330 Safety of abrocitinib in 3582 patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis with over 900 patients exposed for almost 2 years

Abrocitinib is an oral Janus kinase 1 inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). To evaluate the long-term safety profile of abrocitinib and provide relevant information for practitioners. Data from patients who received ≥1 dose of abrocitinib 200 mg or 100 mg in the JADE clinical program were pooled in two cohorts. The consistent-dose (CD) cohort comprised patients who received the same abrocitinib dose during the entire exposure time in parent phase 3 studies and/or the long-term extension study JADE EXTEND (NCT03422822). Parent studies were: JADE MONO-1 (NCT03349060), JADE MONO-2 (NCT03575871), JADE TEEN (NCT03796676), JADE COMPARE (NCT03720470), JADE DARE (NCT04345367; 200 mg only) and JADE REGIMEN (NCT03627767); in JADE REGIMEN only patients from the open-label run-in phase (200 mg only) who did not subsequently enter the randomized phase were included. Patients from the phase 2b study (NCT02780167) were also included in the CD cohort. The variable-dose (VD) cohort comprised patients who received different doses of abrocitinib (200 and 100 mg) throughout exposure time in the parent study JADE REGIMEN and in JADE EXTEND, if enrolled. Patients included in the VD cohort completed the open-label period of JADE REGIMEN (abrocitinib 200 mg only) and entered the randomized phase (abrocitinib 200 mg, abrocitinib 100 mg or placebo); some patients subsequently entered the JADE REGIMEN rescue phase (abrocitinib 200 mg) and/or JADE EXTEND (abrocitinib 200 or 100 mg). The data cutoff was 16 April 2021. A Cox regression analysis evaluated risk factors for specific events of interest. Data from 3582 patients (4313.4 patient-years) were analysed: 2784 patients in the CD cohort (abrocitinib 200 mg, n = 1761, abrocitinib 100 mg, n = 1023) and 798 patients in the VD cohort. Duration of exposure was ≥48 weeks in 43.6%, 66.9% and 86.1% and ≥96 weeks in 18.0%, 23.2% and 45.4% of patients in the CD 200 mg, 100 mg and VD cohorts, respectively. In the CD and VD cohorts, the median age was 30.0 and 29.0 years; 490 (17.6%) and 145 patients (18.2%) were adolescents, and 143 (5.1%) and 30 patients (3.8%) were aged ≥65 years at screening, respectively. Incidence rates (IRs; unique patients with events per 100 patient-years) of serious adverse events (SAEs), deaths, and treatment-emergent adverse events of special interest are shown in Table 1. IRs for SAEs were consistent across abrocitinib doses but were higher in patients aged ≥65 years vs. younger patients. Serious infections were the most frequent SAEs; frequency was not dose related. Herpes zoster (HZ), herpes simplex and pneumonia were the most frequent serious infections. From a Cox regression analysis, potential risk factors for treatment-emergent HZ included abrocitinib dose, baseline age, medical history of HZ, absolute lymphocyte count <1000 mm−3 prior to infection and region. Most (95%) adjudicated opportunistic HZ infections were cutaneous; 2 (5%) were extracutaneous (one serious disseminated varicella-zoster virus infection, one serious HZ meningitis). IRs for nonmelanoma skin cancer, malignancy (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer), thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia were higher in patients aged ≥65 years vs. younger patients but were not dose related. Abrocitinib has an acceptable long-term safety profile in this large analysis of patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Risk of SAEs, HZ infection, malignancies and hematologic abnormalities increased with older age; HZ risk was also related to dose and prior HZ infection.

Vitiligo is associated with mental health disorders, substance abuse, cardiovascular risk factors and events, and venous thromboembolism: analysis of the 2015–2019 nationwide emergency department sample

Vitiligo is a chronic inflammatory depigmenting skin disease that is associated with psychosocial burden and quality of life impact. Previous studies show that patients with vitiligo have an increased likelihood of autoimmune diseases, but they reveal conflicting results regarding mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease, venous thromboembolism and other comorbidities. We sought to investigate the association of vitiligo with a variety of comorbid health disorders. Data were analysed from 2015 to 2019 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), including a representative 20% sample of all emergency department visits in the United States. Vitiligo and comorbidities were identified by using the international classification of disease 10 codes. Associations of vitiligo with various comorbidities were tested using weighted multivariable logistic regression models. The most frequent comorbidities diagnosed in patients presenting to the emergency department with vitiligo were essential hypertension [weighted prevalence (95% confidence interval, CI): 37·0% (34·6–39·0%)], followed by hyperlipidaemia [30·0% (27·7–32·0%)], hypothyroidism [22·9% (20·7–25·0%)], gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis [19·2% (17·6–21·0%)], history of nicotine dependence [18·1% (16·5–20·0%)], acute kidney failure [16·1% (14·7–18·0%)], atherosclerotic heart disease without angina [14·8% (13·2–17·0%)] and type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications [14·0% (12·1–16·0%)]. In multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for sex, age and insurance status, vitiligo was associated with alcohol use disorder [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 1·88 (1·68–2·11)], anxiety spectrum disorders [1·80 (1·65–1·96)], asthma [1·82 (1·65–2·01)], atrial fibrillation [1·49 (1·35–1·65)], coronary artery disease [1·79 (1·63–1·96)], depressive disorders [2·18 (2·00–2·38)], diabetes mellitus [2·65 (2·42–2·91)], myocardial infarction [2·32 (1·98–2·72)], heart failure [2·09 (1·91–2·28)], hyperlipidaemia [2·66 (2·45–2·88)], hypertension [2·16 (1·96–2·39)], hyperthyroidism [12·59 (11·07–14·32)], hypothyroidism [5·46 (4·95–6·02)], peripheral artery disease [2·69 (2·05–3·53)], pneumonia [2·20 (2·00–2·43)], sleep apnoea [2·43 (2·16–2·74)], stroke [1·81 (1·57–2·08)], suicide ideation or attempt [1·67 (1·39–2·01)] and venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism [2·46 (2·12–2·85)]. These results show that patients with vitiligo have a significantly higher likelihood of comorbid mental health disorders, substance abuse, cardiovascular risk factors and events, and venous thromboembolism.

