A new treatment option is expected to help patients with chronic hand eczema regain normal daily life—particularly those who have long hidden their hands or relied on gloves due to visible symptoms.

In March 2026, the topical pan-JAK inhibitor Anzupgo Cream (delgocitinib) will be launched in Korea as a non-reimbursed product. Until now, treatment options have been limited to topical steroids—associated with long-term side effects—or oral retinoids that carry systemic risks. The introduction of a cream-based therapy is drawing attention as a safer, more practical alternative.

HIT News spoke with Dr. Joo-yeon Ko, President of the Korean Society of Contact Dermatitis and Allergy and Professor of Dermatology at Hanyang University Hospital. She highlighted the unmet needs in chronic hand eczema and the clinical significance of this new option, noting that patients hesitant about treatment due to safety concerns may now have a viable alternative.

Hand eczema is a multifactorial inflammatory condition. Chronic hand eczema is defined as symptoms persisting for more than three months or recurring at least twice a year. It commonly arises from overlapping causes, including occupational exposure to irritants, atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.

The condition can significantly impair daily life. In severe cases, patients may struggle with basic activities such as washing their hair or typing due to pain, itching, and skin fissures.
 

Topical steroids remain first-line treatment but are problematic for long-term use. Prolonged application can thin the skin, increasing susceptibility to bruising and injury, while unintended transfer to other areas may cause additional side effects.

For patients unresponsive to topical therapy, oral treatments such as alitretinoin are used. However, these require regular monitoring due to risks such as elevated lipid levels and severe teratogenicity, placing a significant burden on patients—especially when treating a localized condition.

Anzupgo Cream contains delgocitinib, a pan-JAK inhibitor that targets JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2, blocking multiple inflammatory pathways.

Clinical studies demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy. In pooled analyses of five trials involving adults with moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema, the treatment showed a strong safety profile over both 16-week and 52-week periods. Adverse event rates were lower than placebo and oral alitretinoin, with minimal serious drug-related events.

Patients also experienced rapid symptom relief, with reduced itching from Day 1 and significant pain improvement from Day 3—supporting both immediate and sustained disease control.

Professor Ko emphasized that pain reduction translates directly into meaningful recovery in daily functioning.

Professor Ko highlighted patient convenience and psychological reassurance as the key advantages of Anzupgo Cream. Unlike long-term topical steroid use, which may cause skin atrophy, or oral therapies that carry systemic side effects and pregnancy-related risks, this treatment offers a safer alternative. She explained, “Since the hands account for only about 4% of total body surface area, a topical cream applied locally has very low potential for systemic absorption, making it favorable in terms of safety.”

However, caution is still necessary. Professor Ko emphasized that the drug is specifically approved as a topical treatment for hand eczema. Using it indiscriminately over large or unapproved areas may increase systemic absorption, potentially raising the risk of adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to use the medication strictly within its approved indications and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Professor Ko encouraged patients to take a proactive approach:

“If you feel the need to hide your hands, it may be more than a minor issue—it could require medical treatment. Patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms should consult a specialist and seek active care.”

Anzupgo Cream is already approved for adult chronic hand eczema in multiple regions, including Korea, the EU, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Its launch in Korea is expected to expand treatment options and improve outcomes for patients with limited alternatives.