On October 11, 2021, the dermatology community marked a significant advancement with the FDA approval of a new treatment option for patients suffering from mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema.
This approval introduces patients to Opzelura® (ruxolitinib) cream, a non-steroidal treatment poised to transform the management of this persistent skin condition.
Overview of Atopic Dermatitis and Existing Treatments
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by itchy, red, swollen, and cracked skin. For years, the primary treatment option available to patients has been topical steroids, such as triamcinolone cream. While effective, long-term use of steroids can lead to several side effects, including skin thinning and decreased efficacy over time, pushing the need for alternative treatments.
Introducing Opzelura® Cream
Opzelura® cream, with the active ingredient ruxolitinib, offers a groundbreaking alternative. As a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, Opzelura® works by targeting specific pathways that contribute to the inflammatory process seen in atopic dermatitis. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy to be on par with traditional topical steroids but without the associated complications like skin thinning or loss of response after prolonged use.
Clinical Trials and Contributions
The path to approval was paved by rigorous clinical trials in which OMRC played a crucial role. Under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Blauvelt, President of Oregon Medical Research Center and a consultant to Incyte, the pharmaceutical company behind Opzelura®, these studies provided the necessary data to confirm the cream’s benefits and safety. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the patients who participated in these trials, helping bring this innovative treatment to the market.
Looking Forward
Opzelura® cream’s approval represents a significant milestone in dermatological treatment, offering new hope to those affected by eczema. As we continue to explore and understand the full potential of this new medication, OMRC remains committed to leading the charge in dermatological research, ensuring patients have access to the most effective and safest treatments available.
A new cream for the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (also commonly called eczema) was recently approved by the FDA. The generic name of the medication is ruxolitinib, and the trade name is Opzelura®. Typical treatments for eczema patients are dominated by topical steroids, such as triamcinolone cream, which patients will often use for many years, sometimes never being offered any alternative treatments. Opzelura® cream is not a steroid (like triamcinolone), but it was shown in clinical trials to work as well as what one would expect from topical steroids. Importantly, Opzelura® cream was also not associated with problems normally associated with topical steroid use, like thinning of the skin and loss of response over time. Dr. Andrew Blauvelt, President of Oregon Medical Research Center (OMRC), also has served as an advisor to Incyte, the makers of Opzelura® cream, and has co-authored scientific publications on this new medication. OMRC greatly thanks the patients at our site who participated in the Opzelura® trials, and thus helped to bring this exciting new drug to the market for others.