Estimands for atopic dermatitis clinical trials: Expert opinion on the importance of intercurrent events

Despite the emergence of novel targeted treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD), there is a lack of guidelines on standardizing analysis of clinical trial data. To define and estimate meaningful treatment comparisons, several factors, including intercurrent events, must be taken into account. Intercurrent events are defined as events occurring after treatment initiation that affect either the interpretation or existence of the measurements associated with clinical questions of interest. Due to the relapsing, unpredictable nature of AD, intercurrent events frequently occur in AD trials, such as use of rescue therapy for intense itch and sleep deprivation. Despite the impact of intercurrent events in AD, they are often handled in an inconsistent manner across trials, which limits results interpretation. The estimand framework is increasingly used to estimate treatment effects while accounting for intercurrent events. This review explores how guidance from the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) on the use of estimands can be applied to support AD clinical trial design and analysis. We propose that estimands are used in AD trials and defined early during trial design. The use of estimands can provide clinicians with interventional trial results that are more reflective of clinical practice, help facilitate comparisons across clinical trials, and are more informative to enable improved treatment selection for patients.

Vitiligo evidence-based expert consensus recommendations for paediatric and adolescent patients: part I—topical therapeutics

No United States paradigm for the treatment of paediatric, adolescent and young adult vitiligo has been developed. To develop evidence and consensus-based expert opinion to promote therapeutic consistency for the diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo. An IRB-exempted process was developed to produce consensus recommendations based on literature review and SORT criteria. Research questions were reviewed on 9 May 2022 in a video-based conference. Forty-two recommendations were made on the diagnosis of vitiligo (5) and optimal topical therapeutics (37). Topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids and topical ruxolitinib 1·5% cream were all identified as potential first-line therapies in the management of paediatric and adolescent patients with specific guidance on age-based data, frequency of application, minimum length of the therapeutic trial and coordinated usage of ultraviolet light therapy. The literature on paediatric and adolescent vitiligo has a heterogeneous methodology and lack of patient-reported outcomes. Children with vitiligo may be effectively managed with a variety of topical agents as first- and second-line therapy. Evidence supports the utility of topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids and topical JAK inhibitors, with limitations based on factors such as location, body surface area and age.

Comorbidities of atopic dermatitis-what does the evidence say?

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common disease that is associated with atopic and nonatopic comorbidities. There has been a growing interest in this area of AD, because presence or risk of comorbidities can in many ways impact the management of patients with AD. Thus, some treatments for AD may improve its comorbidities as well, whereas others may increase their risk. In this review article, we discuss various comorbidities of AD mostly on the basis of the results of recent multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses to update readers about this rapidly developing area of dermatology. We emphasize the important information provided by studies presenting both relative risk and absolute risk, and show that AD is associated with, among others, atopic comorbidities such as asthma, rhinitis, and food allergy, nonatopic comorbidities such as ocular, psychiatric, infectious, endocrine, autoimmune, and cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Clinicians need to be aware of these and be cognizant about positive and negative effects of existing and new treatments for AD.

Stasis Dermatitis: An Overview of Its Clinical Presentation, Pathogenesis, and Management

Stasis dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the lower extremities. It typically occurs in older individuals and is the cutaneous manifestation of venous hypertension caused by venous reflux. Such retrograde venous blood flow is the result of incompetent venous valves, valve destruction, or venous obstruction. Stasis dermatitis is eczematous. The associated impairment of venous valves may cause swelling of the legs, leading to serious conditions including venous ulcerations. Diagnosis can be challenging because of its clinical resemblance to other skin conditions and poor clinical recognition by physicians. The cornerstones of stasis dermatitis treatment are compression therapy to ameliorate pain and swelling, topical treatments to alleviate secondary skin changes, and interventional treatment options to correct the underlying causes of venous reflux. Given the central role of inflammation of the lower extremities in driving the cutaneous changes characteristic of stasis dermatitis, new therapeutic approaches that target the inflammation are under clinical evaluation in patients with stasis dermatitis.

Rapid pruritus reduction with ruxolitinib cream treatment in patients with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Ruxolitinib cream is a topical formulation of ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2 inhibitor.

