Baricitinib for Itch-Dominant Atopic Dermatitis: A 52 Weeks Baricitinib Real-World Experience in Korea

Background: Baricitinib is one of the front-runners among targeted agents for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).Although many studies have been conducted on the real-world use of baricitinib, the sample size is often small and data is focused primarily on Caucasians.Objective: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the real-world itch-relieving property of baricitinib in adult AD patients in South Korea Methods: Electronic medical records of AD patients treated with baricitinib at the National Medical Center in Korea from May 2021 to April 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Results: Seventy patients completed 16 to 52 weeks of baricitinib treatment, with most patients showing mild-to-moderate baseline lesions and moderate-to-severe baseline itch.At Week 16 of baricitinib treatment, there was a 50% reduction in Itch numerical rating scale from baseline, and 50.7% of patients showed 50% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index score.The efficacy of baricitinib was also reflected in the patient reported outcomes, with 55%-58% improvements in Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool, and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores seen within 2 weeks of treatment.No new safety signals were detected in this study.Conclusion: Baricitinib treatment for 52 weeks in Korean patients with itch dominant AD confirmed long term effectiveness and safety.