05/15/2026
Part 2: The shared biology of itch and atopic dermatitis in humans and dogs.
Dr. Azimi isn’t just ANY dermatologist. He’s a physician-scientist who authored research specifically on itch and atopic dermatitis, the same inflammatory condition dogs develop, sometimes called allergic dermatitis or simply “allergies.” That’s exactly why we brought him onto our expert panel.
A question we hear often: what does human dermatology have to do with dog dermatology?
More than most people realize. The underlying mechanisms and pathways driving itch and atopic dermatitis are remarkably similar across both dogs & humans. And the clearest proof of that? The treatment targets are nearly identical.
Cytopoint (dogs) / Nemluvio (humans)
Both target IL-31, the key “itch” cytokine driving the itch signal itself.
Atopica (dogs) / Cyclosporine (humans)
A broad immunosuppressant used in moderate to severe cases in both dogs & humans. Same medication is used for both dogs and humans.
Apoquel & Zenrelia (dogs) / Rinvoq & Cibinqo (humans)
All JAK inhibitors. Same mechanistic class, different formulations.
KIND-25 (dogs, in clinical trials) / Dupixent (humans)
Both target IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines. KIND-25 is still in very early studies, but the parallel is striking.
Yes, there are species-specific nuances. But the core biology? Shared. Which is why the science developed for humans continues to inform what’s possible in veterinary medicine, and vice versa.