Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent, itchy inflammatory skin disease with a vast influence on a patient's quality of life (QoL). Mild-moderate AD was classically managed with the use of topical corticosteroid (TCS) and calcineurin inhibitors (TCI). It was proven that the JAK pathway plays an important role in the development of AD. The introduction of topical JAK inhibitors may revolutionize the classical approach to the management of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.
Areas covered: This review discussed the role of the JAK pathway in the development and exacerbations of AD with an emphasis on the newly introduced, topical selective JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor - Ruxolitinib (RUX) cream. It provides an extensive review of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of RUX cream in clinical trials.
Expert opinion: Results from phase II and two phase III clinical trials have shown that RUX cream could be a promising topical treatment of mild-moderate AD. Its favorable safety profile and good efficacy make RUX cream a beneficial modality for patients with chronic TCSs and TCIs use. Future studies on younger patients and with a longer observational period are necessary to adequately assess the efficacy and safety of RUX cream in the whole AD population.
Keywords: AD; JAK inhibitor; Ruxolitinib cream; atopic dermatitis; topical.