Tapinarof is an investigational drug that is being studied for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. It is a topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-modulating agent. Tapinarof binds and activates AhR, which leads to downregulation of inflammatory cytokines such as interlukin 17.

Phase 2 clinical studies with a topical cream showed improvement in psoriasis after two weeks of cream with maintenance of improvement for 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation.

This prompted a phase 3 clinical trial for psoriasis using tapinarof 1% cream applied once daily. We are now awaiting the results of the randomized controlled trials.

A phase 2b study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology on the effectiveness of tapinarof on atopic dermatitis showed good improvement following use of topical 1% cream.

Reference:

Efficacy and patient-reported outcomes from a phase 2b, randomized clinical trial of tapinarof cream for the treatment of adolescents and adults with atopic dermatitis. Paller AS, Stein Gold L, Soung J, Tallman AM, Rubenstein DS, Gooderham M.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Mar;84(3):632-638. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.05.135. Epub 2020 Jun 2.