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Atopic DermatitisAugust 2024Summary reviewed June 2026

What the DELTA Trials Found — Delgocitinib Cream for Chronic Hand Eczema

Researchers tested delgocitinib cream, a new topical treatment, in adults with moderate to severe chronic hand eczema. After 16 weeks of twice-daily use, about 20-29% of patients achieved clear or almost clear skin, compared to only 7-10% using a plain cream. Side effects were mild and similar between groups.

What the trial was testing

The DELTA enrolled 473 patients with atopic dermatitis. The study was sponsored by LEO Pharma and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was a large trial designed to confirm whether the treatment works well enough for wider use. Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

About 3 times more patients achieved clear or almost clear skin with delgocitinib versus plain cream.

Lancet (London, England) · 2024 · NCT04872101

These findings — that delgocitinib cream cleared hand eczema in about 1 in 4 to 1 in 5 patients after 16 weeks — were published in the Lancet (London, England) and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 473 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with atopic dermatitis, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This was a large-scale study and delgocitinib cream is under review for FDA approval but not yet available in the US. If you have moderate to severe hand eczema that doesn't respond well to moisturizers and steroid creams, talk to your dermatologist about whether this treatment might become an option for you or if there are similar approved therapies.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.