Biologic Versus Small Molecule Therapy for Treating Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Considerations

Abstract

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of dupilumab for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis shifted the paradigm from use of broad, systemic immunosuppressants to a safer, targeted treatment and led to the emergence of newer interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 directed biologics and small molecule therapies, namely Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKi). Tralokinumab and emerging (not yet approved) lebrikizumab, which both target IL-13, are alternative biologics to dupilumab. The emerging anti-IL-31 receptor nemolizumab is likely to be used second-line to other biologics, primarily for pruritus. Three JAKi are currently in use for treating atopic dermatitis, 2 of which, abrocitinib and upadacitinib, are U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved. This review provides an in-depth, practical discussion on use of these biologics and JAKi that are approved or have completed phase 3 clinical trials in pediatric patients and adults, comparing the groups of medications based on available efficacy and safety data.

Keywords: Abrocitinib; Atopic dermatitis; Baricitinib; Biologics; Cytokine signaling; Dupilumab; Eczema; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-4; Janus kinase itnhibitor; Lebrikizumab; Nemolizumab; Tralokinumab; Upadacitinib.