title: Topical tofacitinib for atopic dermatitis: a phase IIa randomized trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite unmet need, 15 years have passed since a topical therapy with a new mechanism of action for atopic dermatitis (AD) has been approved. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor treatment effect via topical application in patients with AD is unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Tofacitinib, a small-molecule JAK inhibitor, was investigated for the topical treatment of AD.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this 4-week, phase IIa, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study (NCT02001181), 69 adults with mild-to-moderate AD were randomized 1:1 to 2% tofacitinib or vehicle ointment twice daily. Percentage change from baseline (CFB) in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score at week 4 was the primary end point. Secondary efficacy end points included percentage CFB in body surface area (BSA), CFB in EASI Clinical Signs Severity Sum Score, proportion of patients with Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) response and CFB in patient-reported pruritus. Safety, local tolerability and pharmacokinetics were monitored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean percentage CFB at week 4 in EASI score was significantly greater (P < 0·001) for tofacitinib (-81·7%) vs. vehicle (-29·9%). Patients treated with tofacitinib showed significant (P < 0·001) improvements vs. vehicle across all prespecified efficacy end points and for pruritus at week 4. Significant improvements in EASI, PGA and BSA were observed by week 1 and improvements in pruritus were observed by day 2. Safety/local tolerability were generally similar for both treatments, although more adverse events were observed for vehicle vs. tofacitinib.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tofacitinib ointment showed significantly greater efficacy vs. vehicle across end points, with early onset of effect and comparable safety/local tolerability to vehicle. JAK inhibition through topical delivery is potentially a promising therapeutic target for AD.
authors.affiliation: Innovaderm Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bissonnette
authors.affiliation: K Papp Clinical Research and Probity Medical Research Inc., Waterloo, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Papp
authors.affiliation: Centre de Recherche Dermatologique du Quebec Metropolitain, Quebec, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Poulin
authors.affiliation: SKiN Centre for Dermatology and Probity Medical Research Inc., Peterborough, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gooderham
authors.affiliation: The Centre for Dermatology and Probity Medical Research Inc., Richmond Hill, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raman
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Inc., Collegeville, PA, U.S.A.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mallbris
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, U.S.A.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, U.S.A.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Purohit
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, U.S.A.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mamolo
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, U.S.A.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Papacharalambous
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, U.S.A. william.c.ports@pfizer.com.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Ports
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010880:Piperidines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D009824:Ointments; D010880:Piperidines; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011743:Pyrimidines; D011758:Pyrroles; C479163:tofacitinib