Evaluating Janus Kinase Inhibitors as Target Therapies in Atopic Dermatitis

Authors

Hunter Reno, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Dermatology

Advisor

Dr Bernard Toney

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) pathogenesis involves cytokines that harness the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of the transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling cascade.¹ For this reason, Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are target therapies in AD.¹ This article summarizes the investigated Phase II and Phase III outcomes and adverse effects of various selective JAKi's in moderate to severe AD treatment. A comprehensive literature search using Google Scholar and PubMed databases evaluated JAKi efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics in recent Phase II and Phase III trials treating moderate to severe AD from 2019 through January 2022. The primary search identified 243 articles of the 27 papers that underwent free full text, meta-analysis, and randomized controlled trials screening; 12 articles, including the outcomes of Phase II and Phase III trials, met the inclusion criteria for this clinical review. In conclusion, Janus Kinase inhibitors are more efficacious than placebos and vehicles in multiple phase II and III clinical trials.^1,2 However, more extensive trials and head-to-head comparisons are needed to assess long-term outcomes before they can be considered first-line therapy in place of the current standard of care.¹

Recommended Citation

Reno H. Evaluating Janus Kinase Inhibitors as Target Therapies in Atopic Dermatitis. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).