Crisaborole and atopic dermatitis skin biomarkers: an intrapatient randomized trial

Crisaborole ointment, 2%, is a nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). The mechanism of action (MOA) of crisaborole and its effects on lesional measures of disease severity are not yet well-defined. This phase 2a, single-center, vehicle-controlled, intrapatient study was designed to further characterize the MOA of crisaborole through evaluation of clinical efficacy and changes in skin biomarkers in adults (N = 40) with mild-to-moderate AD. Two target lesions were randomized intrapatient (1:1) to double-blind crisaborole:vehicle, applied twice daily for 14 days. Patients then applied crisaborole (open-label) to all affected areas for 28 days. Punch biopsy specimens were collected for biomarker analysis at baseline, day 8 (optional), and day 15.