Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease. Although most patients are well served by existing therapies, a subset of patients with severe AD are still not adequately treated. An improved understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms behind the disease has led to the development of a range of potential new drugs for this indication. Areas covered: The authors provide a narrative review of the drugs in Phase II trials listed on Clinicaltrials.gov. The authors supplement this information with recently published literature located through PubMed. The main target of new treatments appears to be the inflammation process, whereas drugs aimed at reducing itching or increasing the barrier function are fewer to nonexistent. A wide range of drugs, including small molecules and antibodies, are being tested. Expert opinion: The focus on inflammation is not only driven by the limitations posed by our current understanding of biology, but also by the broader scope of these drugs, which may be used in other diseases. In alignment with the recent drug development of other dermatological diseases, antibodies directed at key molecules in the pathogenesis of AD appear to be the most promising.