---
title: >-
  Why Do Optimal Targets for Itch and Skin Clearance Matter in Atopic Dermatitis
  Treatment? Insights from the TARGET-DERM AD Registry.
description: >-
  Explore this publication on real-world evidence: Why Do Optimal Targets for
  Itch and Skin Clearance Matter in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment? Insights from
  the…
date: '2024-01-01'
category: Publications
tags:
  - Poster Presentation
  - R&D
  - Care
  - Dermatology
  - Atopic Dermatitis (AD)
  - Health System Partner
canonical_url: >-
  https://www.pedestalhealth.com/resources/publications/poster-presentation/why-do-optimal-targets-for-itch-and-skin-clearance-matter/
source: Pedestal Health
license: © 2026 Pedestal Health. All rights reserved.
slug: why-do-optimal-targets-for-itch-and-skin-clearance-matter
id: 5vDv2j2yylqvC0yLc9bF5Z
contentType: article
---

## Challenge

Treat-to-target frameworks recommend ambitious goals for both itch and skin clearance, but real-world evidence demonstrating why achieving these optimal targets meaningfully improves patient outcomes—beyond partial improvement—was needed to motivate prescribers to pursue higher treatment targets.

## Solution

The TARGET-DERM AD registry was used to evaluate the independent and combined PRO benefits of achieving optimal itch (WI-NRS 0/1) and skin clearance (vIGA-AD 0/1) targets, demonstrating the additive quality-of-life value of achieving both goals simultaneously.

## Impact

Providing real-world quantification of the PRO gains associated with achieving optimal versus partial treatment targets strengthens the treat-to-target evidence base in AD, supporting prescriber behavior change and reinforcing the value proposition for therapies capable of achieving complete or near-complete responses.

### [Keith D. Knapp](/people/keith-knapp/)

### [Breda Munoz](/people/breda-munoz/)

![Breda Munoz, PhD — Profile Photo](https://images.ctfassets.net/h4s3ip99qawo/3H1T2mfvSNFj6w9tulnreq/a74ae05fe53e400f176d4e9c617b8fb8/breda-munoz.jpg)

### [Julie M. Crawford](/people/julie-crawford/)