An IL-4 and IL-13 Biologic Inhibitor for Atopic Dermatitis

Dupilumab may prevent atopic flares as well as treating the disease.

The type 2 helper T-cell (Th2) cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to a subunit of the IL-4 receptor and inhibits both IL-4 and IL-13 signaling to cells that express the receptor. Investigators conducted four multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials to evaluate dupilumab treatment of moderate-to-severe AD.

Two 4-week trials examined three doses of weekly subcutaneous dupilumab (75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg). Treatment produced significant dose-dependent reductions in clinical severity. A continuation trial of the 300-mg dose to 12 weeks produced at least 50% improvement on the Eczema A…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)