Eczema Treatment through JAK Inhibitors: Insights into Their Functioning
In a significant breakthrough for eczema patients, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Anzupgo (delgocitinib) cream as the only FDA-approved JAK inhibitor for treating moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) in adults who have not responded adequately to topical corticosteroids or for whom such treatment is not advisable.
This topical pan-JAK inhibitor targets JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and tyrosine kinase 2, inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway involved in inflammation. The approval is based on results from two phase 3 clinical trials (DELTA 1 and DELTA 2) demonstrating significant efficacy and safety over 16 weeks of treatment in adults with moderate-to-severe CHE.
This marks the first and only FDA-approved therapy specifically indicated for chronic hand eczema. As of the current 2025 data, no other JAK inhibitors have received FDA approval for eczema in general or atopic dermatitis.
In rare cases, people have developed more serious side effects, including abnormal liver function, infections, decreased kidney function, abnormal blood counts, and increased risk of bowel perforation. However, the FDA has approved a few oral and topical JAK inhibitors for eczema treatment, including abrocitinib (Cibinqo), upadacitinib (Rinvoq), ruxolitinib (Opzelura), and Anzupgo (delgocitinib).
Clinical trials have shown a significant reduction in the number and severity of skin lesions and a reduction of itchiness within 3 days for oral forms of JAK inhibitors. However, the use of oral JAK inhibitors may increase the risk of systemic side effects compared to topical treatments.
Topical forms of JAK inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib and delgocitinib, can serve as an adjunct therapy alongside a systemic treatment or be used on localized eczema lesions. Possible side effects of JAK inhibitors include headaches, acne, nausea, swelling of the nasal passages, upper respiratory tract infections, and swelling in the back of the throat.
The National Eczema Association warns that it will take time to determine the optimal use and safety of both oral and topical JAK inhibitors. A 2021 review of clinical trials found each JAK inhibitor performed well in treating eczema and showed signs of being generally safe to use.
Other JAK inhibitors currently under investigation in the United States include baricitinib (Olumiant) and delgocitinib (Corectim). It is crucial to note that eczema is a type of inflammatory skin disease that causes patches of itchy, dry rashes and blisters.
As the field of eczema treatment continues to evolve, additional approvals for the use of JAK inhibitors for eczema are likely to occur soon. People who use JAK inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis have also reported side effects like indigestion, diarrhea, and higher cholesterol levels.
In conclusion, the approval of Anzupgo (delgocitinib) cream marks a significant step forward in the treatment of chronic hand eczema. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of JAK inhibitors, this new treatment option offers hope for those struggling with moderate-to-severe eczema that has not responded well to traditional treatments.
Seekers of effective treatments for eczema, especially chronic hand eczema, now have an additional option with the FDA-approval of Anzupgo (delgocitinib) cream. This approval marks the first FDA-approved therapy specifically indicated for chronic hand eczema, setting it apart from other JAK inhibitors currently without FDA approval for eczema or atopic dermatitis.
The science behind Anzupgo is rooted in its ability to target JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and tyrosine kinase 2, subsequently inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway involved in inflammation. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant efficacy and safety over 16 weeks of treatment in adults with moderate-to-severe CHE, despite rare cases of more serious side effects such as abnormal liver function, infections, and increased risk of bowel perforation.
Despite these potential risks, other JAK inhibitors like abrocitinib (Cibinqo), upadacitinib (Rinvoq), ruxolitinib (Opzelura), and baricitinib (Olumiant) have also received FDA approval for eczema treatment, offering both oral and topical options.
When compared to oral treatments, topical forms of JAK inhibitors like ruxolitinib and Anzupgo (delgocitinib) may present fewer systemic side effects and can serve as an adjunct therapy alongside a systemic treatment or be used on localized eczema lesions. As the National Eczema Association cautions, more time is needed to determine the full range of benefits and risks associated with both oral and topical JAK inhibitors.
Treatment with JAK inhibitors could soon expand for eczema patients as the field of health-and-wellness, particularly skin-care, continues to evolve. This progress offers new hope for treatment-resistant eczema patients.
