Tapinarof Shows Early, Sustained Gains in Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Linda Stein Gold, MD

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At the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2026 Annual Meeting, Linda Stein Gold, MD, dermatologist and director of dermatology clinical research at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan, discusses recent findings from the phase 3 ADORING 1 (NCT05014568) and ADORING 2 (NCT05032859) pivotal trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of tapinarof (Vtama; Organon) cream vs vehicle.

In the clinical studies of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, once-daily tapinarof cream demonstrated early and sustained improvements in both disease signs and symptoms, including itch, while maintaining a favorable tolerability profile. The trials enrolled patients 2 years and older, reflecting the typical epidemiology of atopic dermatitis, which disproportionately affects children. Approximately 80% of participants were children or adolescents, and the study population was racially and ethnically diverse, with a high representation of patients with skin of color—groups that are overrepresented in atopic dermatitis.

Over an 8-week treatment period, tapinarof was applied once daily to affected areas. Investigators evaluated efficacy, itch reduction, and safety. Clinical improvements were observed as early as week 1, with tapinarof outperforming the vehicle in both reduction of rash and itch. These benefits continued to accrue over the full 8-week course, indicating a durable treatment effect.

A key feature of tapinarof is its nonsteroidal mechanism, addressing a longstanding unmet need for steroid-sparing topical options suitable for chronic or recurrent use and application across multiple body sites. Historically, many nonsteroidal topicals have been limited by stinging and burning, which can erode adherence. In contrast, tapinarof in these studies was generally well tolerated, an important consideration for pediatric patients and for use on sensitive areas such as the face and eyelids.

Early onset of itch relief was emphasized as clinically meaningful, as itch in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis can consume patients’ thoughts and significantly disrupt sleep. For children, nocturnal itching can adversely affect not only themselves but also parents and other family members. By helping to control both itch and visible signs of atopic dermatitis, once-daily tapinarof has the potential to simplify treatment regimens, improve adherence, and enhance quality of life for children and adults living with atopic dermatitis, particularly in populations that have been historically undertreated or underrepresented in dermatologic research.