AT A GLANCE

As of today, dermatologists in the United States can begin prescribing delgocitinib cream (ANZUPGO^®), following its recent FDA approval as the first and only treatment specifically indicated for adults with moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE). This milestone marks a long-awaited advance for patients who have had no FDA-approved options, particularly those unresponsive to or unsuitable for topical corticosteroids.

Delgocitinib is a topical pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that blocks JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2—key mediators in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway that drives chronic skin inflammation. By suppressing this pathway locally, the therapy directly targets the persistent inflammation, itch, and pain characteristic of CHE.

Approval was supported by the DELTA 1 and DELTA 2 Phase 3 trials, which enrolled 960 adults with moderate-to-severe CHE. At Week 16, treatment success (clear or almost clear skin plus ≥2-point IGA-CHE TS improvement) was achieved in 20% and 29% of delgocitinib-treated patients, versus 10% and 7% with vehicle (p=0.006 and p<0.0001). Symptom relief was also notable: nearly half of treated patients reported ≥4-point reductions in itch and pain on the Hand Eczema Symptom Diary, compared with controls (p<0.0001 in both trials). Safety was comparable to vehicle with a low incidence of adverse events.

“In my career as a dermatologist, I have witnessed firsthand the significant burden that the itch and pain of CHE places on patients,” said Dr. Linda Stein Gold, MD, Henry Ford Hospital, in a press release. “I believe this new treatment option will be welcomed by dermatologists who are looking for effective and safe ways to address these symptoms.”

With prescribing now open, ANZUPGO^® represents both a new clinical option for patients and the entry of topical JAK inhibitors into routine dermatology practice. Future studies may further clarify its long-term safety and explore utility in other inflammatory dermatoses linked to JAK-STAT dysregulation.

DRUG AT A GLANCE

Delgocitinib cream (ANZUPGO^®) is a steroid-free, topical pan-JAK inhibitor now available for prescribing in the U.S. for adults with moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE). By targeting JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2 within the JAK-STAT pathway, it suppresses the inflammatory drivers of CHE, offering a novel treatment option for patients with limited alternatives due to poor response or intolerance to topical corticosteroids.