Prospective Validation Study in JAAD Demonstrates Castle Biosciences' AdvanceAD-Tx(TM) Test Identifies Patients More Likely to Achieve Faster and Deeper Responses with JAK Inhibitor Therapy in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis
MWN-AI** Summary
Castle Biosciences, Inc. recently announced the publication of a groundbreaking study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) regarding its AdvanceAD-Tx test, aimed at improving treatment outcomes for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). The prospective, multicenter clinical validation study demonstrated that the AdvanceAD-Tx test can successfully identify patients who are more likely to experience rapid and significant responses when treated with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) compared to traditional T helper type 2 (Th2) therapies.
Dr. Mark G. Lebwohl, a senior author of the study, emphasized the variability of AD's biological underpinnings among patients, indicating that the AdvanceAD-Tx test provides crucial molecular insights to tailor systemic therapy choices to individual patient profiles. The non-invasive gene expression profile test evaluates 487 genes within lesional skin samples, classifying patients into either a JAK Inhibitor Responder Profile or a Th2 Molecular Profile.
The study revealed that approximately 30% of participants classified with the JAK Inhibitor Responder Profile achieved remarkable clinical benefits; they were 5.5 times more likely to achieve at least a 90% improvement in their Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-90) within three months when treated with a JAKi. Additionally, these patients experienced significantly reduced itch and improved quality of life compared to those with Th2 profiles.
The findings suggest that aligning treatment options with molecular profiles can streamline patient care and improve outcomes while minimizing unnecessary therapy changes. According to Rebecca Critchley-Thorne, Ph.D., of Castle Biosciences, the AdvanceAD-Tx test empowers clinicians by facilitating more informed, personalized treatment strategies.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Castle Biosciences (Nasdaq: CSTL) recently announced the results of a critical prospective validation study of its AdvanceAD-Tx(TM) test published in the *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*. This breakthrough diagnostic tool identifies patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) who are most likely to benefit from Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) therapy. The evidence shows that individuals with a JAK Inhibitor Responder Profile achieve more significant and quicker clinical improvements compared to those receiving Th2-targeted therapies.
The findings highlight the importance of personalized medicine, potentially transforming how dermatologists approach treatment options. With nearly 30% of patients identified as responders, those treated with JAK inhibitors showed a 5.5-fold increased chance of achieving 90% skin improvement within three months (EASI-90). Given that AD can affect individuals differently, this molecular profiling could lead to optimized treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.
From an investment perspective, CSTL shares may be positioned for growth as the healthcare landscape increasingly embraces precision medicine. The ongoing adoption of advanced diagnostic tools signals a shift toward more tailored therapies that could improve treatment efficiency and patient satisfaction. Investors should monitor the uptake of AdvanceAD-Tx in clinical settings and its impact on revenue streams as it transitions from limited access to broader commercialization following its late 2025 launch.
Potential investors should also consider the strategic implications of this validation study in guiding future product development and partnerships. The competitive landscape in dermatological therapeutics is evolving, and Castle's advancements could enhance its market share, appealing to healthcare providers and payers looking for cost-effective, evidence-based treatment solutions.
Overall, Castle Biosciences presents a promising investment opportunity, particularly as the demand for novel, effective treatments in chronic conditions like AD continues to rise.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Castle Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTL), a company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care, today announced the publication of a prospective, multicenter clinical validation study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) demonstrating that its AdvanceAD-Tx test can identify patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) who are significantly more likely to achieve greater and faster clinical responses when treated with a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) compared to T helper type 2 (Th2)-targeted therapies.1
“Atopic dermatitis can look similar on the surface, but the biology driving the disease can differ meaningfully from patient to patient,” said Mark G. Lebwohl, M.D., senior study author, dean for clinical therapeutics and professor and chairman emeritus of the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. “This study shows that AdvanceAD-Tx can provide objective molecular insight to help clinicians better align systemic therapy choices with an individual patient’s disease biology earlier in the treatment journey and improve outcomes that matter to patients.”
AdvanceAD-Tx is a non-invasive gene expression profile test designed to provide objective molecular insight to help guide systemic treatment decision making for patients 12 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe AD who are considering systemic therapy. Using simple lesional skin scrapings, no biopsy required, the test evaluates the expression of 487 genes across 12 inflammatory and cutaneous biology pathways and reports one of two actionable molecular profiles — a JAK Inhibitor Responder Profile or a Th2 Molecular Profile — to help clinicians better understand the underlying immune biology of an individual patient’s disease.
