Updated Review on Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic or chronically recurrent Inflammatory dermatosis associated with multiple triggers that has a complex pathophysiological mechanism. It is characterized by a heterogeneous clinical expression, signs, and symptoms. Its etiology and pathogenesis are complex and are influenced by multiple immune-mediated factors. Treatment of AD can also be complex, given the high number of available drugs and multiple therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize current literature on the efficacy and safety of topical and systemic drugs to treat moderate-to-severe AD. We begin with topical treatments such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors and subsequently address the latest systemic treatments, such as Janus kinase inhibitors (upadacitinib, baricitinib, abrocitinib, gusacitinib) and interleukin (IL) inhibitors, which have proven efficacious in AD, namely, dupilumab (IL-4 and IL-13), tralokinumab (IL-13), lebrikizumab (IL-13), and nemolizumab (IL-31). Given the large number of drugs available, we summarize the pivotal clinical trials for each drug, evaluate recent real-world experience in terms of safety and efficacy for purposes of compilation, and provide evidence to guide the optimal choice of therapy.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Biologics; Dermatology; Interleukin; JAK inhibitors.