Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, affects roughly 10% of adults and 25% of children in the US. Standard treatment includes moisturizers, topical steroids, and antihistamines. For moderate-to-severe eczema, newer options include dupilumab and other biologics that target specific immune pathways, along with JAK inhibitors in pill form.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing new JAK inhibitors — both pills and topical creams — that block inflammation more precisely. Biologics targeting IL-13, IL-31, and other immune signals are in late-stage testing. Researchers are also studying the skin microbiome, barrier-repair treatments, and better approaches for children and people with darker skin tones where eczema can be harder to assess.
JAK inhibitors
Several pills and creams that block JAK enzymes are now FDA-approved or in late-stage trials. They offer fast itch relief and may work when biologics don't, though long-term safety monitoring continues.
Targeted biologics
Drugs targeting IL-13 alone, or IL-31 for itch, are showing strong results in Phase 3 trials. These may become alternatives to dupilumab or options for people who don't respond to current biologics.
Microbiome therapies
Trials are testing live bacteria sprays and creams designed to restore healthy skin microbes. Early results suggest they may reduce flares by crowding out Staph aureus, which worsens eczema.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on eczema severity, body surface area affected, recent treatment history, and whether topical steroids have been tried.
What types of trials are currently open
- Treatment trials — Testing new JAK inhibitors, biologics, or combination treatments to see if they clear eczema better or faster than current drugs.
- Topical trials — Studies of new creams or ointments, including JAK inhibitors and barrier-repair formulas, often for mild-to-moderate eczema.
- Pediatric trials — Testing safety and dosing of new treatments in infants and children, where eczema often starts.
- Itch and quality-of-life trials — Focused on treatments that relieve itch or improve sleep and daily function, even if skin appearance doesn't fully clear.
- Microbiome studies — Testing whether live bacteria, prebiotics, or other microbiome interventions can prevent flares or reduce reliance on steroids.
Recently added Eczema 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.
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