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News
A topical JAK inhibitor gets a closer look for a stubborn skin condition. A phase 2 trial found that ruxolitinib 1.5% cream significantly outperformed a vehicle cream in clearing skin lesions and reducing itch in adults with cutaneous lichen planus. Benefits were sustained through 32 weeks, and no serious adverse events were linked to the treatment.
Cutaneous lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with limited treatment options — but a new phase 2 trial suggests ruxolitinib 1.5% cream could change that. The randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study enrolled 64 adults across 19 US and Canadian sites, comparing twice-daily ruxolitinib cream to a vehicle cream over 16 weeks, followed by a 16-week open-label extension.
The results were encouraging: ruxolitinib cream significantly outperformed vehicle on both skin clearance and itch relief, with improvements in skin pain appearing as early as week 2. Gains were maintained — and even improved — through week 32 with as-needed use. No serious adverse events were attributed to the treatment.
Why it matters: Lichen planus lacks FDA-approved topical therapies, leaving patients with few reliable options. If these results hold in larger trials, ruxolitinib cream could become the first targeted topical treatment for this condition, offering meaningful relief for a patient population that currently has limited recourse.
