According to a survey by GlobalData* the upcoming introduction of oral and topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) has caused differences in opinion among physicians in the seven major markets (7MM**). The leading data and analytics company notes that the biggest division was seen between the US and Japan markets, which were optimistic about the launch, and the 4EU and UK markets, where doctors noted that JAK inhibitors should only be used in patients with inadequate responses or that see serious side effects when being treated with biologics due to safety concerns.

Ramla Salad, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “It is clear that there are still safety concerns over JAK inhibitors, and this is a key reason for the wavering confidence in the class. However, with the correct patient selection and monitoring, JAK inhibitors have the ability to transform the AD space with their fast onset of action.”

Physicians from the 7MM were asked their opinions on the upcoming launches of oral and topical JAK inhibitors and how likely, on a scale of 1-5 (with five being most likely and one being least likely), they would be to prescribe them to their patients.

Salad notes: “GlobalData’s survey reveals that physicians across the 7MM are only modestly enthusiastic about the introduction of oral JAK inhibitors, as exemplified by the mediocre scores of 3-3.3 out of 5.”

While physicians in the US and Japan were more optimistic about the introduction of topical JAK inhibitors over the oral variant, physicians in the 4EU and UK markets were equally unenthused about both modes of administration.

Salad added: “US physicians commented that non-steroidal options are always welcome and that, if approved, topical JAK inhibitors would give patients more choice.”

*In Q3 2021, GlobalData conducted a survey on 120 high-prescribing physicians (primary care physicians, pediatricians and dermatologists) from the seven major markets. These doctors were asked a range of questions surrounding treatment and prescription trends as well as some more general questions on the late-stage pipeline

**7MM: US, 4EU (France, Germany, Italy and Spain), the UK and Japan