Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects up to 20% of children. And although it is the most common chronic skin disease in this age group, adults suffer from it too. Anyone dealing with AD knows that the primary treatment is glucocorticosteroids (ICS) - mainly used in the form of ointments or a less greasy cream. GCSs are extremely effective preparations that have revolutionised medicine, although - like any drug - they have their side effects.

When used over a long period of time, at too high a strength on areas of thin skin (e.g. a cream prescribed for a limb but applied to the face), they can lead to thinning of the skin, blood vessels showing through, stretch marks, perioral inflammation or post-acne. General side effects such as hyperglycaemia, cataracts, increased blood pressure or adrenal insufficiency are much less common.

Topical JAK kinase inhibitors, among them the currently studied brepocytinib, may be an alternative to GCS. JAK kinases are enzymes (proteins) involved in the transmission of various signals within cells. Oral drugs that inhibit their action have been successfully used to treat various inflammatory diseases, including AD.

In contrast, application in the form of a cream is a novelty in the medical world. US researchers tested the use of this drug for six weeks on 292 study participants. They showed a significant reduction in the severity of skin lesions, giving this drug a chance to be introduced in mild to moderate cases of AD. And while further studies on a larger group of patients, conducted over a longer period of time, are needed, we should remember that the vast majority of drugs come from the US. Usually, the preparations that pass the necessary trials overseas and prove to be effective also find their way to us in some time. We are therefore looking forward to it!