Mechanism of atopic dermatitis and usefulness of topical JAK inhibitor (delgocitinib)

Abstract

The JAK/STAT pathway has a role in the signal transduction of many cytokines involved in inflammation in atopic dermatitis. Delgocitinib, which was recently released in Japan, is a topical agent that inhibits the activity of all JAK family kinases and achieves its therapeutic effect by suppressing various cytokines involved in inflammation in atopic dermatitis. Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of delgocitinib ointment in children found that the drug decreased the severity of atopic dermatitis and reduced the itching score. It may therefore take its place among topical steroids and tacrolimus ointment as a new topical agent for atopic dermatitis. The present article describes the molecular mechanism of cytokines in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and the pharmacological activity of delgocitinib ointment against the disease.