Sanofi Announces Results of 2026 "Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Landscape Survey" Targeting Parents of Children with Moderate to Severe Symptoms

Sanofi K.K. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Toshihiko Iwaiya) has conducted the "Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Landscape Survey" to understand parental awareness of the disease, current treatment practices, and perceptions regarding treatment options—including molecular-targeted therapies—among caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis from infancy through middle school. This survey targeted 471 parents of children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis symptoms.

In this survey, about 90% of parents expressed a desire for their child to reach key developmental milestones—such as entering daycare, starting school, or adolescence—in a stable condition with controlled symptoms. However, only about 30% of parents reported having consulted their doctor about intensifying treatment (e.g., changing or adding medication). Notably, another 30% said they wanted to consult but had not done so, highlighting a gap between awareness of the need for treatment review and actual engagement with healthcare providers.

Atopic dermatitis is a condition in which symptoms and impacts on daily life can change significantly from infancy through school age. However, when symptoms temporarily stabilize, observation without intervention may continue, often delaying necessary treatment adjustments. Moreover, prolonged symptoms can lead both children and families to become accustomed to the condition, accepting it as “just the way it is,” even while suspecting better treatment options may exist.

Recent years have seen significant advances in atopic dermatitis treatment, making long-term remission (maintaining a good condition for extended periods) an achievable goal. It is now understood that early, appropriate intervention in childhood can lead to better long-term outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to reassess a child’s symptoms and treatment plan at key transition points—such as ages 3, 6, and 12—when life circumstances change significantly. Shared understanding of treatment goals between healthcare providers and parents is essential to ensure each child receives individualized, effective care.

Going forward, Sanofi K.K. will continue to provide up-to-date information and raise disease awareness through its comprehensive allergy information website, "Allergy i."

Key Survey Findings:

- Approximately 90% of parents wish for their child to reach developmental milestones such as school entry or adolescence in a stable symptom state - About 40% of parents of middle schoolers reported worsening symptoms around puberty - Around 70% of parents feel their child’s atopic dermatitis is “under control,” yet about 70% also believe “better treatment options may exist” - Only about 30% of parents have consulted their doctor about treatment intensification (e.g., medication changes or additions), and another 30% say they want to consult but haven’t - Approximately 70% of parents are unaware that injectable therapies (biologics/antibody drugs/molecular-targeted therapies) are available as a treatment option for pediatric atopic dermatitis - Only about 60% of parents report sharing treatment goals with their doctor - About 40% of parents believe achieving “smooth, supple skin” is possible; among parents of middle schoolers, over 40% believe it is not achievable

Expert Commentary Following Survey Results

Dr. Mizuho Nagao Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Research Division Director National Hospital Organization Mie Hospital

Graduated from Gifu University School of Medicine in 1997; began residency at Gifu University Hospital Pediatrics in April 1997; April 1998–March 2002: Graduate School of Child Pathology, Gifu University School of Medicine; April 2002: Physician, Department of Pediatrics, Gifu University Hospital; April 2004–present: Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Mie Hospital; March 2013–present: Head, Research Laboratory for Allergy Disease Therapeutics, Clinical Research Division; April 2013–present: Chief, Department of Allergy (concurrent); December 2013–present: Deputy Director, Allergy Center (concurrent); May 2016–present: Adjunct Associate Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University (concurrent); April 2021–present: Clinical Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Mie University (concurrent); May 2021–present: Director, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Hospital Organization Mie Hospital (concurrent); July 2021–present: Director, Clinical Research Division

"Ages 3, 6, and 12 are critical times to pause and reassess atopic dermatitis treatment"

Atopic dermatitis is a condition highly sensitive to children’s growth and changes in their living environment. This survey revealed that a significant number of parents perceived symptom worsening at key developmental stages such as daycare/preschool entry, elementary school entry, middle school entry, and adolescence. In particular, among parents of middle schoolers, a relatively high proportion reported worsening symptoms around puberty or the start of extracurricular activities.

Worsening of atopic dermatitis does not always occur suddenly. Symptoms may gradually deteriorate, or topical treatments may become less effective over time, leading to a slow decline in control. Additionally, while parents may expect caregiving burdens to ease as their child grows, they may instead experience greater-than-expected challenges in symptom management and increased anxiety, leading them to perceive a worsening of the condition.

