Emerging treatments for atopic dermatitis

Increasing information on the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD), accumulating data on cellular and molecular pathways in immunological reactions and inflammation, and the expansion of biotechnology and pharmacology have collectively contributed to the development of new pharmacological agents for AD. Novel pharmaceutical agents, including biologics targeting cytokines, which play pathogenetic roles in AD, for example, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-31 and IL-22, Janus kinase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors and histamine H₄ receptor antagonists, have been approved or are being developed. These agents are expected to be effective in AD patients with skin signs and/or symptoms that are refractory to conventional treatments. The development of novel drugs will accompany the use of predictive biomarkers for each agent in order to optimize treatment in each patient. Convenient tools that support self-decision-making by patients to reflect their preferences, which will increase treatment satisfaction and adherence, are also anticipated.