Spotlighting Biologic Advancements and Novel Pathways in Atopic Dermatitis

"RAD was created to address this amazing increase in knowledge and treatment options that we have now for atopic dermatitis. It's hard for the clinician who's busy in the trenches to keep up with all the data and to really gain insights into all these new therapies that kind of hit us at once, and are still coming really fast and furious," said Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, MPH, in an interview with Dermatology Times.

Silverberg, professor of dermatology and director of clinical research and contact dermatitis at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC, and founder of the Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) conference, recently presented new atopic dermatitis (AD) approvals for the practicing clinician.¹ His presentation focused on recently approved biologics nemolizumab and lebrikizumab, highlighting their mechanisms of action, clinical utility, and practical pearls for integration into patient care.

While dupilumab and oral JAK inhibitors are now more established, Silverberg emphasized that ongoing data continue to inform best practices, especially in refining patient selection and long-term safety monitoring. Beyond the current armamentarium, the AD pipeline is expanding rapidly, including bispecific and multispecific biologics, which aim to target multiple immune pathways without increasing off-target effects.

Promising investigational targets include OX40/OX40L, IL-18, and IL-22 receptor pathways that represent novel therapeutic avenues and the potential to serve distinct patient endotypes. According to Silverberg, although their precise clinical roles remain to be determined, these agents underscore the innovation driving AD research forward.

Silverberg also called attention to a critical gap across chronic inflammatory dermatoses: the urgent need for better diagnostics and predictive biomarkers. Current classification systems are outdated and insufficient for precise, personalized treatment decisions. Enhanced theranostic tools could dramatically improve how dermatologists stratify disease, track response, and forecast prognosis.

Ultimately, Silverberg positioned the RAD conference as a response to the overwhelming pace of new data and therapeutic options in AD. For dermatologists managing complex cases in busy clinics, RAD serves as a focused, evidence-based forum to stay current, refine treatment algorithms, and gain insights directly from colleagues. As Silverberg noted, "RAD is totally rad"—a platform that not only celebrates the science, but also provides clinicians with the clarity and confidence to navigate this new era in AD care.

References

1. Silverberg J, Kircik L. Recent approvals in AD therapy. Presented at: 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis; June 6-7, 2025; Nashville, TN.