Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent one of the most significant advances in inflammatory disease treatment over the past decade. For patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, these medications offer a new mechanism of action with different benefits and risks compared to biologics.
What Is a JAK Inhibitor?
JAK inhibitors are medications that block the activity of one or more enzymes in the Janus kinase family, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2. These enzymes are critical intermediaries in the signaling pathway that activates inflammatory immune responses.
By blocking JAK enzymes, JAK inhibitors reduce the production of multiple inflammatory cytokines simultaneously, including those that drive eczema and psoriasis.
Approved JAK Inhibitors for Dermatology
Atopic Dermatitis: – Abrocitinib (Cibinqo), oral, FDA-approved 2022 – Upadacitinib (Rinvoq), oral, FDA-approved 2022 – Ruxolitinib cream (Opzelura), topical, FDA-approved 2021
Psoriasis: – Deucravacitinib (Sotyktu), an oral TYK2 inhibitor with a highly selective mechanism
How Do JAK Inhibitors Compare to Biologics?
| Feature | Biologics | JAK Inhibitors |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Injection | Oral or topical |
| Speed of action | Weeks | Days to weeks |
| Specificity | Targets one cytokine pathway | Targets multiple pathways |
| Safety monitoring | Less intensive | Requires more monitoring |
JAK Inhibitors in Clinical Trials
New JAK inhibitors and next-generation selective JAK inhibitors are in active clinical trials. NuLine participates in ongoing dermatology research. Browse our current studies to see what is available.