Baricitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Results from a randomized monotherapy phase 3 trial in the United States and Canada (BREEZE-AD5)

Background: Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase 1/Janus kinase 2 inhibitor, is being studied for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib monotherapy in a North American phase 3 trial (BREEZE-AD5/NCT03435081) of adults with moderate-to-severe AD who responded inadequately or were intolerant to topical therapy. Methods: Patients (N = 440) were randomized 1:1:1 to once-daily placebo or baricitinib (1 mg or 2 mg). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving ≥75% reduction in the Eczema Area and Severity Index at week 16. A key secondary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a validated Investigator Global Assessment for AD score of 0 (clear)/1(almost clear) with ≥2-point improvement. Results: At week 16, the proportion of patients achieving Eczema Area and Severity Index was 8%, 13%, and 30% (P <.001, 2 mg vs placebo) and those with a validated Investigator Global Assessment for AD score of 0/1 were 5%, 13%, and 24% (P <.001, 2 mg vs placebo) for placebo, baricitinib 1 mg, and baricitinib 2 mg, respectively. Safety findings were similar to those of other baricitinib AD studies. Limitations: Short-term clinical trial results may not be generalizable to real-world settings. Conclusion: Baricitinib was efficacious for patients with moderate-to-severe AD with no new safety findings over 16 weeks.