The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has added Organon's VTAMA® (tapinarof) 1% cream to its 2026 pediatric atopic dermatitis guidelines with a strong, evidence‑based recommendation. The recommendation is the only steroid‑free topical that receives a strong endorsement for children aged two years and older across all severities, positioning VTAMA as the preferred non‑steroidal option for pediatric eczema.
VTAMA’s path to this endorsement began with FDA approval for plaque psoriasis in adults on May 24 2022, followed by FDA approval for atopic dermatitis in adults and pediatric patients aged two and older on December 16 2024. The AAD’s recommendation builds on the robust Phase 3 ADORING 1 and ADORING 2 trials that demonstrated early and consistent efficacy in reducing itch and disease severity in children as young as two years old.
Organon’s strategic focus on dermatology was accelerated by the September 18 2024 acquisition of Dermavant Sciences, which brought VTAMA into its portfolio. The deal, completed in the fourth quarter of 2024, added a high‑potential, steroid‑free therapy to a company already known for its women’s health portfolio, expanding Organon’s therapeutic reach.
The announcement was well received by investors, reflecting confidence in VTAMA’s market potential. Analysts noted that the AAD’s endorsement could translate into increased prescription volume and a stronger competitive position in the pediatric dermatology segment.
Kevin Ali, Organon’s CEO, said, “I am certain that this merger will provide us the scope and global scale to unleash the potential of Vtama cream.” Mona Shahriari, MD, added, “Topical therapies remain a cornerstone for treating atopic dermatitis (AD) whether patients have mild, moderate or severe disease. But there remains an unmet need for safe, effective and tolerable non‑steroidal topical therapies that can be used in both adults and pediatric patients.”
By becoming the sole steroid‑free topical with a strong recommendation, VTAMA is positioned to capture a growing share of the pediatric eczema market, which is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. The endorsement also signals to clinicians that VTAMA offers a safe, effective alternative to steroids, potentially accelerating adoption and driving long‑term sales growth for Organon.
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