Efficacy and safety of baricitinib for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin diseases. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib is a promising treatment for AD as shown in recent clinical trials. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy and safety of baricitinib. Data analysis was carried out using Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager 5.4 software and performed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Six RCTs involving a total of 2595 patients were included in the review. The meta-analysis revealed that patients in the baricitinib group had significantly higher rates achieving EASI75, EASI90, IGA-Response, SCORAD75, and Itch NRS improvement. Pooled analysis also showed no significant differences in treatment of emergent adverse events (TEAEs) between baricitinib and placebo groups. In conclusion, our meta-analysis showed that baricitinib has promising efficacy for moderate-to-severe AD with favourable safety files.