According to MedPage Today, data from a preliminary study evaluating SHR0302, an investigational Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, showed promise for treating patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Following treatment, over 50% of patients within the study saw total or partial skin clearance within a 12-week (3 month) period. The full study findings were presented as a late-breaking abstract entitled “Efficacy and Safety of SHR0302, a Highly Selective JAK1 Inhibitor, in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Results from a Phase II Trial” at the American Academy of Dermatology virtual meeting (AAD VMX 2021).

SHR0302

Altogether, 105 patients with atopic dermatitis enrolled in the study. Patients had had AD for around 9-11 years, with around 50% of the body being involved. During the trial, patients received either a placebo, 4mg SHR0302, or 8mg SHR0302. Ultimately, the primary endpoint was how many patients achieved an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0/1 following the treatment period. Within 12 weeks, 54.3% of those who received 8mg SHR0302, and 25.7% of those who received 4mg, reached this endpoint, compared to only 5.7% of those taking a placebo. Other findings include:

• SHR0302 was relatively safe and well-tolerated. No severe adverse reactions occurred.
• Following treatment, SHR0302 significantly reduced pruritus (intense itching) within one week.

Researchers hope to hold further clinical trials in the future to verify and attempt to replicate these results.

Severe Atopic Dermatitis (AD)

Doctors believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors causes severe atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory condition which affects the skin. For example, many people with severe AD also have asthma, food allergies, or related conditions. Triggers for AD include cold and dry air, rough materials, stress, infections, or specific dyes or fragrances.

Typically, AD begins in infancy or early childhood. However, it can also affect adults. In fact, an estimated 30% of US citizens have AD. In some cases, AD can be managed. However, patients may experience AD “flares,” characterized by worsening symptoms. Because AD causes skin to crack and weep, it can also open the doors to skin infections. Other symptoms include:

• Dry skin
• Intense itching which sometimes worsens at night
• Raw, sensitive, or inflamed skin after scratching
• Bumps that ooze clear fluid
• Thickened or scaly skin
• Red or brown skin patches
• Sleep disturbances