Effect of Dupilumab on Laboratory Parameters in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: Results from a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Clinical Trial

Treatment of atopic dermatitis: Recently approved drugs and advanced clinical development programs

Atopic dermatitis (AD) represents the most common skin disease characterized by heterogeneous endophenotypes and a high disease burden. In Europe, six new systemic therapies for AD have been approved: the biologics dupilumab (anti-interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) α in 2017), tralokinumab (anti-IL-13 in 2021), lebrikizumab (anti-IL-13 in 2023), and the oral janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKi) targeting JAK1/2 (baricitinib in 2020 in the EU) or JAK1 (upadacitinib in 2021 and abrocitinib in 2022). Herein, we give an update on new approvals, long-term safety, and efficacy. Upadacitinib and abrocitinib have the highest short-term efficacy among the approved systemic therapies. In responders, dupilumab and tralokinumab catch up regarding long-term efficacy and incremental clinical benefit within continuous use. Recently, the European Medicines Agency has released recommendations for the use of JAKi in patients at risk (cardiovascular and thromboembolic diseases, malignancies, (former) smoking, and age ≥65 years). Furthermore, we give an overview on emerging therapies currently in Phase III trials. Among the topical therapies, tapinarof (aryl hydrocarbon receptor), ruxolitinib (JAK1/2i), delgocitinib (pan-JAKi), asivatrep (anti-transient receptor potential vanilloid), and phosphodiesterase-4-inhibitors (roflumilast, difamilast) are discussed. Among systemic therapies, current data on cord-blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells, CM310 (anti IL-4Rα), nemolizumab (anti-IL-31RA), anti-OX40/OX40L-antibodies, neurokinin-receptor-1-antagonists, and difelikefalin (κ-opioid-R) are reported.

Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab Treatment with Concomitant Topical Corticosteroids in Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years with Severe Atopic Dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Treatment options for children younger than 6 years with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) are limited, as systemic immunosuppressants may present safety concerns in this young age group. Dupilumab is the first systemic treatment option approved for infants and young children with severe AD in the European Union. This study reports the efficacy and safety of dupilumab with concomitant low-potency corticosteroids in children aged 6 months to 5 years with severe AD.

METHODS

This was a pre-specified subgroup analysis of data for patients aged 6 months to 5 years with severe AD at baseline (Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] = 4) from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial of dupilumab. Patients were randomised to either subcutaneously administered dupilumab (200/300 mg) or matched placebo every 4 weeks, plus low-potency topical corticosteroids for 16 weeks. Co-primary endpoints at week 16 were the proportion of patients with IGA ≤ 1 (clear or almost clear skin) and the proportion of patients with ≥ 75% improvement from baseline in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75). Secondary endpoints at week 16 included mean changes in EASI, pruritus, skin pain, sleep loss and quality of life.

RESULTS

The analysis included 125 patients (63 receiving dupilumab vs. 62 placebo). At week 16, significantly more patients receiving dupilumab vs. placebo had achieved IGA ≤ 1 (14.3% vs. 1.6%; P = 0.0085) and EASI-75 (46.0% vs. 6.6%; P < 0.0001). Significant improvements with dupilumab were observed in all secondary endpoints, including a least squares mean 48.9% reduction in pruritus. The overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar between the dupilumab and placebo groups (66.7% vs. 73.8%). No dupilumab-related AEs were serious or led to treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

Dupilumab significantly improved AD signs, symptoms and quality of life in children aged 6 months to 5 years with severe AD with acceptable safety.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov with ID number NCT03346434, part B.

Efficacy and safety of abrocitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and comorbid allergies

BACKGROUND

Abrocitinib efficacy by comorbidity status in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been previously assessed. This post hoc analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of abrocitinib in patients with AD and allergic comorbidities.

METHODS

Data were pooled from patients who received abrocitinib 200 mg, 100 mg, or placebo in phase 2b (NCT02780167) and phase 3 (NCT03349060, NCT03575871) monotherapy trials. Patients with and without allergic comorbidities (allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, or food allergy) were evaluated for Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) response (clear [0] or almost clear [1]), ≥75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75), ≥4-point improvement in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS4), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) response (<2 with baseline score ≥2). Other outcomes were Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Pruritus and Symptoms Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (PSAAD), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

RESULTS

Of 942 patients, 498 (53%) reported at least one allergic comorbidity (asthma only, 33%; conjunctivitis only or rhinitis only or both, 17%; food allergies only, 15%; >1 allergic comorbidity, 34%). Regardless of comorbidity status, from Week 2 to Week 12, higher percentages of patients treated with either abrocitinib dose achieved IGA 0/1, EASI-75, PP-NRS4, or DLQI 0/1 versus placebo-treated patients. Changes from baseline in POEM, SCORAD, and PSAAD were greater with abrocitinib than with placebo in patients with and without allergic comorbidities. Most TEAEs were mild or moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficacy and safety data support abrocitinib use to manage AD in patients with or without allergic comorbidities.

