A post-hoc analysis revealed that both Baricitinib as a standalone treatment and its combination with topical corticosteroids offer rapid and sustained improvements in adults battling moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Investigators aimed to assess the outcomes of Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) in terms of absolute values over a 16-week period and to establish a connection between the severity categories of the disease and improvements in the quality of life (QoL).

The study involved patients who were part of Phase 3 trials for both monotherapy (BREEZE-AD1/AD2) and combination therapy with topical corticosteroids (BREEZE-AD7). The analysis focused on comparing Baricitinib's effects at 2 mg and 4 mg doses against a placebo. Utilizing Fisher’s exact test, categorical results were assessed.

A significantly higher number of subjects treated with Baricitinib achieved EASI scores of 7 or less and SCORAD scores below 25 as early as the first week for monotherapy and the second week for combination treatment with topical corticosteroids, compared to those who received a placebo. This notable response compared to the placebo was maintained until the 16th week for EASI scores of 7 or less and SCORAD scores below 25 severity categories (Table 1).

Alongside these effects, there were expeditious improvements in QoL. Patients who received Baricitinib treatment quickly attained the desired absolute EASI and SCORAD treatment results, and these positive outcomes persisted up to week 16. The enhancements in QoL exceeded what could be inferred from the severity classifications based on EASI scores, suggesting that scores evaluated by doctors may not always align with how patients perceive the severity of their atopic dermatitis.