Eczema May Respond to Tofacitinib Save
A recent report from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that the oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib to be effective in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
Six patients with eczema had all failed standard atopic dermatitis treatment. The patients were treated with tofacitinib and their response to the treatment was assessed using the Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis index. All patients improved sleep and reduced itch significantly. The patients also showed reduced redness and thickening of the skin. The scoring index decreased 66.6% (from 36.5 to 12.2) between weeks 8 and 29.
These uncontrolled reports of tofacitinib success are similar to promising results in other skin disorders, such as alopecia universalis and atopic eczema. Future larger trials are being planned.
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Interestingly, my Bichon Frise, Musette (who won me at an Arthritis Foundation Charity auction) developed horrible hair loss from eczema (she has given me permission per HIPAA to give out this information as well as her name). She is now treated with a JAK kinase inhbitor called oclacitinib (Apoquel) and is doing well on it. (Fortunately, it is no where near the price of tofacitinib). I expected to see a study show the same in humans as you now report. This is good news as eczema can be very difficult to treat in some people and carries a significant reduction in quality of life in those who are severely affected. Musette wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
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