To assess the efficacy and safety of oral OL27-400MEPC 3 mg/kg/day (2-5 mg/kg/day) in 2 divided doses daily for 8 weeks to patients with severe adult atopic dermatitis.

THIS STUDY IS NOT ENROLLING PATIENTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Inclusion Criteria:

• Appropriate the definition/diagnosis criteria of atopic dermatitis of the Japanese Dermatological Association
• Patients with severest atopic dermatitis [according to the "Guidelines for Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis 2002, the severity of atopic dermatitis will be classified as severest when an eruption associated with severe inflammation (a lesion associated with erythema, papule, erosion, infiltration, lichenification, etc.) is noted on at least 30% of body surface on the day of subject enrollment].

Exclusion Criteria:

• - Patients who received oral preparations, injections, inhaled preparations and suppositories of steroids or immunosuppressants other than tacrolimus hydrate ointments within 14 days of subject enrollment
• Patients who might receive the oral/injection drugs which are known to enhance nephrotoxicity, increase serum potassium levels, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or theophylline during the treatment period.
• Patients who received or are receiving an ultraviolet therapy (PUVA therapy, etc.)
• Patients with hypertension, active infectional disease, gout etc. Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply