Exciting new eczema treatments are on the horizon
ESC contacted dermatologist and clinical trial researcher Dr. Julien Ringuet to better understand what researchers and drug developers have coming for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common form of eczema. AD can be challenging to treat, whether the condition is mild, moderate, or severe.
Dr. Ringuet tells us, “AD can be very challenging for patients and caregivers to live with. It can impact everything from routine daily activities to relationships to work or school performance. The persistent itch, the pain, and the skin symptoms associated with eczema can be devastating.”
The exciting news is that there have been significant advancements in treatments in the past few years, and more are coming. Dr. Ringuet says, “There is currently great innovation in AD treatment development. We are at a time when research and clinical trials of new treatments are at an all-time high, and we have many options coming in the near future.”
Previously, our only solutions for AD included moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, and non-steroidal topical treatments, like calcineurin inhibitors and topical PDE4 inhibitors. Dr. Ringuet shares, “While these treatments are beneficial for some patients and allow management of AD, they do have limitations and innovative treatments are needed, particularly for patients who do not respond to these treatments, who are intolerant to these treatments, or where AD is more widespread or more severe.”
Dr. Ringuet also shares that new treatments are changing the landscape. “Patient care changed dramatically with the first biologic drug for AD, and more biologic drugs are coming. We now have three biologic drugs for AD approved in Canada. These injectable medications work by calming the overactive part of the immune system that causes skin inflammation, itch, and skin symptoms. Although the use of biologic drugs is limited to patients with moderate to severe AD, they are effective and have a favourable safety profile. There is also another new class of oral medications for moderate to severe AD called oral JAK inhibitors that work quickly to reduce the inflammation, skin symptoms, and itch associated with AD. There are two that are approved in Canada at this time.”
Dr. Ringuet also tells us that new topical treatments are coming as well. “There is also a new topical JAK inhibitor that has been approved in Canada, as well as a new phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor that is potentially coming soon. These non-steroidal treatments will bring additional treatment options to patients suffering with mild to moderate AD.”
Dr. Ringuet shared that there is so much going on in the clinical trial space, and clinical trials help to improve care. There is also a newly approved topical treatment for hand eczema, which is another form of burdensome eczema.
ESC asked Dr. Ringuet what this means for patients. “AD patients don’t need to suffer anymore, as there are many treatment options today that can help. Patients and caregivers can work with primary care providers to manage AD. Still, if the AD is not improving and the patient is suffering, a specialist like a dermatologist can help.”
The Eczema Society of Canada thanks Dr. Julien Ringuet, MD, MSc, FRCPC (dermatology), for his volunteer contribution to this educational content.
This blog was developed as part of our Educational Content program, and funding support for this initiative has been provided by AbbVie, Arcutis Canada, Inc., Eli Lilly Canada Inc., Incyte Biosciences Canada, and LEO Pharma Inc.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific health care needs with a qualified health care professional.
December 2024
