A novel compound has emerged from two phase III clinical trials as a promising topical treatment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD).

Crisaborole (Anacor Pharmaceuticals), a nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, showed safety and efficacy in two identically designed, vehicle-controlled double-blind studies reported by lead author Amy Paller, MS, MD, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago and colleagues in a July 7 online post of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.