Oral JAK/SYK-inhibition (ASN002) suppresses inflammation and improves epidermal barrier markers in atopic dermatitis

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with moderate-to-severe AD to test the efficacy of JAK/SYK-inhibitor ASN002. ASN002 significantly suppressed key AD inflammatory pathways, corresponding to clinical response, and may be an effective novel therapeutic agent for moderate-to-severe AD. Patients were randomized to dose escalation of ASN002 20mg, 40mg, 80mg, and placebo groups. Skin biopsies were performed at baseline, day15, and day29. Gene expression studies were conducted using microarray and qRT-PCR, and cellular infiltrates and protein expression were studied by immunohistochemistry.