Our trainees have published in high-impact journals, given podium presentations at multiple national meetings, and directly informed the delivery of care to patients with allergic and chronic pruritic disorders.
Our program encompasses everything from molecular discovery to phase 3 clinical trials. Therefore, all of our studies are performed with the central mission of translating our scientific observations to treating diseases in patients. Given our unique expertise in type 2 immunity and neuroimmunology, we are also able to inform emerging, new, and existing therapies for allergic and chronic pruritic disorders.
A World Class Team
We have a diverse and multidisciplinary team of immunologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians have unique interests ranging from innate immunity and neuroimmunology to observational and interventional clinical studies.
Clinical Trials
Treatments for chronic itch disorders are currently very limited due to lack of effective medications currently on the market. Therefore, we often take a personalized approach with off-label use of medications. Additionally, we have active clinical trials that patients can participate in pending qualification.
Opening Hours
Monday12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mechanistic cellular and molecular studies in the Kim Lab are efficiently tested and validated in human cells and tissues. Further, we employ preclinical modeling of human disease to test candidate targets, pathways, and drugs to quickly inform drug development. Thus, we are able to provide expertise in early stage drug development to biotechnology companies and CROs with regard to mechanism of action, route of delivery, and optimization of therapy.
The Kim Lab has unique expertise in basic approaches and techniques in innate immunity, neuroimmunology, and behavioral modelling of chronic itch. Therefore, we are able to provide state of the art guidance on in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental systems to better understand skin immunity, inflammation, and sensation.
The Itch Clinic sees many different forms of chronic itch disorders. As a result, we have discovered new genetic mutations, syndromes, and diseases that present as chronic itch. Thus, we have opportunities to discover new disorders and develop novel diagnostics for various chronic itch disorders.
Treatments for chronic itch disorders are currently very limited due to lack of effective medications currently on the market. Therefore, we often take a personalized approach with off-label use of medications. Additionally, we have active clinical trials that patients can participate in pending qualification.
We have active clinical trials ongoing for patients with Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin (CPUO) or itch of unknown cause. If you have been diagnosed with or feel you may have this condition, please contact our Asima Badic, RMA at (314) 273-1376.
We have active clinical trials ongoing for patients with Prurigo Nodularis (PN). If you have been diagnosed with or feel you may have this condition, please contact our Asima Badic, RMA at (314) 273-1376.
We have active clinical trials ongoing for patients with Notalgia Paresthetica (NP). If you have been diagnosed with or feel you may have this condition, please contact our Asima Badic, RMA at (314) 273-1376.
We have active clinical trials ongoing for patients with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) or Eczema. If you have been diagnosed with or feel you may have this condition, please contact our Asima Badic, RMA at (314) 273-1376.
As a an expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning, my lab has forged unique interdisciplinary collaborations with the Kim Lab to move novel technologies forward to measure itch.
Collaborating with Dr Kim’s laboratory has been such a valuable experience for Cara Therapeutics. His expertise has helped to advance the science underlying pruritus, deepening our understanding of atopic dermatitis and other chronic itch disorders.
I am a very complex case and Dr. Kim went out of his way to help me. I really appreciate his expertise and care. Getting an appointment was easy and the follow-up from the staff was fantastic!
Dr. Tamari is a pediatric allergy and immunology specialist from Jikei University in Tokyo, Japan. He is studying not cytokines regulate neuronal responses in the skin and lung.
Lydia received her B.S. in Biology from Cornell University and aspires to go to graduate school. She is a superstar technician in the Kim Lab.
Asima is a trained medical assistant and works as the primary administrator of the Kim Lab and is a clinical trial coordinator for all chronic itch clinical trials in the Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders.
Anna is a M.D./Ph.D. student in the MSTP program pursuing a Ph.D. in immunology. She is interested in understanding how the early mechanisms that drive itch in the setting of atopic dermatitis.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Medical Fellow and WUSM MD/MA student, Amy Xu, discusses her experience and research on chronic itch.
The Kim Lab has diverse partnerships with innovative biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies that are interested in inflammatory skin and chronic itch disorders. These collaborations help us to rapidly translate our basic science research into clinical trials to help patients suffering from diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
Some of the greatest discoveries in biomedical research came through direct donations from generous individuals. The Kim Lab is grateful for the support it has received from philanthropic donors. If you are interested giving, please contact the Washington University in St. Louis Development Office. Please be sure to specifically assign the donation to the Brian Kim Lab.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Center for Outpatient Health
4901 Forest Park Avenue
5th Floor
St. Louis, MO 63108
The Itch Clinic is open on Mondays from 12:30 pm – 5 :00 pm.
Treatments for chronic itch disorders are currently very limited due to lack of effective medications currently on the market. Therefore, we take a personalized approach with off-label use of medications. Additionally, we have active clinical trials that patients can participate in pending qualification.
Asima Badic, RMA
Clinical Coordinator
Phone: (314) 273-1376 Fax: (314) 273-2563
660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8123
Division of Dermatology
Department of Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO 63110