OBJECTIVES

To report timing and magnitude of effect of ruxolitinib cream on itch in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), a highly pruritic inflammatory skin disease.

METHODS

Two phase 3 trials (TRuE-AD1 [NCT03745638]/TRuE-AD2 [NCT03745651]) enrolled patients aged ≥12 years with AD for ≥2 years, Investigator's Global Assessment score of 2 or 3, and 3%-20% affected body surface area. Patients (total N = 1249; median age, 32 years) were randomised (2:2:1) to twice daily 0.75% ruxolitinib cream, 1.5% ruxolitinib cream or vehicle cream for 8 weeks of double-blinded treatment. Worst itch was measured using the numerical rating scale (NRS).

RESULTS

Significantly more patients who applied ruxolitinib cream (either strength) achieved a ≥2-point itch reduction (NRS2) within approximately 12 h versus vehicle (0.75%/1.5% ruxolitinib cream, 16.3%/13.1%; vehicle, 6.9%; both P < 0.05), with further improvements through Week 8 (58.3%/65.1% vs 29.4%; both P < 0.0001). A ≥4-point itch reduction (NRS4) was achieved by significantly more patients who applied 0.75%/1.5% ruxolitinib cream versus vehicle by Day 2 (8.9%/11.2% vs 2.1%; P < 0.005); higher rates were observed at Week 8 (41.5%/51.5% vs 15.8%; P < 0.0001). Median time for the 0.75%/1.5% ruxolitinib cream groups to achieve NRS4 from baseline was 15.0/13.0 days; this endpoint was not reached by the vehicle group.

CONCLUSIONS

Ruxolitinib cream demonstrated rapid improvement in itch in patients with mild to moderate AD that was sustained for 8 weeks. Significantly more patients applying ruxolitinib cream achieved itch NRS2 within approximately 12 h and itch NRS4 by Day 2 versus vehicle.

Allergen immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis of benefits and harms

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD, eczema) is driven by a combination of skin barrier defects, immune dysregulation, and extrinsic stimuli such as allergens, irritants, and microbes. The role of environmental allergens (aeroallergens) in triggering AD remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We systematically synthesized evidence regarding the benefits and harms of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for AD.

METHODS

As part of the 2022 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters AD Guideline update, we searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, LILACS, Global Resource for Eczema Trials, and Web of Science databases from inception to December 2021 for randomized controlled trials comparing subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and/or no AIT (placebo or standard care) for guideline panel-defined patient-important outcomes: AD severity, itch, AD-related quality of life (QoL), flares, and adverse events. Raters independently screened, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias in duplicate. We synthesized intervention effects using frequentist and Bayesian random-effects models. The GRADE approach determined the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

Twenty-three randomized controlled trials including 1957 adult and pediatric patients sensitized primarily to house dust mite showed that add-on SCIT and SLIT have similar relative and absolute effects and likely result in important improvements in AD severity, defined as a 50% reduction in SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (risk ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.53 [1.31-1.78]; 26% vs 40%, absolute difference 14%) and QoL, defined as an improvement in Dermatology Life Quality Index by 4 points or more (risk ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.44 [1.03-2.01]; 39% vs 56%, absolute difference 17%; both outcomes moderate certainty). Both routes of AIT increased adverse events (risk ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.61 [1.44-1.79]; 66% with SCIT vs 41% with placebo; 13% with SLIT vs 8% with placebo; high certainty). AIT's effect on sleep disturbance and eczema flares was very uncertain. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main findings.

CONCLUSIONS

SCIT and SLIT to aeroallergens, particularly house dust mite, can similarly and importantly improve AD severity and QoL. SCIT increases adverse effects more than SLIT. These findings support a multidisciplinary and shared decision-making approach to optimally managing AD.

Impact of Ruxolitinib Cream on Work Productivity and Activity Impairment and Associated Indirect Costs in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Pooled Results From Two Phase III Studies

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can negatively impact work productivity and daily activities. Ruxolitinib cream, a Janus kinase inhibitor, demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with atopic dermatitis in two phase III studies (TRuE-AD1 and TRuE-AD2).

OBJECTIVE

This post hoc analysis sought to describe the effects of ruxolitinib cream on work productivity and activity impairment from pooled data from the phase III studies, to estimate indirect costs due to atopic dermatitis, and to estimate the incremental cost savings with ruxolitinib cream versus vehicle cream.

METHODS

Patients in both studies were ≥ 12 years old with atopic dermatitis for ≥ 2 years, an Investigator's Global Assessment score of 2 or 3, and a 3-20% affected body surface area at baseline. Patients were randomized 2:2:1 to receive ruxolitinib cream (0.75% or 1.5%) or vehicle cream for 8 weeks. Patient self-reported productivity in the efficacy-evaluable population was assessed at weeks 2, 4, and 8 using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-Specific Health Problem version 2.0. Statistical significance for the two doses versus vehicle was calculated using an analysis of covariance. Work Productivity and Activity Impairment overall work impairment scores were converted to a model of costs per employed patient due to lost productivity and incremental cost savings from ruxolitinib cream treatment using a human capital approach.

