Emerging Biologics in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis

Authors

  • Melinda Gooderham, MSc, MD, FRCPC SKiN Centre for Dermatology, Probity Medical Research and Queen’s University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cait.2025.5177

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing and remitting inflammatory skin disease marked by intense pruritus that significantly impacts the daily activities and quality of life of those affected. Topical therapies such as topical corticosteroids (TCS) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) have been the mainstay of treatment and may offer symptomatic relief. However, their efficacy is often suboptimal, they carry the potential for adverse effects, application adherence can be challenging, and they are not suitable for more widespread disease. Conventional systemic agents such as methotrexate and cyclosporine are used off-label for AD. However, these medications are associated with off-target toxicities and are generally unsuitable for long-term use due to safety concerns. Advances in understanding the immunopathogenesis of AD (Figure 1) have led to the development of multiple new therapies. These include biological agents that target these pathways by neutralizing specific cytokines or their receptors. This paper will review the therapies that have been recently approved or are currently in various stages of development.

Author Biography

Melinda Gooderham, MSc, MD, FRCPC, SKiN Centre for Dermatology, Probity Medical Research and Queen’s University

Dr. Gooderham, Dermatologist and Medical Director at SKiN Centre for Dermatology, is also an Investigator at Probity Medical Research, Assistant Professor at Queens University, and Consultant Physician at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. A fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, she has been an investigator in over 200 clinical trials focusing on inflammatory skin diseases including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Gooderham actively contributes to dermatology publications as an author, associate editor and reviewer, with authorship of over 200 articles. Her passion for education extends to global audiences through engaging lectures on innovative therapies for skin diseases.

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Published

2025-06-02

How to Cite

1.
Gooderham M. Emerging Biologics in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis. Can Allergy Immunol Today [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 2 [cited 2025 Jun. 7];5(1):5–10. Available from: https://canadianallergyandimmunologytoday.com/article/view/5-1-Gooderham

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