Your Guide to Eczema Clinical Trials

Eczema clinical trials are research studies that aim to answer questions about existing or potential treatments.

According to the National Eczema Foundation (NEA), there are two types of clinical trials:

• Interventional trials: aim to see whether a treatment — intervention — is safe and effective at treating eczema
• Observational trials: used to help understand the course of a disease without any specific treatment or intervention

Interventional clinical trials are typically broken up into four phases that build upon the others.

The table below includes the average number of participants and the duration for each clinical trial phase, according to the NEA.

Each phase has a specific purpose. In phase 1, researchers are trying to identify a safe and effective dose.

During phases 2 and 3, researchers monitor for potential side effects. They’ll also assess whether the benefits of the intervention outweigh the risks. If these phases are successful, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will then assess the clinical trial.

If the clinical trial passes the FDA assessment, it enters phase 4. Here, researchers monitor for any potential rare or long-term side effects.

Many clinical trials are currently underway for eczema treatment. As of February 2024 in the United States, there are at least 30 active clinical trials and almost 90 that are recruiting participants.

Below are some examples of clinical trials based on different types of treatments.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, a long-standing therapy for eczema, may be necessary when topical treatments haven’t improved symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Several clinical trials around the world are currently ongoing regarding phototherapy. For example:

• A clinical trial in Canada is recruiting volunteers to compare the effectiveness of broadband and narrowband UVB light in the treatment of eczema.
• A clinical trial in the Netherlands is recruiting volunteers to measure the cost-effectiveness of UVB phototherapy.
• A clinical trial in England is recruiting volunteers to see whether a new light technology can be used to assess symptoms of eczema.

Biologics

In 2017, the FDA approved dupilumab (Dupixent) to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults. More recently, the FDA approved this medication for children ages 6–11 years.

Researchers are conducting clinical trials to learn how safe and effective this medication is for younger children.

For example, a 2022 phase 3 trial has found that dupilumab is generally well tolerated among children ages 6 months to 6 years. Another phase 3 trial among children ages 6 months to 18 years is ongoing.

Dupixent is currently the only FDA-approved biologic treatment for atopic dermatitis.

However, a 2021 review suggests that phase 2 clinical trials have shown benefits of using other biologics, such as:

• nemolizumab
• lebrikizumab
• tralokinumab
• ISB 830

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

JAK inhibitors are oral medications that may help eczema by blocking certain immune signals involved in inflammation.

Since 2021, the FDA has approved the three JAK inhibitors ruxolitinib, upadacitinib, and abrocitinib for eczema treatment.

Clinical trials are currently underway to study other JAK inhibitors, including lebrikizumab and nemolizumab.

A phase 3 trial is also assessing the topical cream ruxolitinib in children ages 2–11 years.

Other medications

Several clinical trials in the United States are assessing the safety and efficacy of other medications. For example:

• A phase 3 trial is studying the medication rocatinlimab.
• A phase 2 trial is assessing the injection medication lirentelimab.
• A phase 2 trial in two parts is comparing pharmacokinetic medications with a placebo.

Some clinical trials also take place internationally. For example, a phase 3 trial is assessing the medication upadacitinib in people ages 12–75 years in the United States, Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, and Canada, among many other countries.

According to the NEA, clinical trials may have several benefits if you’re living with eczema.

• Cost: The researchers cover medication costs for many clinical trials. This could provide a more affordable treatment option.
• Care frequency: You may be able to see medical professionals more often for checkups.

The biggest risk of joining an eczema clinical trial is the potential side effects, which may range from mild to serious.

Speaking with a healthcare professional can be helpful in learning more about clinical trials. They could advise you on whether it’s a good idea based on your current condition.

What is the new treatment for eczema in 2023?

According to the NEA, the JAK inhibitor abrocitinib and the biologic tralokinumab-ldrm have been approved to also treat eczema in people ages 12 years and older.

What is the new breakthrough for eczema?

The NEA suggests that there are a few key breakthroughs to look out for in 2024. For example, a new nonsteroidal topical cream, VTAMA (tapinarof), is expected to be submitted to the FDA and another topical cream, roflumilast 0.15%, is currently waiting for FDA approval.

Is there any research being done on eczema?

Many ongoing clinical trials are being done on eczema around the world. Researchers are looking at the safety and efficacy of various treatments, such as topical medications, biologics, JAK inhibitors, and phototherapy, among others.

Is there a new cure for eczema?

There’s currently no cure for eczema. However, many researchers are working on developing new eczema treatments to help manage and treat symptoms.

Multiple clinical trials are underway to study treatments for atopic dermatitis, including biologics, JAK inhibitors, and other therapies.

To learn more about new and experimental treatments for atopic dermatitis, speak with a doctor. They can help you understand your current treatment options and provide updates on new treatments as they become available.