RESULTS

Of 1249 patients enrolled (median age, 32 years; female sex, 61.7%), 1208 were included in the efficacy-evaluable population. Patients applying 0.75% or 1.5% ruxolitinib cream had significant changes in overall work impairment (- 17.9% [0.75% strength] and - 15.0% [1.5% strength] vs - 5.7% for vehicle; p < 0.0001 for both) and daily activity impairment (- 20.6% [0.75% strength] and - 21.5% [1.5% strength] vs - 10.6% for vehicle; p < 0.0001 for both). These corresponded to estimated lost productivity costs in 2021 US dollars of $1313 (0.75% strength) and $1242 (1.5% strength) versus $2008 (vehicle) over the 8-week trial period. Compared with a patient receiving vehicle, incremental annual indirect cost savings were estimated to be $5302 with 0.75% ruxolitinib cream and $4228 with 1.5% ruxolitinib cream.

CONCLUSIONS

Ruxolitinib cream therapy is associated with improved work productivity and daily activity compared with vehicle and is estimated to reduce the indirect cost burden on the patient.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT03745638 (registered 19 November, 2018) and NCT03745651 (registered 19 November, 2018).

Early Itch Response with Abrocitinib Is Associated with Later Efficacy Outcomes in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Subgroup Analysis of the Randomized Phase III JADE COMPARE Trial

BACKGROUND

Abrocitinib, an oral Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, provided significant itch relief by week 2 in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in the phase III JADE COMPARE trial.

OBJECTIVES

This post-hoc analysis of JADE COMPARE aimed to further characterize itch response and determined whether early itch relief could predict subsequent improvements in AD severity.

METHODS

JADE COMPARE was a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial. Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with moderate-to-severe AD were randomly assigned to receive oral abrocitinib 200 mg or 100 mg once daily, subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg every other week (after a 600-mg loading dose), or placebo, plus medicated topical therapy for 16 weeks. Assessments were ≥ 4-point improvement in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS4) from days 2 to 15, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) response, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores at week 12. Association between week 2 PP-NRS4 and efficacy at week 12 was evaluated by chi-squared tests. The predictive value of early response for later efficacy was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

As early as day 4 after treatment, a significantly greater proportion of patients achieved PP-NRS4 response with abrocitinib 200 mg (18.6%) versus dupilumab (5.6%; p < 0.001) and placebo (6.0%; p < 0.003). A similar trend was observed with abrocitinib at the 100-mg dose, with significantly greater PP-NRS4 response rates versus placebo as early as day 9. With both doses of abrocitinib, week 12 IGA 0/1, EASI-75, EASI-90, and DLQI 0/1 response rates were greater in week 2 PP-NRS4 responders than nonresponders; no differences were observed between week 2 PP-NRS4 responders and nonresponders in the dupilumab and placebo groups. Early improvement in PP-NRS at week 2 was associated with skin clearance at week 12 in abrocitinib-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Abrocitinib resulted in rapid relief from itch in patients with moderate-to-severe AD, with significant improvement in itch as early as day 4 after treatment with abrocitinib 200 mg compared with dupilumab and placebo. Abrocitinib-induced itch relief by week 2 was associated with subsequent improvements at week 12. [Video abstract available.] TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03720470. Early itch response with abrocitinib is associated with later efficacy outcomes in patients withmoderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: subgroup analysis of the randomized phase III JADE COMPARE trial (MP4 335,375kb).

Safety of upadacitinib in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: An integrated analysis of phase 3 studies

BACKGROUND

Upadacitinib is a selective reversible Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor with established efficacy in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the safety of upadacitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

METHODS

Integrated safety data from the 16-week placebo-controlled periods of 1 phase 2b and 3 ongoing phase 3 studies (16 weeks) and longer-term safety data from patients receiving upadacitinib during the blinded extension periods of the three phase 3 studies were analyzed (all upadacitinib exposure). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were presented as exposure-adjusted rates per 100 patient-years (PY).

RESULTS

Safety results were similar between the 16-week and all upadacitinib exposure groups. The latter group included 2485 patients (333 adolescents), receiving upadacitinib 15 mg (n = 1239) or 30 mg (n = 1246) for a mean duration of approximately 1 year. Upadacitinib was well tolerated by both adults and adolescents. TEAEs and discontinuation due to AEs were reported more frequently in patients receiving 30 mg upadacitinib (respectively, 311.9 and 5.7 events per 100 PY) versus 15 mg (respectively, 274.6 and 4.4 events per 100 PY). Serious adverse event rates (15/30 mg, 7.1/7.7 events per 100 PY) were similar in both groups. Acne was the most frequently reported adverse event (15/30 mg, 13.3/20.2 events per 100 PY). Serious infection rates were similar across treatment groups. Adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular event and venous thromboembolic event rates were ≤0.1 events per 100 PY. Rates of malignant neoplasms were within the expected range for the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Upadacitinib was well tolerated, and no new important safety risks were observed among adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD treated for approximately 1 year compared to the known safety profile of upadacitinib.

Long-term efficacy (up to 68 weeks) of Baricitinib in combination with topical corticosteroids in adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Analysis of treatment responders, partial responders and nonresponders originating from study BREEZE-AD7

BACKGROUND

Baricitinib demonstrated efficacy in treating adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in Phase 3 clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

To examine long-term efficacy of baricitinib combined with topical corticosteroids (TCS) in adult patients from a Phase 3 study, BREEZE-AD7 (NCT03733301), enrolled in ongoing extension study, BREEZE-AD3 (NCT03334435).

