Pharmacology
Ruxolitinib inhibits JAK1 and JAK2, enzymes involved in signaling by cytokines and growth factors important to immune function and hematopoiesis.
Topical Pharmacology
Topical ruxolitinib delivers the active ingredient to the skin.
The clinical evidence for ruxolitinib cream comes from studies of dermatologic diseases and should not be presented as direct evidence for oral systemic treatment.
Oral Pharmacology
Oral ruxolitinib produces systemic exposure and has been studied extensively in hematologic and inflammatory conditions.
Pharmacokinetics
Following oral administration, ruxolitinib is absorbed systemically and undergoes metabolism involving CYP3A4 and other pathways.
The terminal half-life of oral ruxolitinib is relatively short compared with many other targeted medicines.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence for oral ruxolitinib includes studies in myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera and graft-versus-host disease.
Topical ruxolitinib clinical development includes studies in atopic dermatitis and nonsegmental vitiligo.
These evidence bases should be evaluated separately.
Evidence Limitations
Results from an oral ruxolitinib trial cannot automatically be described as evidence that Rutinib Cream produces the same clinical benefit.
Likewise, results from a topical ruxolitinib trial should not be used as evidence for systemic treatment.