Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Trials?

Atopic dermatitis clinical trials are professional attempts to find better treatments for the chronic skin disease affecting more than 9.6 million children and an estimated 16.5 million adults in the US.

Described as the most common type of eczema by the National Eczema Association, atopic dermatitis is characterized by red, dry, itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin. It may become less severe with age, but it is a lifelong condition that doesn’t completely disappear. Patients tend to experience periods of flared symptoms and remission throughout life, requiring continuous care and treatment.

Why Is Atopic Dermatitis Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

Atopic dermatitis is very common. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Associations, it affects about 1 in every 10 Americans. It’s also discomforting and often causes painful symptoms that disrupt the quality of one’s life. While the existing treatments of atopic dermatitis can help alleviate the symptoms and even make them go away for a while, the condition remains incurable to date. Clinical trials are attempts to find better treatments and, hopefully, a cure for the disease someday.

What Are The Types of Treatments Available For Atopic Dermatitis?

Finding the right treatment for atopic dermatitis requires a bit of a trial and error, as not every available treatment works for everyone. Bringing and keeping the condition under control also often requires using a combination of treatments from the following:

• Emollients
• Medicated creams or ointments
• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Biologics
• Light therapy
• Wet dressing
• Counseling
• Behavioral modifications
• Lifestyle changes

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Atopic Dermatitis?

2023: Researchers from Northwestern Medicine have recently published their findings of the international multi-site phase III trials in The Lancet. First of its kind, the study investigated the efficacy of Dupilumab – a biologic drug – to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in infants and young children aged six months to five years. The study found the drug to be highly effective in treating the symptoms.

2021: A research study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found JAK inhibitor drugs to be effective in treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. JAK (Janus Kinase) inhibitors are oral medications that help reduce skin inflammation by blocking certain immune signals involved in it.

Who Are Some Of The Key Opinion Leaders / Researchers / Institutions Conducting Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Trial Research?

Atopic Dermatitis Research Network: An association of academic medical centers conducts research studies and clinical trials on atopic dermatitis to better understand the skin condition and associated infections and the immune response of atopic dermatitis patients to create more targeted therapies and treatments.

National Eczema Association: NEA is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving knowledge and treatments available for different types of eczema. The organization funds and conducts studies and trials to advance eczema research.