METHODS

Upon BREEZE-AD7 completion, responders or partial responders (RPR [vIGA-AD™ ≤2]) receiving baricitinib 2-mg or 4-mg + TCS maintained their original treatment doses in BREEZE-AD3. Nonresponders (NR; vIGA-AD 3,4) receiving baricitinib 2-mg were rerandomized 1:1 to baricitinib 2-mg or 4-mg; NR receiving baricitinib 4-mg remained on same dose. Integrated data from all patients (RPR + NR = baricitinib 4-mg intent-to-treat [ITT] cohort) receiving continuous baricitinib 4-mg in BREEZE-AD7 through BREEZE-AD3 were analysed, along with baricitinib 4-mg or 2-mg RPR cohorts. Primary endpoint was proportion of patients with vIGA-AD (0,1) at Weeks 16, 36 and 52 (Weeks 32, 52 and 68 of continuous therapy). Additional outcomes included improvement in EASI75 and Itch NRS (up to Week 32). Missing data were imputed by last observation carried forward.

RESULTS

In baricitinib 4-mg ITT cohort (N = 102), proportions of patients achieving vIGA-AD (0,1) at Week 32, Week 52, and Week 68 were 21.6%, 26.5% and 23.5%; EASI75 were 46.1%, 40.2% and 43.1%, respectively. Itch NRS ≥4-point improvement (Itch ≥4) were 47.3% at Week 16 and 40.6% at Week 32. In baricitinib 4-mg RPR cohort (N = 63), proportions of patients achieving vIGA-AD (0,1) at Week 32, Week 52 and Week 68 were 31.7%, 33.3% 34.9%, respectively; EASI75 were 57.1%, 49.2% and 49.2%, respectively. Itch ≥4 were 53.6% at Week 16 and 46.4% at Week 32. Corresponding proportions for baricitinib 2-mg RPR cohort (N = 53) for vIGA-AD (0,1) were 39.6%, 45.3% and 30.2%; EASI75 were 77.4%, 69.8% and 58.5%, respectively. Itch ≥4 were 56.3% at Week 16 and 47.9% at Week 32.

CONCLUSION

Baricitinib 4-mg and 2-mg combined with TCS maintained clinically meaningful sustained efficacy over 68 weeks of continuous treatment.

Racial disparities in dermatology

Significant racial/ethnic disparities in dermatologic care and their subsequent impact on dermatologic conditions were recently reported. Contributing factors include socioeconomic factors, gaps in educational exposure, and underrepresentation of minority groups in the dermatologic workforce. In 2021, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) announced its three-year plan to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion in dermatology. One way to reduce disparities in dermatology is for every dermatologist, regardless of race or ethnicity, to receive adequate education in diseases, treatments, health equity, and tailored approaches to delivering dermatologic care with cultural humility. In addition, a diverse dermatologic workforce-especially at the level of residency program educators and organizational leaders-will contribute to improved cross-cultural understanding, more inclusive research efforts, and improved treatment approaches for conditions that are more prevalent or nuanced in certain racial/ethnic populations. Finally, the dermatology and broader healthcare community needs to acknowledge and educate ourselves on the health impacts of racism.

Safety of tralokinumab in adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: pooled analysis of five randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II and phase III trials

BACKGROUND

Tralokinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the activity of interleukin-13, a key pathogenic driver of atopic dermatitis (AD). Clinical trials including adults with moderate-to-severe AD, of up to 52 weeks' duration, showed tralokinumab was efficacious and well tolerated.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the safety profile of tralokinumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD.

METHODS

Safety and laboratory measures were assessed in pooled analyses of phase II and III placebo-controlled clinical trials of tralokinumab in moderate-to-severe AD (NCT02347176, NCT03562377, NCT03131648, NCT03160885, NCT03363854).

