difamilast

Difamilast is a **topical small-molecule phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor** developed by Otsuka for the treatment of **atopic dermatitis**. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ointment that reduces inflammatory signaling by selectively inhibiting PDE4, with published data highlighting particularly strong activity against the PDE4B subtype. Clinical development has included phase 2 and phase 3 studies in adults, children, and infants, largely in Japan, showing rapid antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effects and generally favorable tolerability with twice-daily topical use. Difamilast received **marketing approval in Japan in 2021** for adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with atopic dermatitis, and has also been developed in the United States under the code name MM36 through Medimetriks/Acrotech licensing arrangements.

Brand names

Moizerto

Other names

difamilast