Tapinarof Simplifies Long-Term Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Regimens

Linda Stein Gold, MD, director of dermatology clinical research at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Michigan, and Organon Health Partner, recently discussed a new analysis of pooled phase 3 data from the ADORING 1 and ADORING 2 trials of tapinarof cream 1% (Vtama; Organon), in atopic dermatitis. Her comments follow a new pooled analysis of data presented at the 2026 Society for Pediatric Dermatology Annual Meeting, breaking out vIGA-AD and EASI75 responses by pediatric age group and in adults for the first time.¹

In a previous interview, Stein Gold discussed age stratification across pediatric age groups, tolerability and adherence, and early separation from vehicle as early as week 1.

Tapinarof as a Long-Term Alternative to Topical Steroids

Stein Gold described topical steroids as a short-term solution to a long-term problem in atopic dermatitis management. Their side effects limit continuous use, even though clinicians often reach for them during flares.

"I think of topical steroids as a short-term solution to a long-term problem," Stein Gold said.

She said tapinarof simplifies the treatment regimen for younger atopic patients by working for both acute episodes and long-term maintenance. It also allows use on the face, around the eyes and on thicker skin. Stein Gold described it as functioning like a triad.

"It works well up front, it works for maintenance, but it's also well tolerated and shown to be safe," Stein Gold said.

Managing Folliculitis and Tolerability

Adverse effects observed in the clinical trials were infrequent and generally mild or moderate, according to Stein Gold. Folliculitis often resolved without treatment, and some patients simply paused the medication on the affected area. No single treatment was found to address folliculitis directly.

"If there's any problems, stop using the medication to that area. Maybe take a drug holiday," Stein Gold said.

Age-Stratified Data From the ADORING Trials

A pooled analysis of the ADORING 1 (NCT05014568) and ADORING 2 (NCT05032859) trials, presented at the 2026 Society for Pediatric Dermatology Annual Meeting, found consistent improvements in vIGA-AD response and EASI 75 with tapinarof cream compared with vehicle at week 8. Responses across pediatric age groups of 2 to 6, 7 to 11 and 12 to 17 years, and in adults 18 years and older, emerged as early as week 2 and continued through the 8-week treatment period.¹

The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were folliculitis, headache, and nasopharyngitis, consistent with the tolerability profile Stein Gold described from the original phase 3 program.¹

Continued Need for Pediatric Research

Stein Gold said pediatric patients currently have limited treatment options, underscoring the need for continued non-steroidal research.

"It's important that we continue to do research and development for our patients with atopic dermatitis. Our pediatric patients don't have that many treatment options, so it's really important to have new non-steroidal options," she said.

"I hope we continue to see more and more innovative research, and I'm glad that we have tapinarof, especially for our younger patients," Stein Gold concluded.

Reference

1. New analysis of phase 3 pooled data for Organon's VTAMA (tapinarof) cream, 1%, demonstrates early, consistent improvements in atopic dermatitis patients across pediatric age groups and in adults. News release. Organon. July 24, 2026. Accessed July 27, 2026. https://www.organon.com/news/new-analysis-of-phase-3-pooled-data-for-organons-vtama-tapinarof-cream-1-demonstrates-early-consistent-improvements-in-atopic-dermatitis-patients-across-pediatric-age-groups-and-in/