Alberta dermatologists and patients are welcoming Health Canada’s approval of a new topical cream to treat atopic dermatitis—or eczema—saying it will make a meaningful difference for families across the province coping with the painful, chronic skin condition. The approval expands the use of Opzelura—a 1.5 per cent ruxolitinib cream—to include children as young as two years old. It’s the first and only topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor cleared for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in Canada, offering new options for patients whose symptoms aren’t controlled by traditional treatments such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. For Calgary resident Dinesh Shahi, that relief has already made a difference. He has lived with eczema for two years and said his symptoms worsened after moving to Alberta from Nepal, leaving his skin painfully dry and irritated. “Before, I used to get dry skin and had so much itching on my body, my face, everywhere,” Shahi said. “It was physically and mentally uncomfortable. I couldn’t sleep at night, and I couldn’t do my day-to-day duties.” After being prescribed Opzelura, Shahi said his symptoms improved dramatically. “It’s helped me so much—it’s made my day-to-day life normal,” he said. “Before, I was very shy because of my eczema, but now it makes me very comfortable.” Calgary dermatologist Dr. Alim Devani, who helped lead the North American TRuE-AD3 clinical trial, said the decision marks a major step forward for eczema care in Alberta, where many families struggle to manage the condition. “The clinical trial looked at children between the ages of two and 11 to test how safe and effective the medication was,” Devani said. “After eight weeks, almost 50 per cent of patients were clear or almost clear of their eczema, which is comparable to what we saw in other studies.” Roughly 350 patients across North America participated in the year-long study. Devani said the results were consistent and durable, with many children showing significant improvement that lasted through the full 12-month period. “Seven out of 10 patients at the end of a year were pretty clear,” he said. “We now have a medication that works fast, is durable long-term, and is very safe—even in children as young as two.” In October 2024, Health Canada first approved Opzelura for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis and nonsegmental vitiligo in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 and older. This latest expansion brings the minimum age down to two years old. Christine Lennon, vice-president and general manager of Incyte Biosciences Canada—the company behind the cream—said the approval reflects ongoing investment in dermatology innovation. “Children deserve to have relief from the effects of atopic dermatitis, while helping to give families peace of mind,” Lennon said. “Opzelura’s expanded indication to treat children with AD as young as two years of age reflects Incyte’s commitment to research and innovation while addressing the unmet needs in dermatology care for Canadian patients.” Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory condition that causes redness, dryness and chronic itching. Devani said it affects about 10 to 13 per cent of Canadian children, and Alberta’s dry climate can worsen flare-ups for some patients. Beyond the physical discomfort, Devani said eczema can take a serious toll on a child’s emotional well-being and family life. “When you can finally give patients something new that clears their skin and helps them sleep, it changes everything,” he said. “They’re less anxious, less self-conscious and their quality of life improves dramatically.” Health Canada’s approval of Opzelura for pediatric patients was based on results from the TRuE-AD3 trial, which showed no new safety concerns and only mild application-site reactions. The Eczema Society of Canada said the decision provides “more options and hope” for Canadians managing the condition. Devani said he’s optimistic Alberta patients will soon benefit from broader access to the cream. “This gives us another item on our toolbelt,” he said. “It’s a huge step forward for patients and families living with eczema.”
