Topical treatment has long centered on suppressing inflammation. But atopic dermatitis is more than inflammation alone. Immune dysregulation, barrier impairment, oxidative stress, itch, and recurrent flaring are deeply connected, and a growing understanding of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is expanding how clinicians think about treating the disease. 

In this fireside chat, Mona Shahriari, MD, and G. Michael Lewitt, MD, explore AhR agonism as a distinct therapeutic class and consider what its multimodal mechanism may mean in practice.  

They examine the evidence for tapinarof in moderate-to-severe AD, and the possibility of consecutive time off treatment after complete clearance. Throughout, they bring the data back to the questions that matter most in practice: where this option may fit, how to counsel patients and families, approaching sensitive sites and residual disease, and treatment goals that extend beyond improvement alone. 

The discussion will be followed by a live Q&A. 

Faculty 

Mona Shahriari, MD 
Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology 
Yale University School of Medicine 
Associate Director of Clinical Trials 
CCD Research 

G. Michael Lewitt, MD 
Associate Professor 
Chicago Medical School 
Partner, Illinois Dermatology Institute 
DeNova Research 

Following this program, attendees should be better able to: 

• Explain why AhR agonism represents a distinct topical therapeutic pathway  

• Connect AhR activity with inflammation, barrier function, and oxidative stress in atopic dermatitis  

• Interpret key efficacy, safety, pediatric, and treatment-free interval data  

• Consider how tapinarof may fit into individualized topical and systemic treatment plans  

• Incorporate patient-centered goals into counseling and follow-up after clearance