Results from the independent validation cohort demonstrated that approximately 30 percent of patients studied were identified by the AdvanceAD-Tx test as having a JAK Inhibitor Responder Profile. Among these patients, those treated with a JAKi were 5.5 times more likely to achieve at least 90 percent improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-90) by three months compared to those treated with Th2–targeted therapies (45.5% vs. 8.3%, p=0.021), and they achieved a response nearly four times faster (p=0.049). Patients with a JAK Inhibitor Responder Profile who were treated with a JAKi were also significantly more likely to:
- Achieve near-complete or complete skin clearance, as reflected by a Validated Investigator Global Assessment score of clear (vIGA-AD 0, 36.4% vs 0%, p=0.006)
- Report higher rates of “no itch” (45.5% vs. 8.3%, p=0.021)
- Remain flare-free by three months (54.5% vs. 16.7%, p=0.041)
- Report improved quality of life, including achievement of a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 0, indicating no impact of disease on quality of life (45.5% vs. 8.3%, p=0.021)
In contrast, patients identified with a Th2 Molecular Profile showed no statistically significant differences in clinical or patient-reported outcomes when taking a JAKi or Th2-targeted therapy, supporting shared decision making between clinicians and patients regarding treatment selection based on patient preference, clinician experience and other clinical considerations.
“Together, these results highlight how aligning systemic therapy selection with an individual patient’s molecular profile may help streamline care by reducing unnecessary treatment changes and accelerating meaningful clinical improvement,” said Rebecca Critchley-Thorne, Ph.D., vice president, research and development, at Castle Biosciences. “By better understanding the biology driving each patient’s disease, AdvancedAD-Tx can help clinicians move beyond non–molecularly guided prescribing and enable more confident, evidence-based decisions earlier in the treatment journey.”
The new publication follows Castle’s recent limited access commercial launch of AdvanceAD-Tx in late 2025. The full paper is available online.
About AdvanceAD-Tx
AdvanceAD-Tx is a non-invasive gene expression profile (GEP) test designed to guide systemic treatment decisions for patients aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Using RNA expression data from lesional skin scraping samples—no biopsy required—the test evaluates 487 genes across 12 inflammatory and cutaneous biology pathways to reveal the underlying immune biology driving an individual patient’s disease. Results classify patients into one of two molecular profiles: Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitor Responder Profile or T helper 2 (Th2) Molecular Profile.
The prospective, clinical validation study showed that the test identifies a subset of patients with a JAK Inhibitor Responder Profile who experience significantly greater clinical benefit—including improved and faster skin clearance (EASI-90), reduced itch, fewer flares and better quality of life by three months—when treated with a JAK inhibitor therapy compared to those treated with a Th2-targeted therapy. AdvanceAD-Tx provides clinicians with objective, molecular-based insights to help personalize systemic treatment decisions and improve care for patients. Learn more at https://castlebiosciences.com/tests/therapy-guidance/advancead-tx/overview.
About Castle Biosciences
Castle Biosciences (Nasdaq: CSTL) is a leading diagnostics company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care. With a primary focus in dermatologic and gastroenterological disease, we develop personalized, clinically actionable solutions that help improve disease management and patient outcomes.
We put people first—empowering patients and clinicians and informing care decisions through rigorous science and advanced molecular tests that support more confident treatment planning. To learn more, visit www.CastleBiosciences.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X.?
DecisionDx-Melanoma, DecisionDx-CMSeq, i31-SLNB, i31-ROR, DecisionDx-SCC, MyPath Melanoma, AdvanceAD-Tx, TissueCypher, DecisionDx-UM, DecisionDx-PRAME and DecisionDx-UMSeq are trademarks of Castle Biosciences, Inc.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: the ability of AdvanceAD-Tx to (i) provide objective molecular insight, (ii) help clinicians better align systemic therapy choices with an individual patient’s disease biology earlier in the treatment journey, (iii) improve outcomes that matter to patients, and (iv) help streamline care by reducing unnecessary treatment changes and accelerating meaningful clinical improvement; and the accuracy of the 487-GEP tests. The words “designed,” “may”, “can”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. These forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: subsequent study or trial results and findings may contradict earlier study or trial results and findings or may not support the results obtained in these studies, including with respect to the discussion of our tests in this press release; actual application of our tests may not provide the aforementioned benefits to certain patients; and the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, each as filed or to be filed with the SEC, and in our other filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.
1. Silverberg JI, Eichenfield LF, Armstrong AW, Bagel J, Lockshin B, Boh E, Koo J, Farberg AS, Goldberg MS, Quick AP, Lebwohl MG, The 487-gene expression profile test guides systemic therapy selection to improve outcomes for patients with atopic dermatitis: Results from a prospective trial, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2026), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.jaad.2026.02.034.
Investor Contact:
Camilla Zuckero
czuckero@castlebiosciences.com
Media Contact:
Allison Marshall
amarshall@castlebiosciences.com
Source: Castle Biosciences, Inc.
FAQ**
What are the potential market implications for Castle Biosciences Inc. (CSTL) following the clinical validation of its AdvanceAD-Tx test in the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis?
How could the results of the AdvanceAD-Tx study affect Castle Biosciences Inc. (CSTL)'s positioning within the competitive landscape of dermatological diagnostics?
In what ways might the publication of the AdvanceAD-Tx study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology enhance investor confidence in Castle Biosciences Inc. (CSTL)?
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**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Castle Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: CSTL).
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