TLDR Biologics and targeted therapies could improve treatment for children with certain chronic skin conditions.
This narrative review examines the use of biologics and small molecule targeted therapies for pediatric dermatological conditions such as alopecia areata (AA), psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in the US. It highlights the FDA approval of ritlecitinib for pediatric AA, with baricitinib and upadacitinib in phase 3 trials. For psoriasis, drugs like secukinumab and ustekinumab are approved, while others are in trials. Pediatric AD treatments include dupilumab and upadacitinib. Adalimumab is approved for HS. These therapies offer improved efficacy and safety over traditional treatments, with ongoing trials potentially enhancing treatment guidelines and outcomes for pediatric patients.
January 2024 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” Non-biologic immunosuppressive drugs are crucial for treating autoimmune and chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
84 citations
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August 2023 in “Drugs” Ritlecitinib is approved in the USA and Japan for treating severe hair loss in people aged 12 and older.
3 citations
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August 2023 in “Pediatric dermatology” Antibiotics and finasteride are very effective for treating pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa.
6 citations
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May 2023 in “Drugs” Baricitinib helps regrow hair in adults with severe alopecia better than a placebo and is approved for treatment, but long-term effects are still unknown.
148 citations
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March 2022 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Baricitinib was effective in treating alopecia areata in two major trials.
17 citations
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January 2022 in “Annals of Dermatology” Severe pediatric alopecia areata worsens quality of life for patients and families.
48 citations
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April 2021 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Topical corticosteroids are the best initial treatment for children's alopecia areata.
44 citations
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April 2019 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Cyclosporine showed some improvement in alopecia areata but results were not statistically significant.