Efficacy of abrocitinib for atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of abrocitinib for atopic dermatitis remains controversial. AIM: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of abrocitinib versus placebo on the treatment of atopic dermatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of abrocitinib versus placebo for patients with atopic dermatitis. This meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. RESULTS: Four RCTs involving 932 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with the control group for atopic dermatitis, abrocitinib has a remarkably positive impact on IGA response (OR = 6.60; 95% CI: 4.41–9.87; p < 0.00001), EASI-75 (OR = 9.19; 95% CI: 6.20–13.61; p < 0.00001), EASI-90 (OR = 10.50; 95% CI: 5.54–19.93; p < 0.0001), NRS response (OR = 6.99; 95% CI: 4.43–11.01; p < 0.00001) and adverse events (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.23–2.52; p = 0.002), but showed no obvious influence on serious adverse events (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.20–1.44; p = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Abrocitinib exerts a favorable effect on the treatment of atopic dermatitis.