This survey found that about 70% of parents feel their child’s atopic dermatitis is “under control.” However, even when parents perceive control, physicians may still see room for improvement. When suboptimal control persists, both parents and children may come to accept it as “normal,” adapting to the condition. But allowing this state to continue without reassessment is not ideal for the child.

Recent evidence shows that early, appropriate treatment intervention in childhood leads to better long-term outcomes. Atopic dermatitis is now a condition for which the goal is minimal or no symptoms and minimal impact on daily life. Therefore, reassessing treatment at appropriate times, with an eye toward the future, is essential.

Only about 60% of parents reported sharing treatment goals with their doctor, underscoring the need for broader alignment between physicians and caregivers. Shared understanding of treatment goals can also increase awareness of diverse treatment options—including injectable therapies—and the possibility of achieving “smooth, supple skin.”

With expanded treatment options, shared goal-setting has become more important than ever. Openly discussing concerns with physicians may lead to appropriate treatment adjustments. For parents who feel uncertain or hesitant about raising issues, preparing notes in advance can be an effective strategy.

Because atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, families may become accustomed to persistent symptoms. That’s why milestones such as ages 3, 6, and 12 are critical opportunities to pause and reassess treatment. At times of major life changes—such as school entry, advancement, or adolescence—it is vital for healthcare providers, parents, and children themselves to jointly evaluate whether current treatment is sufficient and whether a better state is achievable.

Survey Overview

Survey Period: April 10, 2026 (Fri) to April 23, 2026 (Thu)

Survey Method: Online survey

Survey Target: 471 parents (male and female) of children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis symptoms

(Parents of infants: 71, parents of preschoolers: 100, parents of lower elementary schoolers: 100, parents of upper elementary schoolers: 100, parents of middle schoolers: 100)

If multiple children met criteria, respondents answered based on the child with the highest clinic visit frequency

≪Definition of Moderate to Severe in This Survey≫

Either a POEM score of 8 or higher, or physician-assessed severity of moderate or worse

POEM Score... Very severe (25–28), Severe (17–24), Moderate (8–16), Mild (3–7), Clear or almost clear (0–2)

Survey Region: Nationwide

Survey Contractor: M-Ci Inc.

About Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by rashes and other symptoms. Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis is marked by widespread rashes and persistent, intense, treatment-resistant itching, along with dry skin, fissures, erythema, and crusts. Itching is the most burdensome symptom for patients and can lead to physical exhaustion. Additionally, moderate to severe atopic dermatitis patients may experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, negatively impacting quality of life (QOL)1.

1 Hidetoshi Sae-ki et al. Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Guideline 2024. Jpn J Dermatol. 2024; 134: 2741-2843.

About Tsurumochi Map

An informational website dedicated to children with atopic dermatitis and their families. It offers clear, expert explanations on daily care questions and evolving symptoms and concerns as children grow. The site provides helpful information to support each child in achieving “smooth, supple skin.”

URL: https://www.allergy-i.jp/kayumi/atopic/child/useful/tsurumochi-map/index.html

About Allergy i

An information website on type 2 inflammation, operated by Sanofi for allergy disease patients and their families in Japan. It provides helpful resources for managing diseases such as atopic dermatitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria, bronchial asthma, and sinusitis.

URL: https://www.allergy-i.jp/

About Sanofi

Sanofi is an AI-powered, research-driven biopharmaceutical company committed to improving people’s lives and driving strong growth. Leveraging deep expertise in immunoscience, Sanofi delivers medicines and vaccines that treat and prevent diseases for millions worldwide, while building innovative pipelines for greater impact. Guided by its mission to “chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives,” Sanofi addresses healthcare, environmental, and societal challenges with integrity, aiming to create positive change for employees, nations, and local communities.

