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Published on: April 7, 2023
Real-world effectiveness of abrocitinib treatment in patients with difficult-to-treat atopic dermatitis
J I Olydam1, A R Schlösser1, P Custurone1
1Department of Dermatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
Abrocitinib is a JAK-1 selective inhibitor registered for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Although efficacy and safety have been shown in phase 3 clinical trials, data on real-world patients with a treatment history of advanced systemics are scarce.
Objectives:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of abrocitinib treatment in patients with difficult-to-treat AD in daily practice.
Methods:
In this prospective observational single-centre study, all AD patients who started abrocitinib treatment in the context of standard care between April 2021 and December 2022 were included. Effectiveness was assessed using clinician- and patient-reported outcome measures. Adverse events were evaluated.
Results:
Forty-one patients were included. The majority (n = 30; 73.2%) had failed (ineffectiveness) on other targeted therapies, including JAK inhibitors (n = 14, 34%) and biologics (n = 16, 39%). Abrocitinib treatment resulted in a significant decrease in disease severity during a median follow-up period of 25 weeks (IQR 16-34). Median EASI score at baseline decreased from 14.7 (IQR 10.4-25.4) to 4.0 (IQR 1.6-11.4) at last review (p < 0.001). Median NRS itch decreased from 7.0 (IQR 5-8) to 3.0 (IQR 1-2) at last review (p < 0.001). The most frequently reported AEs included gastrointestinal symptoms (27.6%), acne (20.7%) and respiratory tract infections (17.2%). 16 (39%) patients discontinued abrocitinib treatment due to ineffectiveness, AEs or both (41.2%, 41.2% and 11.8%, respectively).
Conclusion:
Abrocitinib can be an effective treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe AD in daily practice, including non-responders to other targeted therapies.
Insights
Abrocitinib effectively treats moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in real-world settings, even for patients who failed other advanced therapies. This JAK-1 inhibitor significantly reduces disease severity and itch, demonstrating its value in difficult-to-treat cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Abrocitinib is a JAK-1 selective inhibitor approved for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).
- Real-world data on abrocitinib for patients with prior advanced systemic therapy is limited.
- Understanding its effectiveness in difficult-to-treat AD populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the real-world effectiveness and safety of abrocitinib in patients with difficult-to-treat AD.
- To evaluate outcomes in a standard care setting for patients with a history of advanced systemic treatments.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational, single-center study.
- Inclusion of AD patients initiating abrocitinib between April 2021 and December 2022.
- Assessment of effectiveness via clinician- and patient-reported outcomes and evaluation of adverse events.
Main Results:
- Forty-one patients were included, with 73.2% having prior treatment failures on targeted therapies (JAK inhibitors, biologics).
- Abrocitinib showed significant reductions in EASI scores (p < 0.001) and NRS itch (p < 0.001) over a median follow-up of 25 weeks.
- Common adverse events included gastrointestinal issues (27.6%), acne (20.7%), and respiratory infections (17.2%); 39% discontinued treatment.
Conclusions:
- Abrocitinib demonstrates effectiveness in managing moderate-to-severe AD in daily clinical practice.
- The drug is a viable option for patients with difficult-to-treat AD, including those unresponsive to other targeted therapies.
- Real-world data supports abrocitinib's role in advanced AD management.
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