Therapeutics: JAK kinase (JAK)
In vitro and mouse studies suggest JAK inhibitors could help treat dermatitis. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs), the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and oclacitinib decreased inflammatory cytokine levels and DC migration compared with vehicle. In an assay of medium-induced DC migration in ex vivo mouse ear skin, topical administration of each inhibitor decreased DC migration. In a mouse model of dermatitis of the ear, neck and abdomen, oral administration of each drug decreased scratching behavior and topical administration of each inhibitor decreased scratching behavior and ear swelling compared with vehicle. Next steps could include topical testing of JAK inhibitors in other dermatitis models.
Pfizer Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. market Xeljanz tofacitinib to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Pfizer also has the compound in registration for psoriasis and in Phase II and Phase III testing for various autoimmune and ophthalmic diseases...