From "2 Years and Above"to "3 Months and Above" — Zelimei Breaks New Ground in Full Age-Range Eczema Treatment
Zelimei was approved in 2024 as the first topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulator for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years and older, as well as in adults, filling the void in non-steroidal topical therapy for this age group. Following its approval, Zelimei demonstrated strong clinical performance, earning inclusion in the Chinese consensus on the prevention, treatment, and management of atopic dermatitis in children(2026 edition). The consensus noted that Zelimei (Benvitimod Cream) carries no site restriction for use in pediatric eczema and is suitable for all body sites, including the face and skin folds, supporting long-term management in pediatric patients. In February of this year, JumpCan Pharmaceutical entered into an exclusive commercial partnership with Thederma for Zelimei, accelerating the market adoption and broad access of this homegrown innovative drug.
However, a significant treatment gap persists in the current clinical management of atopic dermatitis. Infants and toddlers aged 3 months to 2 years represent the highest-prevalence population for AD, yet they have long been underserved by suitable pharmacological options. The completion of the world's first Phase III clinical trial in this very young age group marks not only an advancement in eczema treatment and pediatric drug technology, but also a significant milestone in global pediatric innovative drug development.
The study results showed that after 8 weeks of standardized treatment, 81.6% of patients achieved 90% or greater improvement or complete clearance of skin lesions, while 86.8% achieved full or near-complete clearance. The overall parental assessment of the disease improved by approximately 81%, reflecting outstanding performance among topical pediatric drugs and effectively alleviating patients’ discomfort and the burden on caregivers. Additionally, the adverse event rate in this study was 7.3%, with all adverse events being mild to moderate and transient local reactions. Over a 44-week observation period, no drug was detectable in patients’ blood, and no systemic side effects were observed clinically.
Professor Zhang Jianzhong of the Department of Dermatology, Peking University People's Hospital, commented: "This breakthrough clinical trial result marks another milestone for Benvitimod Cream, which has once again placed China at the forefront of global efforts in treating atopic dermatitis in very young children. Young AD patients now have a new non-steroidal topical treatment option." Professor Ma Lin of Beijing Children's Hospital also noted that Zelimei spares infants and toddlers from the distress of oral medication or injections, and that topical treatment significantly improves treatment compliance. Professor Li Ming of the Children's Hospital of Fudan University pointed out that this drug provides strong clinical evidence supporting the principle of early intervention and early treatment of atopic dermatitis in infants and toddlers.
Dual Empowerment — Accelerating the Growth of China's Homegrown Innovative Drugs
JumpCan Pharmaceutical leverages its "hospital + retail + e-commerce" three-channel terminal network, committed to building a service loop encompassing "professional education + precision outreach + full-cycle management." Backed by deep market roots, professional academic promotion capabilities, and strong brand influence, JumpCan has accelerated the commercial rollout of Zelimei across multi-tier healthcare institutions, chain pharmacies, and online pharmaceutical platforms, continuously improving patient access. Zelimei has earned strong word-of-mouth among patient families, and market recognition continues to grow.
Thederma focuses on upstream R&D centered on the AhR target and post-marketing evidence generation, ensuring the scientific rigor and innovation of the product. The publication of these research results powerfully demonstrates Thederma's capabilities in AhR-targeting technology. Looking ahead, with the anticipated approval of the infant and toddler indication for Zelimei, JumpCan Pharmaceutical will leverage its established resources in the pediatric field to fully unlock the product value of Zelimei, enabling AhR-targeting technology to open new horizons in eczema therapy, lead the future direction of eczema treatment, and inject new momentum into the cause of skin health across all age groups.
In his closing remarks, Professor Zhang Jianzhong emphasized once more: "This Phase III clinical study demonstrates that topical treatment is the cornerstone therapy for AD in children. Benvitimod Cream represents a small step forward, but a giant leap for China. Through innovative drug development, we are addressing longstanding unmet needs in AD treatment — and indeed, leading the way in topical AD management globally. This research aligns with national policy priorities for pediatric drug innovation, and injects powerful momentum into the advancement of children’s health and the innovative upgrading of China’s domestic pharmaceutical industry."