Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition marked by itchy, inflamed patches that flare and fade over time. It affects about 10% of adults and 25% of children in the U.S. Treatment has expanded beyond topical steroids to include JAK inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and newer creams that target specific immune pathways.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing oral JAK inhibitors that work systemically, monoclonal antibodies targeting different immune signals, topical drugs that block inflammation without steroid side effects, and microbiome treatments that address skin bacteria. Researchers are also studying why some people develop food allergies alongside eczema and testing treatments to prevent that progression.
JAK inhibitors
Several JAK inhibitors are now FDA-approved for atopic dermatitis, including upadacitinib and abrocitinib as pills. Trials continue testing newer JAK inhibitors and combinations to see if they can achieve clear skin with fewer side effects.
Biologics targeting IL-13 and IL-4
Dupilumab blocks IL-4 and IL-13 signals that drive inflammation and is now widely used for moderate-to-severe disease. Newer biologics targeting these pathways are in trials, aiming for stronger effects or less frequent dosing.
Microbiome treatments
Topical bacteria sprays and creams aim to restore healthy skin bacteria that people with eczema often lack. Early trials suggest this approach may reduce flares and need for steroids.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on disease severity measured by body surface area affected, itch intensity, prior treatment response, and whether topical steroids have been tried.
What types of trials are currently open
- Treatment trials — Testing new pills, injections, or creams to control inflammation and itching. Many compare new drugs to dupilumab or topical steroids.
- Prevention trials — Testing whether moisturizers or immune-modulating treatments applied early in infancy can prevent eczema or food allergies from developing.
- Topical trials — Testing creams and ointments that block inflammation through non-steroid mechanisms, often with fewer long-term skin changes.
- Microbiome trials — Testing bacterial sprays, probiotics, or prebiotics to restore healthy skin bacteria and reduce flares.
- Combination trials — Testing whether combining a biologic or JAK inhibitor with another treatment leads to clearer skin than either alone.
Recently added Atopic Dermatitis trials
Changes in Skin Myco- and Microbiome After Lebrikizumab Treatment
The goal of this observational study is to characterize the skin myco- and microbiome of patients with atopic dermatitis before and after initiation of treatment with lebrikizumab. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the skin mycobiome change with treatment? Does the skin microbiome change with treatment? Does the abundance of Staphylococcus species change with treatment?
Phase 1 Study of QX-4533 in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of QX-453, an investigational treatment, in healthy Chinese volunteers and patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The study will assess how the drug is absorbed and processed by the body, and check for any side effects. Participants will receive single or repeated oral doses of QX-453 under close medical supervision, with regular safety and clinical assessments throughout the trial.
Find Atopic Dermatitis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.