Abrocitinib: A panacea for atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic Dermatitis [AD] is a chronic relapsing inflammatory dermatological disease characterized by itch, dry skin, localized or disseminated eczematous lesions and hyperpigmentation of skin. There are several exogeneous and endogenous risk factors for development of AD. The endogenous factors include genetic factors, atopy, skin hyperreactivity and exogeneous factors such as food, dust, pollen, epidermal, fungal, bacterial, and vaccine-associated factors. The management of AD includes topical treatments such as topical corticosteroids, topical capsaicin, topical calcineurin inhibitors and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Systemic therapies such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologicals, gabapentinoids and antidepressants are provided to patients with inadequate systemic therapies have wide range of side effects limiting their use in many patients. Therefore, there is a need for innovative treatment options. This led to development of Janus kinase inhibitors. First generation JAK inhibitors includes Tofacitinib, Baricitinib, Ruxolitinib, Oclacitinib. Second generation drugs such as Upadacitinib and Abrocitinib are more specific towards the JAK isoforms. This review addresses the importance of Abrocitinb for the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. Abrocitinib an oral once daily treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis developed by Pfizer. Studies shows that Abrocitinib is better alternative in non- responders to Dupilumab therapy or patients with contraindications to the Dupilumab. The patient’s adherence to medication will also be better with oral route rather than injections. Abrocitinib will be widely accepted because of its clinical benefits such as reduction in itching and more convenient oral route of administration.