Biological therapies for atopic dermatitis: An update

Exp Ther Med. 2019 Feb;17(2):1061-1067. doi: 10.3892/etm.2018.6989. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Abstract

Severe atopic dermatitis, which affects both adults and children, is a debilitating disorder with a significant decline of patients' quality of life. Although aetiopathogenic factors are currently a topic of study and interpretation, the main features of atopic eczema are skin barrier disturbance and immune dysregulation. Severe refractory disease that fails to improve with conventional therapy may benefit from biologic therapy. Progress in understanding immunopathology of atopic dermatitis have allowed identification of therapeutic molecular targets in the field of biological therapy. We reviewed the different biological treatments with a focus on novel targeted agents: Systemic immunotherapy (Omalizumab, Dupilumab, Lebrikizumab, Tralokinumab, Nemolizumab, Ustekinumab, Fezakinumab, Tezepelumab, Apremilast, allergen specific immunotherapy), and topical agents (Tofacitinib, Crisaborole).

Keywords: Apremilast; Dupilumab; Lebrikizumab; Nemolizumab; Omalizumab; Tralokinumab; Ustekinumab; allergen specific immunotherapy; atopic dermatitis; biological therapy.

Publication types

  • Review