Ruxolitinib cream demonstrated rapid reductions in itch and atopic dermatitis signs that correlated with biomarkers

To address the need for rapid reduction of atopic dermatitis (AD) clinical manifestations, this study investigated the time course of the effects of ruxolitinib (selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor) cream on itch and associated changes in skin and serum biomarkers in adults with AD. In the open-label SCRATCH-AD study (NCT04839380), patients with AD, an Investigator's Global Assessment score ≥2, and a Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale score ≥4 applied 1.5% ruxolitinib cream to all affected areas (except palms, soles, scalp, genitals, and folds; ≤20% body surface area) twice daily for 28 days. Among 46 patients, the mean change from baseline in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale was -3.4 on day 2 (worst itch, 24-hour recall; primary endpoint) and -5.7 on day 29. Mean change from baseline in modified Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (current itch) was -2.3 by 15 minutes. Skin (sampled with tape strips) and serum biomarkers associated with AD, such as CCL17 and matrix metalloproteinase 12, were downregulated with ruxolitinib cream and correlated with improvements in disease and symptom severity. There were no serious treatment-emergent adverse events. In summary, patients with AD who applied 1.5% ruxolitinib cream experienced rapid and sustained improvement in itch and clinical improvements that correlated with changes in AD biomarkers.