Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) Explained: New Oral BTK Inhibitor Rhapsido for Chronic Hives

Millions of people live with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) — unpredictable hives and angioedema lasting six weeks or longer with no identifiable trigger. In this episode of the Science of Skin podcast, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ted Lain and Dr. Michelle Tarbox (Chair, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and host of the Dermosphere podcast) break down what CSU actually is, why it's often misdiagnosed as an allergy, and how it's treated — from first-line antihistamines to omalizumab (Xolair) to the newest option: Rhapsido (remibrutinib), the first oral BTK inhibitor approved for CSU.In this episode, you'll learn:How CSU is diagnosed and why it's classified as a skin disease, not a true allergyThe autoimmune vs. autoallergic subtypes driving chronic hives and angioedemaWhy antihistamine updosing often falls short — and its impact on quality of lifeHow BTK inhibitors like remibrutinib (Rhapsido) work differently than biologics like omalizumabReal patient stories on the toll of chronic hives, misdiagnosis, and finding reliefThis episode is sponsored by Novartis with content independently created by the Science of Skin podcast:Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Email us at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a five-star rating, and tell a colleague or friend — word of mouth is how this podcast grows.Topics: chronic spontaneous urticaria, CSU, chronic hives, urticaria treatment, angioedema, BTK inhibitor, remibrutinib, Rhapsido, omalizumab, Xolair, antihistamine-resistant hives, dermatology podcast, autoimmune skin disease