Johns Hopkins Adopts Advanced Laser, Validating New Skin Therapy Era

BALTIMORE, MD – February 18, 2026 – Johns Hopkins Dermatology, a world-renowned leader in skin health, has integrated an advanced laser technology into its clinical services, a move that promises to enhance treatment for millions suffering from chronic skin conditions and signals a significant endorsement for precision phototherapy. The institution has added the XTRAC® 308 nm excimer laser, developed by medical technology firm STRATA Skin Sciences, to its arsenal for treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis.

The adoption by an institution of Johns Hopkins' caliber is seen by industry experts as a powerful validation of the technology's efficacy and a pivotal moment that could influence treatment standards across the healthcare landscape. Beyond improving patient care, the laser will also support the department's ongoing clinical research and academic initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to evidence-based dermatological innovation.

A Targeted Beam of Hope

For patients living with the daily challenges of chronic skin disease, the XTRAC laser represents a significant advancement over traditional treatments. The FDA-cleared device delivers a highly concentrated, single-wavelength beam of ultraviolet B (UVB) light directly and precisely to affected skin patches. This targeted approach allows for higher doses of therapeutic light to be administered in seconds, accelerating clearance while crucially sparing the surrounding healthy tissue from unnecessary exposure—a key drawback of broader phototherapy methods.

Clinical evidence supporting excimer laser therapy is extensive, with over 300 peer-reviewed studies backing its use. For psoriasis, which affects approximately 3% of the global population, the results are particularly compelling. Studies have shown that a significant number of patients achieve 95% clearance of plaques, with many experiencing long-lasting remissions, sometimes for over a year. The technology is especially effective for stubborn, hard-to-treat areas such as the scalp, hands, and feet.

It also offers new hope for vitiligo, a condition causing loss of skin pigment. The laser works by stimulating dormant melanocytes to produce pigment again, with clinical data showing repigmentation rates as high as 86% on the face. Patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema) can also benefit from the targeted, anti-inflammatory effects of the treatment, providing a non-steroidal option for persistent lesions.

The 'Johns Hopkins Effect' on Medical Technology

The decision by Johns Hopkins to incorporate the XTRAC system carries weight far beyond its own clinics. As a top-tier academic medical center, its clinical choices and research directions often set benchmarks for the entire medical community. This adoption serves as a powerful endorsement, lending significant credibility to the XTRAC technology and STRATA Skin Sciences.

Johns Hopkins joins a distinguished roster of leading academic institutions that have already integrated XTRAC, including New York University, the Cleveland Clinic, and Cornell University. This growing network of elite users underscores a broader trend towards precision medicine in dermatology.

“Academic medical centers play a critical role in advancing evidence-based dermatologic care, an essential component to improving patient outcomes and quality of life,” said Dr. Dolev Rafaeli, Chief Executive Officer of STRATA Skin Sciences, in a statement. “Collaboration with Johns Hopkins and other leading institutions that prioritize both clinical excellence and research innovation underscores the importance of precision treatment strategies in managing inflammatory skin disease.”

This partnership not only enhances patient care but also creates a fertile ground for further research. By utilizing the technology in a rigorous academic setting, Johns Hopkins will contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting precision phototherapy, potentially refining treatment protocols and expanding its applications.

An Innovative Model for Technology Adoption

Facilitating this high-level adoption is STRATA's unique business strategy, known as its Partnership Program. Rather than requiring a large capital outlay for the equipment, STRATA offers its devices, including the XTRAC laser, on a fee-per-treatment basis. This model includes the installation of the device, on-site staff training, ongoing service and maintenance, and even co-op advertising support.

This approach significantly lowers the financial barrier for clinics and hospitals to acquire state-of-the-art technology, aligning the interests of the provider and the company. The clinic generates revenue with each treatment, and STRATA builds a stable, recurring revenue stream. This business model has proven resilient, with STRATA reporting 3% growth in its global recurring revenue in the third quarter of 2025, helping to offset a challenging international market for new equipment sales. The strategy appears to be key in placing advanced technology into the hands of top-tier dermatologists, thereby accelerating its validation and adoption.

Expanding Access for Patients

For patients, the most critical question is one of access and affordability. The integration of XTRAC at Johns Hopkins directly expands treatment options for individuals in the region. Fortunately, excimer laser therapy is widely recognized by the medical community and insurers. The procedure is covered by most major insurance companies and Medicare for approved conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo.

Typically, insurance providers require documentation of medical necessity, often after a patient has not responded adequately to more conservative topical treatments. Once approved, patients are usually responsible for their standard co-pays or deductible costs. To further ease the financial burden, STRATA offers a mail-in rebate program for eligible patients, which can reimburse a portion of their out-of-pocket expenses for a course of treatment.

Looking ahead, patient access is poised to improve even further. STRATA's leadership has pointed to a historic expansion of the specific CPT billing codes used for excimer laser therapy, which is expected to become effective on January 1, 2027. This expansion is anticipated to broaden the addressable patient population and streamline reimbursement, making it easier for more patients to receive this life-changing therapy.