Baricitinib for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis

Baricitinib is in development for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) which is also known as eczema or atopic eczema. AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects both children and adults and is characterized by redness, itchiness, and scaling of the skin. Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread red, inflamed skin all over the body. Patients with moderate to severe AD could come across with sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life. Currently, the management of AD involves the removal or treatment of trigger factors that contribute to the development of the disease.
Baricitinib acts by selectively and reversibly blocking the janus-associated kinase (JAK) enzymes that mediate the pathways involved in the inflammatory process in AD and other inflammatory diseases. Baricitinib is taken orally and is currently licensed for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients that have not responded well to other therapies. If licensed, baricitinib will offer an additional treatment option for adults with moderate to severe AD.