RESULTS

In total, 2285 patients were randomized in the initial treatment periods up to 16 weeks (1605 tralokinumab, 680 placebo). The frequencies of any adverse event (AE) were 65·7% for tralokinumab and 67·2% for placebo. The respective rates were 640 and 678 events per 100 patient-years of exposure (ep100PYE); rate ratio 1·0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·9-1·1. Serious AEs occurred in 2·1% of patients with tralokinumab and 2·8% with placebo (7·4 and 11·9 ep100PYE; rate ratio 0·7, 95% CI 0·4-1·2). The most common AEs occurring at a higher frequency and rate with tralokinumab vs. placebo were: viral upper respiratory tract infection (15·7% vs. 12·2%; 65·1 vs. 53·5 ep100PYE); upper respiratory tract infection (5·6% vs. 4·8%; 20·8 vs. 18·5 ep100PYE); conjunctivitis (5·4% vs. 1·9%; 21·0 vs. 6·9 ep100PYE); and injection-site reaction (3·5% vs. 0·3%; 22·9 vs. 4·0 ep100PYE). Some events in safety areas of interest occurred at a lower frequency and rate with tralokinumab vs. placebo: skin infections requiring systemic treatment (2·6% vs. 5·5%; 9·7 vs. 22·8 ep100PYE), eczema herpeticum (0·3% vs. 1·5%; 1·2 vs. 5·2 ep100PYE), opportunistic infections (3·4% vs. 4·9%; 13·0 vs. 21·3 ep100PYE) and serious infections (0·4% vs. 1·1%; 1·3 vs. 3·7 ep100PYE). AEs did not increase with continued maintenance and open-label treatment, including rates of common or serious AEs and AEs leading to study drug discontinuation. No clinically meaningful changes in mean laboratory measures were observed with treatment up to 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Across the AD population pool from five clinical trials, tralokinumab was well tolerated, with consistent safety findings during treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe AD. The safety profile during prolonged tralokinumab treatment was consistent with that during the initial treatment period; the frequency of events did not increase over time. What is already known about this topic? Tralokinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that specifically neutralizes interleukin-13, a key cytokine driving skin inflammation and epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis (AD). In clinical trials in moderate-to-severe AD, tralokinumab provided significant and early improvements in the extent and severity of AD and was well tolerated, with an overall safety profile comparable with placebo over 52 weeks. What does this study add? We report the frequency and rate of adverse events (AEs) from pooled observations of over 2000 patients from five phase II and phase III placebo-controlled clinical trials of tralokinumab in moderate-to-severe AD. During initial treatment up to 16 weeks, the frequencies of any AE and of serious AEs were similar for tralokinumab and placebo. AE rates did not increase with continued treatment up to 52 weeks. Common AEs occurring more frequently with tralokinumab vs. placebo were viral and upper respiratory tract infection, conjunctivitis and injection-site reaction. Some events occurred at a lower frequency and rate with tralokinumab vs. placebo, such as skin infections requiring systemic treatment, eczema herpeticum and opportunistic and serious infections. No clinically meaningful changes in mean laboratory measures were observed.

Baricitinib 2 mg for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in North America: Long-term efficacy and patient-reported outcomes

To address the need for long-term efficacy and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) data for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) treated with baricitinib 2 mg, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of baricitinib 2 mg in adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Data presented here provided efficacy and outcomes data for patients treated for 52 weeks. Patients who participated in the originating study, BREEZE-AD5 (NCT03435081), and met additional eligibility criteria could enroll in the multicenter, open-label, Phase 3, long-term extension study BREEZE-AD6 (NCT03559270). Patients received baricitinib 2 mg for the duration of BREEZE-AD6. In BREEZE-AD6, the proportion of patients who achieved a 75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI75) and validated Investigator Global Assessment for AD (vIGA-AD™) of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) were assessed through 52 weeks, in addition to several PROs. At week 52, the proportion of patients treated with baricitinib 2 mg daily achieving EASI75 was 48.6% (70/144), and 31.3% (45/144) of patients achieved a vIGA-AD score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear). Improvements in PROs such as SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD, itch and sleep) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) total score, and DLQI ≤5 response were observed, and these responses were sustained through 52 weeks. Long-term efficacy of baricitinib in patients with AD was demonstrated by both clinician and patient-reported outcome measures.

The financial burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses on caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis in the United States

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with elevated financial costs, including out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses. Yet, the full burden of OOP expenses in children with AD is poorly understood.

Objectives

We sought to characterise categories, impact, and associations of caregiver-reported OOP AD healthcare expenses for US children.

Methods

An online survey was administered to National Eczema Association members (N = 113 502). Inclusion criteria (US resident; respondent age ≥18; self or caregiver report of AD diagnosis) was met by 77.3% (1118/1447) of those who completed the questionnaire.

Results

Caregivers of children (<18 years) with AD reported increased healthcare provider (HCP) visits, comorbid food allergy, cutaneous infections, and topical antimicrobial use (p < 0.005 for all), and increased OOP expenses for hospitalisation, emergency room visits, emollients, hygiene/bathing products, childcare, and specialised cleaning products, and clothing/bedding (p < 0.05 for all) compared to adults with AD. Children with AD had increased median total yearly OOP expenditures ($860 vs. $500, p = 0.002) and were more likely to spend ≥$1000 OOP per year (48.9% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.03). In children, yearly OOP expenses ≥$1000 were associated with increased AD severity, flares, HCP visits, prescription polypharmacy, and step-up therapy use (p < 0.005 for all) compared with adults. Predictors of harmful financial impact among children included black race (adjusted OR [95% confidence interval]: 3.86 [1.66-8.98] p = 0.002) and ≥$1000 annual OOP expenditures (6.98 [3.46-14.08], p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Children with AD have unique and increased OOP expenses that are associated with significant disease burden. Strategies are needed to reduce OOP costs and improve clinical outcomes in children with AD.

