Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD

2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference

 in Nashville, Tennessee, a range of presentations were given by leaders in the dermatology field on topics related to the treatment of 

One such talk, titled ‘Assessing the Evidence for OX40-OX40L Axis Inhibition for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis’ was presented by Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.

OX40 is a protein that is on the surface of activated T cells, playing a part in atopic dermatitis via the promotion of inflammation as well as T cell activation. The approach discussed by Bunick involved the targeting of the OX40 pathway using therapeutics such as rocatinlimab or amlitelimab.

Bunick spoke about some of the most notable takeaways from his presentation in a recent Q&A interview by 

. The contents of his discussion are as follows:

You just gave a presentation about OX40 and OX40-ligand (OX-40L)-targeting biologics, a new class of therapeutics coming into the atopic dermatitis space. What were some of the takeaways?

 First, I gave a big overview of where these therapeutics stand in the treatment algorithm. For example, current mono-targeted biologics are sort of midstream in the signaling pathway, whereas JAK inhibitors are downstream. OX40 and OX40-ligand targeted biologics are working upstream at either the antigen-presenting cell or at the activated T cell to stop cytokine production. All the different cytokines that are involved in atopic dermatitis, particularly that heterogeneity that we know drives atopic dermatitis.

That being said, stopping cytokines from that interaction between the antigen-presenting cell and the activated T cell isn't all that these targeted biologics of the OX40 and OX40 ligand system can do. They can also increase Treg cells and hopefully decrease memory T cells that may be involved in the persistence in reactivation of atopic dermatitis flares.

What were some of the other highlights of your session on OX40 and OX40L axis inhibition for atopic dermatitis?

 I then talked about some of the structural biology analysis that my research lab has done, looking at the mechanism of action of OX40 and OX40 ligand targeting biologics, dissecting out how the epitopes for therapies like amlitelimab versus rocatinlimab versus telazorlimab, and how they are molecularly different. Lastly, I walked the audience through the phase 2 and phase 3 data for amlitelimab and rocatinlimab, particularly focusing on the phase 3 data of rocatinlimab and the phase 2b data of amlitelimab.

I talked about the efficacy of these therapies and their ability to achieve reduction in EASI scores from baseline, their ability to achieve IGA 0 or 1, and their ability to achieve EASI-75. I talked about all of these efficacy measures throughout not just 16 or 24 weeks, but out to 52 weeks, as well as looked at the safety data showing that these therapies, based on the clinical trials, appear to be safe options for our atopic dermatitis patients.

What would you say is the biggest takeaway from some of these data that you highlight?

With that said, overall, OX40 and OX40-ligand targeting biologics are a new entry into the atopic dermatitis therapeutic landscape. I really had a great time speaking with my friend and colleague, Dr. Johann Gudjonsson, about this topic. And I look forward to seeing more data come out on these therapies in the months ahead.

For any additional information on this topic or related topics in the atopic dermatitis space featured at RAD 2025, view our 

The quotes used in this summary were edited for the purposes of clarity.

Articles

The 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference featured a presentation by Dr. Christopher G. Bunick on OX40-OX40L axis inhibition for atopic dermatitis treatment. OX40-targeted biologics, such as rocatinlimab and amlitelimab, act upstream in the signaling pathway, potentially reducing cytokine production and increasing Treg cells. Bunick highlighted structural biology analyses and phase 2/3 trial data, demonstrating efficacy in reducing EASI scores and achieving IGA 0 or 1. These biologics represent a promising addition to the therapeutic landscape, with ongoing research anticipated.

This Q&A interview at RAD 2025 features a discussion about a talk titled ‘Assessing the Evidence for OX40-OX40L Axis Inhibition for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.’

Evidence for OX40-OX40L Axis Inhibition for Atopic Dermatitis, with Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD

Discussing the Most Exciting Events at 2025 RAD Conference, with Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD

2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Meeting

 is scheduled to take place from June 6 - 7 in Nashville, Tennessee, with attendees being given a chance to attend informative sessions, learn about new data, and network with one another.

In a recent interview, Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine, spoke about his own presentation at the RAD conference as well as what he is most looking forward to during the meeting.

“What am I most excited about?” Bunick said. “The answer is, I'm excited about learning new content. I'm excited about learning the cutting-edge new trials and new innovations. I think it's really important to know what's happening in the field so that I can best advise my patients. So I'm very excited about learning. You know, I always joke with people that I never need coffee. I just need science. That's my most exciting part of going to RAD is learning more science so I can better help my patients.”

Bunick further highlighted that interactions with colleagues in the dermatology space is 1 of the most enjoyable parts of attending conferences like RAD.

“One of the greatest joys of our profession, particularly dermatology, is that we have great colleagues,” Bunick explained. “To be able to interact with them and learn from them is a tremendous resource for collegiality and learning. Lastly, I'm looking forward to getting back to my home state of Tennessee, spending some time in Nashville.”

To sign up for the 2025 RAD conference, check out 

. For additional information from Bunick, view the full interview clip above.

The quotes contained in this summary were edited for the purposes of clarity.

Videos

In this interview, Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, speaks on the elements of the RAD 2025 conference that he is most anticipating.


Key Takeaways on the Role of Oral JAK Inhibitors in Atopic Dermatitis Management

Video content above is prompted by the following:

What are some key takeaways or advice for other dermatologists treating patients with atopic dermatitis with JAK inhibitors?

Experts discuss key takeaways for dermatologists managing atopic dermatitis with JAK inhibitors, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans, monitoring for safety and efficacy, and balancing the benefits of JAK inhibitors with potential risks, especially in long-term use.

Oral JAK Inhibitor Dose Escalation in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

With JAK inhibitor therapy, the dose can be increased if needed based on clinical judgment. How do you decide when a patient should increase the dose of their JAK inhibitor?

How often do you increase to the higher dose of JAK inhibitors in practice?

Experts discuss how clinical judgment guides the decision to increase the dose of a JAK inhibitor, considering factors like patient response and symptom severity, and how often dose escalation is implemented in practice based on individual patient needs.