Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and advancements in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), highlighting the issues of steroid misuse and the introduction of a new non-steroidal innovative drug that aims to break the cycle of treatment and relapse [3][4][5]. Group 1: Atopic Dermatitis Overview - Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease often associated with other allergic conditions, with a rising incidence globally, particularly severe in China where the prevalence in children aged 1-7 years is 12.94% and in infants aged 1-12 months is 30.48% [4]. - The misuse of steroid creams has become a significant issue, leading to severe side effects such as irreversible skin changes and dependency, as patients often self-medicate without proper guidance [3][5]. Group 2: Treatment Challenges - The current treatment landscape is characterized by a dichotomy of steroid overuse and fear of steroid use, complicating effective management of the disease [6]. - Traditional treatments involve a trade-off between the rapid relief provided by steroids and the long-term damage they can cause to the skin, while non-steroidal options are perceived as slower and less effective [6]. Group 3: Innovative Solutions - The introduction of the innovative drug, Zeli Mei® (bimekizumab), represents a significant advancement, being the first aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulator approved for treating AD in patients over 2 years old [8]. - Clinical trials have shown promising results, with nearly 60% of patients achieving deep itch relief after 8 weeks of treatment, and 70% of patients remaining relapse-free for 10 months after stopping the medication [8]. - The Chinese market for eczema topical agents is projected to reach approximately 5.28 billion yuan in 2024, with steroid-based medications currently dominating the market, exemplified by "Pian Yan Ping" achieving sales of 1.04 billion yuan in 2023 [8].

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges of managing atopic dermatitis (AD) in China, highlighting the issues of hormone abuse and the need for innovative treatments [1][2][3] - A new non-steroidal drug, Zeli Mei® (bimekizumab), has been approved for the treatment of AD, offering a potential solution to the ongoing cycle of flare-ups and treatment failures [2][3] Regulatory and Market Context - The current regulatory gray area and excessive marketing contribute to the widespread abuse of steroid medications for AD [2] - The prevalence of AD is increasing, with a reported incidence of 12.94% among children aged 1-7 years and 30.48% among infants aged 1-12 months in China [1] Treatment Challenges - Patients often resort to self-medication due to the availability of various topical treatments, leading to a dual challenge of overuse and fear of necessary steroid treatments [2] - Traditional steroid treatments are effective but can cause long-term skin damage, while non-steroidal options are safer but take longer to show results [2] Innovative Solutions - The introduction of Zeli Mei® represents a significant advancement, being the first aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulator approved for AD treatment in children over 2 years old and adults [3] - Clinical trials indicate that nearly 60% of patients experienced significant itch relief after 8 weeks of treatment, and 70% of patients remained relapse-free for 10 months after stopping the medication [3] Market Potential - China has approximately 70 million AD patients, with over 90% requiring topical treatments, indicating a substantial market opportunity for new therapies [3] - The market for eczema topical agents in China is projected to reach approximately 5.28 billion yuan in 2024, with steroid medications currently holding a significant market share [3]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the eczema ointment industry Core Insights - The Chinese eczema ointment market is characterized by a growing demand for innovative solutions that balance efficacy and safety, driven by a trend of patient consumerization and the prevalence of unsafe products containing illegal additives [3][5] - The report emphasizes that only products with the "National Drug Approval Number" can ensure safety and efficacy, highlighting the non-hormonal innovative drug, Zeli Mei® (Benvimod Ointment), as a representative of the future market direction [3][8] Summary by Sections Market Overview - Eczema is a chronic, recurrent, itchy, and inflammatory skin disease affecting 15% to 30% of dermatology patients [13][29] - Topical medications account for 67% of eczema treatments, with non-hormonal topical agents becoming increasingly important due to the potential adverse effects of long-term steroid use [13][30] - The market for eczema ointments is projected to grow from approximately 5.5 billion yuan in 2019 to 7.44 billion yuan by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2025 to 2029 [43][45] Product Categories and Efficacy Analysis - The report identifies various types of topical agents and their effectiveness, noting that treatment strategies should be adjusted based on the stage of eczema: acute, subacute, and chronic [47][52] - Non-hormonal innovative drugs like Benvimod Ointment are highlighted for their clinical advantages in efficacy and safety compared to traditional treatments [30][33] Patient Behavior and Awareness - Patients prioritize ingredient safety and brand reputation when purchasing eczema medications, with a significant shift towards online and branded channels for drug acquisition [6][36] - The consumerization of healthcare is evident, with patients actively seeking information and making informed decisions about their treatments [40][41] Market Challenges and Regulatory Landscape - The report discusses the prevalence of misleading marketing and unsafe products in the eczema ointment market, emphasizing the need for strict regulatory compliance and consumer education [7][8] - The "National Drug Approval Number" is presented as a critical standard for ensuring the safety and efficacy of eczema treatments, with a trend towards increased regulatory scrutiny [8][43]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the eczema ointment market in China Core Insights - The Chinese eczema ointment market is characterized by a growing demand for innovative solutions that balance efficacy and safety, driven by a trend of patient consumerization and the prevalence of unsafe products containing illegal hormone additives [5][7] - The report emphasizes that only products with the "National Drug Approval Number" can ensure safety and efficacy, highlighting the innovative non-hormonal drug, Zeli Mei® (Benvimod Cream), as a representative of future market direction [5][10] Summary by Sections Market Overview - Eczema is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease affecting 15% to 30% of dermatology patients, with topical medications accounting for 67% of treatment options [15][25] - Non-hormonal topical agents are crucial due to the potential adverse effects of long-term steroid use, with Benvimod Cream showing significant clinical advantages in efficacy and safety [15][21] Product Categories and Efficacy Analysis - The report outlines the importance of recognizing "National Drug Approval Number" products as the only legally validated treatment for eczema, with a focus on innovative drugs that enhance both efficacy and safety [10][42] - The market is transitioning from traditional to innovative drugs, with a notable increase in online pharmacy sales, reaching 1.78 billion yuan in Q2 2025, a year-on-year growth of over 37% [35][42] Patient Behavior and Awareness - The primary demographics of eczema patients in China are children (ages 2-12) and young adults (ages 18-60), with nearly 90% of cases being mild to moderate [48][54] - Patients prioritize ingredient safety and brand reputation when purchasing topical medications, with over 40% avoiding steroid treatments due to concerns about side effects [48][60] - The digital healthcare landscape is evolving, with e-commerce becoming a significant growth driver for dermatological products, as online medical consultations are increasingly popular [61][62] Market Issues and Analysis - The report identifies significant market issues, including the prevalence of misleading advertising and unsafe products, which pose serious health risks to consumers, particularly infants [9][10] - It stresses the need for strict regulatory measures to eliminate non-compliant products and promote a market focused on innovative, compliant drugs [10][42]