Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Trials in the UK (2026)
26 May 202611 min readTrialConnect Research Team
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) affects up to 15 million people in the UK — roughly one in five children and one in ten adults. While mild cases respond well to emollients and topical corticosteroids, moderate-to-severe disease can be life-altering. The last five years have seen a revolution in eczema treatment with the arrival of biologic therapies and JAK inhibitors, and UK trials are now testing the next generation of targeted treatments.
The UK is a leading hub for dermatology clinical trials, with centres in London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Leeds running global Phase 3 studies. The British Association of Dermatologists coordinates a national research network that accelerates recruitment. NICE has approved several targeted therapies for severe atopic dermatitis, creating a treatment pathway that clinical trials are now extending.
There are currently over 50 actively recruiting eczema/atopic dermatitis trials in the UK, spanning biologics, small molecules, topical agents, and device-based therapies.
Types of Eczema Trials
Biologics
Injectable monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, and TSLP pathways — the inflammatory drivers of atopic dermatitis.
JAK Inhibitors
Oral and topical small molecules blocking Janus kinase signalling — abrocitinib, upadacitinib, baricitinib, and newer selective agents.
Novel Topicals
Non-steroidal topical treatments including PDE4 inhibitors, aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists, and topical JAK inhibitors.
Microbiome & Immunomodulation
Skin microbiome modification, allergen immunotherapy, and microbial-derived therapeutics aiming to restore skin barrier function.
Biologic Therapies
Biologic therapy has transformed severe atopic dermatitis management, and UK trials are expanding options:
Dupilumab (Dupixent) — the IL-4/IL-13 blocker is now standard for moderate-to-severe AD. UK trials are exploring: every-8-week dosing (vs standard every-2-week), use in hand eczema, combination with topical agents, and long-term safety extension studies
Tralokinumab (Adtralza) — selective IL-13 inhibitor now approved in the UK. Trials are testing: every-4-week maintenance dosing after induction, use in adolescents, and combination strategies
Lebrikizumab — high-affinity IL-13 inhibitor showing superior efficacy to dupilumab in some head-to-head measures. UK Phase 3 trials are well underway with NICE submission expected
Nemolizumab — IL-31 receptor blocker specifically targeting itch. UK trials for moderate-to-severe AD with prominent pruritus, also being tested in prurigo nodularis
Tezepelumab — TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin) blocker, already approved for severe asthma, now in UK trials for atopic dermatitis targeting the upstream driver of atopic inflammation
JAK Inhibitors
JAK inhibitors offer an oral alternative to injectable biologics, and UK trials are refining their place in therapy:
Abrocitinib (Cibinqo) — selective JAK1 inhibitor now approved for moderate-to-severe AD. UK trials exploring: head-to-head versus dupilumab, dose optimisation, use in adolescents (12+), and long-term safety monitoring
Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) — more potent JAK1 inhibitor achieving higher clear/almost-clear rates. UK trials testing: rapid induction followed by step-down, combination with topical therapy, and use in difficult-to-treat areas (hands, face)
Baricitinib (Olumiant) — first JAK inhibitor approved for AD in Europe. UK trials continue in the paediatric population and in combination regimens
Next-generation selective JAK inhibitors — newer agents with greater selectivity aiming to maintain efficacy while reducing the theoretical thrombotic and infection risks that led to EMA safety labelling changes
Novel Topical Agents
Non-steroidal topical treatments are a rapidly growing area, offering efficacy without skin thinning:
Roflumilast (Zoryve) — once-daily PDE4 inhibitor cream, approved in the US and in UK trials for atopic dermatitis. Strong efficacy with a favourable safety profile
Tapinarof (Vtama)
— aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist cream that modifies skin inflammation and barrier function. UK Phase 3 trials showing remitting effect (disease control persisting after stopping treatment)
Ruxolitinib (Opzelura) — topical JAK inhibitor cream approved for vitiligo and AD in the US. UK trials are evaluating its role in the NHS treatment pathway
Difamilast — topical PDE4 inhibitor ointment in Phase 3 UK trials, showing rapid itch reduction and skin clearance
Children bear the highest burden of atopic dermatitis, and dedicated paediatric trials are critical:
Biologics in children aged 6 months–11 years — dupilumab is approved down to 6 months in the US, and UK trials are confirming dosing and safety in British paediatric populations
JAK inhibitors in adolescents — abrocitinib and upadacitinib trials in 12–17 year olds, with weight-based dosing and growth/development monitoring
Early intervention — trials testing whether aggressive early treatment of infantile eczema can prevent the "atopic march" (progression to food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis)
Emollient prophylaxis — the UK BEEP trial showed that daily emollient from birth does not prevent eczema in high-risk infants. Follow-up studies are testing alternative barrier strategies
Paediatric quality of life — trials incorporating sleep quality, school attendance, and validated paediatric QoL measures as primary endpoints
Who Can Participate?
Eczema trial eligibility typically depends on severity and prior treatments:
Biologic trials — moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (IGA score ≥3, EASI ≥16), usually after inadequate response to topical corticosteroids or systemic therapy. Some require prior biologic failure, others are biologic-naïve only
JAK inhibitor trials — similar severity criteria. Exclusions may include active infections, history of VTE, and certain cardiovascular risk factors (following EMA safety guidance)
Topical trials — mild-to-moderate disease may qualify. Often require a washout period from existing topicals. Affected body surface area (BSA) criteria apply
Paediatric trials — age restrictions vary (6 months+, 6 years+, 12+). Parental consent required, with assent from children old enough to understand
General criteria — stable condition for at least 6 months, no active skin infections at screening, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and willingness to attend regular follow-up visits
💡 Tip: Document Your Severity
Trial teams will assess your eczema using standardised scoring: EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index), IGA (Investigator's Global Assessment), and BSA (Body Surface Area). Keep a photo diary of your skin over 2–4 weeks, track your itch using the NRS (Numeric Rating Scale), and note how many flares you have per month. This helps the research team match you to the right study quickly.
UK Eczema Trial Locations
Major UK centres running eczema and atopic dermatitis trials include:
London — St John's Institute of Dermatology (Guy's and St Thomas'), Royal Free Hospital, King's College Hospital
Manchester — Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (Dermatology Centre), Manchester Royal Infirmary
Newcastle — Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals
Leeds — Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Cardiff — University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Bristol — Bristol Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals Bristol
Glasgow — Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Sheffield — Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
How to Find Your Match
Use our Smart Matcher to find eczema and atopic dermatitis trials tailored to your severity, age, and treatment history. Whether you are exploring your first biologic, switching from one targeted therapy to another, or seeking novel topical options, we can match you to actively recruiting studies.
Browse our eczema condition page for all recruiting studies, or explore related conditions like psoriasis for other dermatological research.
Find Eczema Trials For You
Our Smart Matcher uses your eczema severity, treatment history, and preferences to find the most relevant clinical trials.