Baricitinib for Itch-Dominant Atopic Dermatitis: A 52-week Baricitinib Real-World Experience in Korea

Baricitinib is one of the front-runners among targeted agents for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Although many studies have been conducted on the real-world use of baricitinib, the sample size is often small and data is focused primarily on Caucasians.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the real-world itch-relieving property of baricitinib in adult AD patients in South Korea.

Electronic medical records of AD patients treated with baricitinib at the National Medical Center in Korea from May 2021 to April 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.

Seventy patients completed 16 to 52 weeks of baricitinib treatment, with most patients showing mild-to-moderate baseline lesions and moderate-to-severe baseline itch. At Week 16 of baricitinib treatment, there was a 50% reduction in Itch numerical rating scale from baseline, and 50.7% of patients showed 50% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index score. The efficacy of baricitinib was also reflected in the patient reported outcomes, with 55%-58% improvements in Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool, and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores seen within 2 weeks of treatment. No new safety signals were detected in this study.

Baricitinib treatment for 52 weeks in Korean patients with itch dominant AD confirmed long term effectiveness and safety.