Split views on JAK inhibitors' entry into atopic dermatitis arena

Although topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors were expected to become a major force in the atopic dermatitis (AD) space, the class of drugs suffered a major setback last year, when a US Food and Drug Administration review of a large clinical trial led the agency to conclude that JAK inhibitors lead to an increased risk of serious heart-related events such as heart attack or stroke, cancer, blood clots, and death.

The FDA’s findings were foccused on such drugs for the treatment of arthritis and ulcerative colitis medicines, however, the agency’s imposition of Boxed Warnings on several brands has cast a shadow over the whole sector.

Now, according to a survey by GlobalData, the upcoming introduction of oral and topical JAK inhibitors for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) has caused differences in opinion among physicians in the seven major markets (7MM: USA, 4EU [France, Germany, Italy and Spain], the UK and Japan).