Biologics And Small Molecule Targeted Therapies For Pediatric Alopecia Areata, Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, And Hidradenitis Suppurativa In The US: A Narrative Review

July 2024 in “ Children ”

Robin C. Yi, Shannon Moran, Hannah Y. Gantz, Lindsay C. Strowd, Steven R. Feldman

biologics small molecule targeted therapies alopecia areata psoriasis atopic dermatitis hidradenitis suppurativa

Studysummary This study discusses how emerging biologics and small molecule therapies could enhance disease management and pediatric health outcomes for chronic skin conditions, suggesting their potential inclusion in treatment guidelines pending ongoing clinical trial successes.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This narrative review examines the use of biologics and small molecule targeted therapies for pediatric dermatological conditions such as alopecia areata (AA), psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in the US. It highlights the FDA approval of ritlecitinib for pediatric AA, with baricitinib and upadacitinib in phase 3 trials. For psoriasis, drugs like secukinumab and ustekinumab are approved, while others are in trials. Pediatric AD treatments include dupilumab and upadacitinib. Adalimumab is approved for HS. These therapies offer improved efficacy and safety over traditional treatments, with ongoing trials potentially enhancing treatment guidelines and outcomes for pediatric patients.

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research Non-Biologic Immunosuppressive Drugs for Inflammatory and Autoimmune Skin Diseases

January 2024 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

This research paper reviews the mechanisms and management of non-biologic immunosuppressive drugs used in dermatology, highlighting their safety profiles and handling during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and vaccination, but does not report specific results on these aspects.

research Ritlecitinib: First Approval

84 citations , August 2023 in “Drugs”

This article describes the development milestones and recent approvals of ritlecitinib for treating severe alopecia areata, with approvals in the USA and Japan and ongoing regulatory reviews in other regions.

research Efficacy of Medical Treatments for Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review

3 citations , August 2023 in “Pediatric dermatology”

This study reviewed medical treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa in children and found that treatment response was high across several therapies, but the evidence is limited to case reports and series, necessitating more prospective studies for clearer efficacy and safety conclusions.

research Baricitinib for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

6 citations , May 2023 in “Drugs”

This study reports that baricitinib was more effective than placebo in promoting hair growth in adults with severe alopecia areata after 36 weeks of treatment in clinical trials.

research Two Phase 3 Trials of Baricitinib for Alopecia Areata

148 citations , March 2022 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

In two phase 3 trials, this study found that oral baricitinib significantly improved hair regrowth compared to placebo in adults with severe alopecia areata after 36 weeks, though longer trials are needed to ascertain its long-term efficacy and safety.

Impact of Pediatric Alopecia Areata on Quality of Life of Patients and Their Family Members: A Nationwide Multicenter Questionnaire Study

research Impact of Pediatric Alopecia Areata on Quality of Life of Patients and Their Family Members: A Nationwide Multicenter Questionnaire Study

17 citations , January 2022 in “Annals of Dermatology”

In this study, the severity of pediatric alopecia areata was found to decrease the quality of life for both patients and their families while increasing the overall burden.

research Treatment of Pediatric Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

48 citations , April 2021 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that topical corticosteroids are the most supported first-line treatment for pediatric alopecia areata, with contact immunotherapy as the next best option.

research Cyclosporine for Moderate-to-Severe Alopecia Areata: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety

44 citations , April 2019 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study observed that cyclosporine showed a trend toward improving alopecia areata symptoms compared to placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant.