Executive summary: Japanese guidelines for atopic dermatitis (ADGL) 2024.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing eczema with significant pruritus.
• Effective management requires prompt suppression of skin inflammation and itching.
• Current treatments include topical anti-inflammatories and systemic therapies for refractory cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an abridged English version of the 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Atopic Dermatitis management.
• To provide updated recommendations for treating moderate-to-severe AD.
• To incorporate new therapeutic agents into clinical decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical research articles.
• Evaluation of the risk-benefit balance of medical interventions.
• Synthesis of evidence to inform treatment recommendations.

Main Results:

• The guidelines detail topical treatments (corticosteroids, tacrolimus, delgocitinib, difamilast).
• For refractory moderate-to-severe AD, systemic options include cyclosporine, biologics (dupilumab, nemolizumab, tralokinumab), oral JAK inhibitors (baricitinib, upadacitinib, abrocitinib), and phototherapy.
• Five new drugs (difamilast, nemolizumab, tralokinumab, upadacitinib, abrocitinib) are included in the revised guidelines.

Conclusions:

• The guidelines aim to optimize patient outcomes by supporting informed decision-making in AD management.
• Emphasis is placed on balancing treatment advantages and disadvantages.
• The updated guidelines reflect advancements in AD pharmacotherapy.