Future perspective of the treatment for pediatric atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Recent progress in researches about the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) and the expansion of biotechnology and pharmacology have contributed to the development of novel pharmacological agents for AD. Many pharmaceutical agents, including biologics targeting type 2 cytokines, which play pathogenetic roles in AD, e.g. interleukin (IL) -4, IL-13, and IL-31, Janus kinase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors have been developed. These agents are expected to be effective in AD patients with skin signs and/or symptoms that are refractory to conventional treatments including topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Some of them have been studied regarding the efficacy and safety in pediatric patients with AD. In the management of AD, maintenance of long-term remission in addition to achieving remission is important. The safety profile of novel pharmaceutical agents not only in clinical studies but also in the real world should be observed carefully for a long time.