Assessment of the validity of international classification of disease tenth revision codes for atopic dermatitis

Little is known about the validity of ICD-10-CM codes for atopic dermatitis (AD) in healthcare claims databases. We assessed the validity of ICD-10-CM codes for identifying adult patients with AD. The healthcare claims database from a large metropolitan tertiary care medical center was queried for diagnostic codes of L20.x and L30.9. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, Hanifin & Rajka (H-R), and United Kingdom Working Party (UKWP) criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values (PPVs) were calculated. Overall, 833 patients were identified with ≥ 1 occurrence of the aforementioned ICD-10 codes for AD. Using H-R and UKWP criteria as the gold-standard definitions of AD, the PPV of any aforementioned L20.x ICD-10 codes was 39.1% and 51.4%, with sensitivity of 98.1% and 97.4%, respectively. The PPV was 25% and 50% for L20.82; 66.7% and 100% for L20.84; 37.5% and 62.5% for L20.89; 60.1% and 51.4% for L20.9, respectively. PPV generally increased when case definitions combined ICD-10 codes with coexistent ICD-10 codes for asthma or hay fever, food allergy, and allergic rhinitis, and to a lesser extent coding of the ICD-10 code for AD by a dermatologist. Among patients with all these criteria, PPV increased to 100% and 80% based on H-R and UKWP criteria, but sensitivity decreased to 83.3% and 80.0%, respectively. In conclusion, ICD-10-CM codes for AD alone had poor PPV for identifying AD in a healthcare claims database. Combined ICD-10 codes for AD and comorbid atopic disease improved PPV and specificity of classification at the expense of sensitivity.

Clinical Efficacy of a Digital Intervention for Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: a Prospective Single-Center Study

Introduction

Improving disease awareness and treatment adherence is key for the long-term management of atopic dermatitis (AD). Digital interventions can support patients in disease self-management and adopting a healthier lifestyle through behavioral modifications. We aimed to test the clinical efficacy of a digital program in patients with AD.

Methods

Adults with mild-to-severe AD were recruited for a 6-week feasibility study. The intervention was delivered through a mobile app and consisted of symptom and trigger education, treatment reminders, lifestyle coaching, and healthy lifestyle support. Here we report the secondary outcomes of intervention efficacy on clinical symptoms, as assessed by Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), on health-related quality of life (HR QoL) as assessed by Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and changes in behaviors related to disease management as assessed by a six-item questionnaire.

Results

Twenty of 21 patients (95.2%) completed the program (81% female, mean age 31.4 years, mean time from diagnosis 26.8 years). Clinical symptoms and patient-reported global severity improved by 44% and 46%, respectively, while HR QoL improved by 41% (p < 0.001 for all measures). Adherence to treatments and preventive measures improved from pre- to post-intervention, including skincare, avoidance of triggers, and disease-related knowledge. A significant interaction was observed between increased treatment adherence and clinical improvement, such that larger clinical improvements were observed in patients with higher treatment adherence.

Conclusion

Patients with AD are open to and can benefit from a digitally delivered targeted intervention, as demonstrated by significant improvements in treatment adherence and related clinical outcomes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-022-00821-y.

Phenotypic differences of atopic dermatitis stratified by age

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common across all ages. Understanding heterogeneous age-related phenotypes may improve AD management.

Objective

To determine age-related clinical phenotypes of AD.

Methods

A prospective, dermatology practice-based study was performed (n = 380). AD severity was evaluated using questionnaires and full-body examination. Phenotypes were determined using latent class analysis.

Results

There were 23 (6.1%) pediatric patients (<18 years), 176 (46.3%) young adults (18-39 years), and 181 (47.6%) older adults (≥ 40 years). Both young and older adults experienced less AD on ankles (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.41 [0.19-0.90], 0.43 [0.20-0.94]), moderate-severe AD on flexures (0.47 [0.26-0.87], 0.30 [0.16-0.56]), pityriasis alba (0.24 [0.11-0.52], 0.07 [0.03-0.18]), oozing lesions (0.44 [0.25-0.79], 0.35 [0.20-0.63]), moderate-severe excoriations (0.49 [0.28-0.85], 0.44 [0.26-0.76]), and severe itch (adjusted β [95% confidence interval], -1.46 [-2.63 to -0.29]; -1.79 [-2.94 to -0.65]) compared with pediatric patients. Young adults experienced more AD around the eyes (2.92 [1.21-7.02]). Older adults experienced more AD on elbows (0.34 [0.19-0.64]), nipples (0.40 [0.16-0.99]), knees (0.27 [0.14-0.53]), keratosis pilaris (0.38 [0.15-0.98]), and lichenification (0.47 [0.22-0.98]). Four classes were identified for distribution of AD and associated signs.

Conclusion

Distinct phenotypes exist by age with younger patients experiencing more AD signs and symptoms. Clinicians should consider them when managing AD.

Dietary Elimination for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The influence of diet on atopic dermatitis (AD) is complex, and the use of dietary elimination as a treatment has conflicting views.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the benefits and harms of dietary elimination for the treatment of AD.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to January 18, 2022, without language restrictions, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing dietary elimination and no dietary elimination for the treatment of AD. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses of eczema outcomes. We used the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation approach to assess certainty of evidence (CRD42021237953).

