Developing the Next Generation of Dermatology Treatments

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the skin. Signs and symptoms of AD include irritated and itchy skin that can cause red lesions that may ooze and crust¹. Patients with AD are also more susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal infections². The clinical signs and symptoms of the disease can have a profound impact on a patient’s quality of life^3-8.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by depigmentation of skin that results from the loss of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Overactivity of the JAK signaling pathway is believed to drive inflammation involved in the pathogenesis and progression of vitiligo. It affects approximately 0.5% to 2.0% of the population globally⁹. In the United States, more than 1.5 million people are diagnosed with vitiligo¹⁰. The overall prevalence of the condition is estimated to be approximately 2–3 million¹¹, with the majority of patients (approximately 85%) suffering from nonsegmental vitiligo¹². Vitiligo can occur at any age, although many patients with vitiligo will experience initial onset before the age of 30¹³. Vitiligo is associated with quality-of-life impairments^14,15 and patients are at an increased risk for comorbidities and mental health disorders, including depression¹⁶.

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes painful bumps to form in the armpit, groin, breast and anal regions of the body¹⁷. The condition typically begins during puberty and is often most active between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Some of the bumps can eventually lead to disfiguring scars. It has a significant impact on daily life and can be debilitating for some patients¹⁷.

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itch and thickened red bumps, typically on the arms, legs and trunk¹⁸. Sometimes the bumps may be painful and the constant itch can affect sleep quality¹⁸. Prurigo nodularis appears to be more common in older individuals and can have a substantial impact on a patient’s quality of life¹⁸.

Lichen sclerosus affects women more often than men and is associated with intolerable itch, which can lead to bleeding and scarring, and ultimately, drastic changes to genital anatomy¹⁹. There is an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated^20,21.

Lichen planus can cause lesions, bumps or plaques on the skin that are itchy and purple. Onset of the condition usually affects the wrists, forearms and legs. Lichen planus occurs equally in males and females and tends to appear between 50 to 70 years of age^22,23. While itch is considered the most bothersome symptom²⁴, the condition is associated with relatively high rates of depression and anxiety²⁵.