Efficacy and safety of tapinarof in treating atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is commonly associated with pruritus, impaired skin barrier function, and reduced quality of life. Although topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors remain standard treatments, their long-term use may be limited by safety concerns, highlighting the need for effective nonsteroidal alternatives. 

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of tapinarof, a novel topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. 

Research Design: This study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 

Study Sample: The study sample consisted of individual randomized controlled trials that compared topical tapinarof with vehicle control in patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. 

Data Collection and/or Analysis: A systematic literature search was performed to identify eligible randomized controlled trials. Pooled odds ratios with corresponding 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated using meta-analytic techniques to assess treatment success and adverse events. 

Results: Pooled analysis demonstrated that tapinarof significantly improved treatment success compared with vehicle control, with an odds ratio of 3.58 (95 percent confidence interval 2.20 to 5.82). Tapinarof was associated with a higher incidence of adverse events, with an odds ratio of 2.17 (95 percent confidence interval 1.64 to 2.88). The reported adverse events were generally mild in nature and included skin irritation and nasopharyngitis. 

Conclusions: Tapinarof appears to be an effective nonsteroidal topical therapy for atopic dermatitis, offering significant clinical benefits with a manageable safety profile. These findings support tapinarof as a promising therapeutic option for patients requiring alternatives to conventional topical anti-inflammatory treatments.