RESULTS

Ten RCT (n = 599; baseline median of study mean age, 1.5 years; median of study mean SCOring Atopic Dermatitis index, 20.7, range, 3.5-37.6) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with no dietary elimination, low-certainty evidence showed that dietary elimination may slightly improve eczema severity (50% with vs 41% without dietary elimination improved the SCOring Atopic Dermatitis index by a minimally important difference of 8.7 points, risk difference of 9% [95% CI, 0-17]), pruritus (daytime itch score [range, 0-3] mean difference, -0.21 [95% CI, -0.57 to 0.15]), and sleeplessness (sleeplessness score [range, 0-3] mean difference, -0.47 [95% CI, -0.80 to -0.13]). There were no credible subgroup differences based on elimination strategy (empiric vs guided by testing) or food-specific sensitization. Insufficient data addressed harms of elimination diets among included RCTs, although indirect evidence suggests that elimination diets may increase the risk for developing IgE-mediated food allergy.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary elimination may lead to a slight, potentially unimportant improvement in eczema severity, pruritus, and sleeplessness in patients with mild to moderate AD. This must be balanced against potential risks for indiscriminate elimination diets including developing IgE-mediated food allergy and withholding more effective treatment options for AD.

The Validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD™): a clinical outcome measure for the severity of atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

The validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD™) is a standardized severity assessment for use in clinical trials and registries for atopic dermatitis (AD).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the reliability, validity, responsiveness and within-patient meaningful change of the vIGA-AD.

METHODS

Data were analysed from adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD in the BREEZE-AD1 (N = 624 patients; NCT03334396), BREEZE-AD2 (N = 615; NCT03334422) and BREEZE-AD5 (N = 440; NCT03435081) phase III baricitinib clinical studies.

RESULTS

Across studies, test-retest reliability for stable patients showed moderate-to-good agreement [range of Kappa values for Patient Global Impression of Severity-Atopic Dermatitis (PGI-S-AD), 0·516-0·639; for Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), 0·658-0·778]. Moderate-to-large correlations between vIGA-AD and EASI or body surface area (range at baseline, 0·497-0·736; Week 16, 0·716-0·893) supported convergent validity. Known-groups validity was demonstrated vs. EASI and PGI-S-AD (vIGA-AD for severe vs. moderate EASI categories at baseline, P < 0·001). Responsiveness was demonstrated vs. EASI (P < 0·001 for much improved vs. improved and improved vs. stable). Anchor- and distribution-based methods supported a vIGA-AD change of -1·0 as clinically meaningful. These findings are limited to populations defined by the studies' inclusion and exclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The vIGA-AD demonstrated sufficient reliability, validity, responsiveness and interpretation standards for use in clinical trials. What is already known about this topic? A description of the development of the validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD™) has been published previously. What does this study add? The current study validates the vIGA-AD by demonstrating appropriate test-retest reliability, convergent validity, known-groups validity and responsiveness across three baricitinib clinical studies. In addition, a 1-point change was identified as a clinically meaningful patient-perceived change minimal clinically important difference in the vIGA-AD. What are the clinical implications of the work? The vIGA-AD is a measure for investigator assessment of atopic dermatitis suitable for use in clinical research.

Tralokinumab Efficacy and Safety, with or without Topical Corticosteroids, in North American Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Subanalysis of Phase 3 Trials ECZTRA 1, 2, and 3

Introduction

In pivotal phase 3 tralokinumab monotherapy (ECZTRA 1/2) and topical corticosteroid (TCS) combination (ECZTRA 3) trials in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), tralokinumab significantly improved signs and symptoms of AD. Geographic region may impact treatment response due to potential differences in race and ethnicity, and based on findings in other therapy areas. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of tralokinumab in the ECZTRA 1/2/3 North American population at week 16, as well as maintenance of responses over time, and compared these data side-by-side with those of the ECZTRA 1/2/3 non-North American population.

Methods

Primary endpoints were Investigator’s Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 (IGA 0/1; clear or almost clear) or at least 75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) at week 16. At week 16, tralokinumab-treated IGA 0/1 or EASI-75 responders were re-randomized 2:2:1 to tralokinumab 300 mg q2w, or q4w, or placebo (ECZTRA 1/2) and 1:1 to tralokinumab 300 mg q2w or q4w (ECZTRA 3).

Results

Overall, 559/1596 (35%) and 160/380 (42.1%) patients randomized in ECZTRA 1/2 and ECZTRA 3 were from North America, respectively. At week 16, IGA 0/1 and EASI-75 response rates were greater with tralokinumab versus placebo in ECZTRA 1/2 (IGA 0/1: 25.3% vs 15.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0, 17.3; p = 0.012; EASI-75, 40.1% vs 19.4%; 95% CI 12.6, 28.7; p < 0.001) and ECZTRA 3 (IGA 0/1, 40.0% vs 25.9%; 95% CI − 0.5, 28.3; p = 0.074; EASI-75: 58.1% vs 37.0%; 95% CI 4.9, 37.0; p = 0.012) and tralokinumab was well tolerated in the North American population. Patients with IGA 0/1 or EASI-75 response at week 16 demonstrated sustained responses at week 52 and week 32 in ECZTRA 1/2 and ECZTRA 3, respectively. Similar findings were observed in the non-North American trial populations.

Conclusions

Tralokinumab, with or without TCS, displayed similar efficacy and safety in patients with moderate-to-severe AD across the North American population, and was comparable to the non-North American population.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT03131648 (registered 27-Apr-2017); NCT03160885 (registered 19-May-2017); NCT03363854 (registered 6-Dec-2017).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-022-00805-y.