Novel therapies and the potential for a personalized approach to atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide a cutting-edge overview of recent developments in topical and systemic therapeutic approaches for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).

Recent findings: Growing knowledge about key pathways in AD and stratification of patient's subgroups have set the basis for a new era of targeted topical and systemic therapy in AD.Different aspects have to be considered in the decision process for topical versus systemic therapy. Further on, co-factors from the patient's side as well as the side of the substances determine the choice of a particular drug/drug type.Tailored medicine in AD treatment comprises drugs of the group of small molecules such as topical Janus kinases-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) inhibitors or phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, and JAK-STAT inhibitors for oral use, as well as monoclonal antibodies for subcutaneous use, which target key cytokines or cytokine receptors in AD pathogenesis.

Summary: The current stepwise treatment approaches, which are settled on basic therapy and structured patient education and gradually expanded depending on the severity of the disease by stronger topical or even systemic measures, will have to be adapted to the rapid development in the therapeutic field, mirrored by an impressive high number of ongoing clinical studies as well as novel drugs at late stages of clinical trials with so far quite promising results.