Crisaborole

Crisaborole is a small-molecule compound, non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children (at the age of 2 and older). PDE4 is an enzyme that converts the intracellular second messenger 3’5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) into the active metabolite adenosine monophosphate (AMP). By inhibiting PDE4 and thus increasing levels of cAMP, crisaborole controls inflammation. The use of boron chemistry enabled synthesis of a low-molecular-weight compound (251 daltons), thereby facilitating effective penetration of crisaborole through human skin.