New treatments in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the efficacy and safety of novel and emerging topical and systemic therapeutic agents for atopic dermatitis (AD).

Data sources: The review of the published literature was performed using the PubMed database, published abstracts and virtual presentations from scientific meetings, posted results on ClinicalTrials.gov, and data from industry press releases.

Study selections: Primary manuscripts with trial results, case reports, case series, clinical trial data from ClinicalTrials.gov, and articles highlighting expert perspectives on management of AD were selected.

Results: Emerging topical and systemic therapies primarily target the type 2 immune pathway. Moreover, 2 newer targeted medications are now approved by the Food and Drug Administration for both children and adults, crisaborole 2% ointment and dupilumab, with several others in the therapeutic pipeline. New directions in developing topical medications include Janus kinase inhibitors, tapinarof (an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist), and agents to correct microbial dysbiosis. In addition to the subcutaneously injected monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin (IL) 4 receptor (dupilumab), other biologics targeting IL-13, IL-31, IL-33, OX40, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin are currently being tested. Oral Janus kinase inhibitors are showing outstanding efficacy and no serious safety signs, but safety concerns remain.

Conclusion: Given the tremendous burden of AD on physical, mental, and social health, the need is high to develop new, targeted therapies. Advances in our understanding of AD pathogenesis have paved the way toward the development of new therapies that promise to revolutionize our management of AD. Future research will focus on long-term efficacy and safety and creating predictive models for choosing best management options on a personalized basis.