a lack of effective treatments to specifically address unmet needs such as reducing pain, drainage (including explosive openings), odor, and fatigue.¹¹

At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are undertaking a comprehensive clinical trial program to develop innovative treatments that hopefully help to improve the care of people living with HS.

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