Crisaborole is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, mainly acting on phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), which causes inflammation.
Trade names Eucrisa, Staquis
Pregnancy category AU: B1
Routes of administration Topical (ointment)
It is a nonsteroidal topical medication used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children.
The most common side effects are reactions at the application site include burning or stinging.
Crisaborole is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor, although its specific mechanism of action in atopic dermatitis is not known.
At the site of application, crisaborole may cause burning or stinging.
It is indicated for topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in people three months of age and older.
Inhibition of PDE4B appears to suppress the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-23 and other cytokines: these proteins believed to be involved in the immune response and inflammation.
Atopic dermatitis produce high levels of proteins called cytokines, which can cause the inflammation of the skin seen in dermatitis.
Crisaborole blocks the release of certain cytokines involved in the inflammation process such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukins (IL‑2, IL-4, IL-5), and interferon gamma, easing the inflammation and relieving symptoms of the disease.
The safety and efficacy of crisaborole were established in two placebo-controlled trials with a total of 1,522 participants ranging in age from two years of age to 79 years of age:
Overall, participants receiving crisaborole achieved greater response with clear or almost clear skin after 28 days of treatment.