Testing biologics and intracellular signaling inhibitors on pediatric atopic dermatitis: a stairway to modern therapeutic approaches

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common cutaneous inflammatory disease in adults and children. In the last few years, the pathogenesis of AD has been profoundly revised and this has led to the identification of novel druggable targets and the development of new agents targeting specific molecular pathways. Despite the high prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population, the clinical development of new treatments, either topical or systemic, has been focused on the adult population in recent years; only a limited number of these new agents have been tested in pediatric cohorts. Areas covered: In this review, we describe the pathogenic model of pediatric atopic dermatitis which shows similarities and substantial differences when compared to adult atopic dermatitis. The identification of therapeutic targets is highlighted and novel targeted therapies, both topical and systemic, are discussed. Expert opinion: The current therapeutic armamentarium for pediatric atopic dermatitis is very limited and this represents a critical unmet need. The enhancement of clinical research on pediatric patients is necessary to facilitate an increase in the number of new targeted therapeutic options being available on the market.