Systemic Therapy for Adults: What's Here/ What's Coming?

Dr. Eric Simpson discusses advancements in systemic therapy for adults with atopic dermatitis, focusing on treatment options and emerging therapies. He highlights the importance of clinical guidelines in determining when to initiate systemic therapy, emphasizing the transition from topical treatments when they fail to improve quality of life. The discussion covers various systemic agents including biologics, JAK inhibitors, and phototherapy, stressing their roles in managing moderate to severe conditions, especially in diverse patient populations. The advantages and differences between specific biologics, such as dupilumab, tralokinumab, and lebrikizumab, are outlined, along with considerations for side effects and patient comorbidities. Dr. Simpson notes the comparative effectiveness of these treatments, the potential for switching between therapies, and the promising future of new agents like niulizumab and others in development. He concludes that aggressive treatment is essential for reducing disease burden and improving patient outcomes, advocating for a personalized and informed approach to therapy selection.