Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a heterogeneous presentation, a great patient burden and limited safe & targeted treatment options. A recent study utilized the published literature, like clinical trial results, case reports, abstracts, presentations from scientific meetings and data from industry press releases, to illustrate the use of topical and systemic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatment of AD. New topical JAK inhibitors are ruxolitinib (JAK1/2) and delgocitinib (pan-JAK). Ruxolitinib cream has passed all primary and secondary endpoints in phase 3 clinical trials for mild-to-moderate AD and shown minimal treatment-associated adverse events; while delgocitinib ointment has recently achieved approval for use in Japan for pediatric and adult AD. 

Oral JAK inhibitors are baricitinib (JAK1/2), abrocitinib (JAK1-selective) and upadacitinib (JAK1-selective), where all 3 have passed primary and secondary endpoints in numerous trials for moderate-to-severe AD. Treatment-emergent adverse events in them have been described to be mild-to-moderate, including acne, nausea, headache, upper respiratory tract infection and rarely herpes infection and selected laboratory abnormalities. 

JAK inhibitors have the potential to be the next generation of targeted AD therapy. Their outstanding efficacy justifies their favorable safety profile in clinical trials, however, real-world data are warranted to establish long-term safety, durability and treatment success.