For more information about Sanofi K.K., Japan’s local entity, visit https://www.sanofi.co.jp

Detailed Survey Results

1. Approximately 90% of parents wish for their child to reach developmental milestones such as school entry or adolescence in a stable symptom state

When asked whether they hope their child will reach key developmental milestones—such as entering daycare, starting school, or adolescence—in a stable, well-controlled state of atopic dermatitis, 50.3% said “strongly agree” and 39.3% said “somewhat agree,” totaling 89.6% who agreed. In contrast, 7.4% said “somewhat disagree” and 3.0% said “strongly disagree,” indicating that most parents place high importance on maintaining stable symptoms during major life transitions.

2. About 40% of parents of middle schoolers reported worsening symptoms around the time their child entered adolescence

When asked whether their child’s atopic dermatitis symptoms worsened due to life changes associated with growth, 25.3% of parents cited “daycare or kindergarten entry” and 22.7% cited “elementary school entry” as times of worsening. Among parents of middle schoolers, 42.0% reported worsening “around the time of adolescence,” 39.0% at “middle school entry,” and 35.0% at “start of extracurricular activities.”

These findings suggest that many parents perceive symptom worsening during periods when changes in routine due to school transitions coincide with physical and emotional changes of adolescence and expanded activities such as club participation.

3. About 70% of parents feel their child’s atopic dermatitis symptoms are “under control,” yet about 70% also feel “better treatment options may exist”

When asked whether they feel their child’s atopic dermatitis is under control, 9.6% said “feel well controlled” and 59.0% said “feel somewhat controlled,” totaling 68.8% who feel symptoms are controlled. However, when asked whether they sometimes feel “better treatment options may exist,” 12.3% said “strongly feel” and 56.1% said “somewhat feel,” totaling 68.4% who hold this view.

These results suggest that while most parents perceive some level of symptom control with current treatment, many are not fully satisfied and harbor hopes for further symptom improvement and more personalized treatment options.

4. Only about 30% of parents have consulted their doctor about treatment intensification (e.g., medication changes or additions), and about 30% say they want to consult but haven’t

When asked whether they have ever consulted their doctor about intensifying treatment—for example, changing or adding medication—only 30.6% said “yes.” Meanwhile, 30.1% said “want to consult but haven’t,” and 39.3% said “have never consulted,” meaning 69.4% of parents overall have not consulted their doctor on this matter.

These results indicate not only that a significant number of parents are interested in treatment review but have not followed through, but also suggest that opportunities to discuss treatment intensification with physicians may not be sufficiently available.

5. About 70% of parents are unaware that injectable therapies are an available treatment option for pediatric atopic dermatitis

When asked whether they knew that injectable therapies (biologics/antibody drugs/molecular-targeted therapies) are available as a treatment option for pediatric atopic dermatitis, 32.9% said “know,” while 67.1% said “do not know.”

These results reveal that about 70% of parents are unaware of injectable treatment options for pediatric atopic dermatitis. Despite more than two years having passed since a new treatment option became available in September 2023, this finding underscores the ongoing need for improved information dissemination.

6. About 60% of parents report sharing treatment goals with their doctor

When asked whether they share treatment goals (goals) with their doctor, 6.2% said “share well” and 55.6% said “share somewhat,” totaling 61.8% who feel they share goals. In contrast, 30.8% said “do not share well” and 7.4% said “do not share at all,” meaning 38.2% of parents feel they do not adequately share treatment goals with their doctor.

These results highlight the importance of establishing shared treatment goals between physicians and parents, especially as treatment options expand.

7. About 40% of parents believe achieving “smooth, supple skin” is possible; among parents of middle schoolers, over 40% believe it is not achievable

When asked whether they believe “smooth, supple skin” is an achievable goal with appropriate treatment, 41.0% of parents overall said “believe it is achievable.” In contrast, 30.1% said “do not believe it is achievable” and 28.9% said “do not know,” meaning 59.0% did not affirm it as achievable. By age group, among parents of middle schoolers, 43.0% said “do not believe it is achievable,” exceeding the 26.0% who said “believe it is achievable.” This suggests that as children age without symptom improvement, parents may lose hope of achieving ideal skin condition.

According to Dr. Mizuho Nagao, “smooth, supple skin” is seen as a goal beyond mere itch relief. She emphasizes that limited awareness may contribute to the growing number of parents of middle schoolers who believe this goal is unattainable, and stresses the importance of more proactive treatment intervention, as skin condition during adolescence can impact self-esteem and future life choices.