Rademikibart (CBP-201), a next-generation monoclonal antibody targeting human IL-4Rα: Two phase I randomized trials, in healthy individuals and patients with atopic dermatitis

IL-4 and IL-13 signaling via IL-4Rα plays key roles in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. Rademikibart (formerly CBP-201), a next-generation human IgG4 kappa monoclonal antibody, blocks IL-4Rα-mediated signal transduction. We performed two phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. In a single-ascending dose trial, 40 healthy adults were randomized 3:1 to rademikibart (75-600 mg s.c., 300 mg i.v.) or placebo, with 12 weeks of follow-up. In the multiple-ascending dose trial, 31 adults with moderate-to-severe AD were randomized 4:1 to once weekly rademikibart (75-300 mg s.c.) or placebo for 4 weeks, plus 7 weeks of follow-up. Most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild; none were serious. Two s.c. injection site reactions and one TEAE of conjunctivitis were reported, all were mild. Rapid and sustained improvements were observed in AD severity and in quality of life (QoL), without plateauing. At week 4, efficacy scores improved by a maximum of -74.4% (Eczema Area and Severity Index), -62.7% (body surface area), -52.8% (Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [PNRS] severity), -54.4% (PNRS frequency), and - 69.9% (Dermatology Life Quality Index). Thymus activation regulated chemokine inflammatory biomarker concentrations decreased in both trials (-55.4% in the pooled rademikibart arms vs. +18.0% with placebo, at week 5, in patients with AD). Exposure to rademikibart increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner, suggesting nonlinear clearance. In summary, rademikibart was well-tolerated and associated with rapid and sustained improvements in eczematous lesions, pruritus, QoL, and inflammatory biomarker concentrations during 4 weeks of treatment. Efficacy responses did not plateau and were generally dose dependent. These promising findings support further development of rademikibart in patients with AD.

Dupilumab's Impact on Blood Parameters in Nasal Polyposis: 18-Month Follow-Up in Real Life

Background

Dupilumab represents the first approved biological for severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Objective

Aim of this paper is to provide a multicentric real-life study about treatment with dupilumab for CRSwNP with a special focus on blood parameters and IgE, IgG, and IgA.

Method

A retrospective data collection was jointly conducted at the Otolaryngology departments of San Camillo Forlanini Hospital and University of Rome "La Sapienza" from December 2020 to January 2023.

Results

A total of 130 patients were included in the study. Monitoring our patients for 18 months, we observed a reduction in nasal polyposis and an improvement in symptoms and their impact on quality of life. Regarding blood tests, a transient increase in blood eosinophils was found in most cases. Total IgE showed a gradual decrease in values. IgG and IgA also showed a slight reduction of values, while remaining within normal ranges.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the impact of dupilumab on several blood parameters in patients receiving treatment for CRswNP. Further studies are needed to confirm our results and to understand the underlying immunological mechanisms.

Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in Patients With Erythrodermic Atopic Dermatitis: A Post Hoc Analysis of 6 Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

Erythrodermic atopic dermatitis (AD) is a severe AD subtype defined by extensive skin involvement, leading to complications and sometimes hospitalization.

Objective

To assess dupilumab's efficacy and safety in patients with erythrodermic AD in clinical trials.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This post hoc analysis included patients enrolled in 6 multicenter, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Patients included in this analysis met erythrodermic AD criteria of 90% or greater body surface area (BSA) affected by AD and Global Individual Sign Score for erythema of 1 or higher. Data analyses for this post hoc analysis were conducted between March 5, 2019, and October 24, 2020.

Interventions

Dupilumab once weekly or every 2 weeks, or placebo, either as monotherapy or with concomitant topical corticosteroids (TCS).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Efficacy (BSA, Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI] score, Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [PP-NRS] score), changes in serum biomarkers (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, total immunoglobulin E, lactate dehydrogenase), and safety (incidence of adverse events) at week 16. Data were pooled within each regimen; monotherapy and concomitant TCS results are shown separately.

Results

Of 3075 randomized patients, 209 met criteria for erythrodermic AD at baseline, with the median age being 31 and 39 years in the monotherapy and concomitant TCS trials, respectively, similar to the overall populations (34 and 36 years, respectively); 71.3% (n = 97) and 74.0% (n = 54) of patients, respectively, were male (compared with 58.7% and 60.6% in the overall populations). In patients with erythrodermic AD, dupilumab once weekly and every 2 weeks vs placebo significantly improved percentage of BSA affected by AD (least squares mean percent change [SE]) with monotherapy (-42.0% [7.7%] and -39.9% [6.5%] vs -17.2% [11.0%]; P = .03) and concomitant TCS (-63.2% [6.7%] and -56.1% [9.1%] vs -14.5% [7.3%]; P < .001); EASI score with monotherapy (-58.5% [9.0%] and -58.3% [7.9%] vs -22.3% [12.4%]; P = .004 and P = .003, respectively) and concomitant TCS (-78.9% [7.8%] and -70.6% [10.1%] vs 19.3% [8.2%]; P < .001); and PP-NRS score in monotherapy (-45.9% [7.8%] and -33.9% [6.6%] vs -0.6% [9.4%]; P < .001) and concomitant therapy (-53.0% [8.1%] and -55.7% [10.8%] vs -26.0% [8.8%]; P = .006 and P = .01, respectively). Nominally statistically significant improvement was seen as early as week 1 (EASI and PP-NRS scores with monotherapy). Biomarker levels were significantly reduced vs placebo. The most frequent adverse events in dupilumab-treated patients were injection-site reaction, conjunctivitis, and nasopharyngitis.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this post hoc analysis of 6 randomized clinical trials, treatment with dupilumab resulted in rapid, sustained improvements in AD signs and symptoms with acceptable safety in patients with erythrodermic AD, similar to those in the trials' overall patient population.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01859988, NCT02277743, NCT02277769, NCT03054428, NCT02260986, NCT02755649.

Laboratory Safety from a Randomized 16-Week Phase III Study of Dupilumab in Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Previous studies of dupilumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents, and severe atopic dermatitis in children aged 6 to < 12 years demonstrate no clinically important changes in laboratory parameters. The objective of this study was to assess laboratory outcomes in children aged 6 months to < 6 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab.

METHODS

In this randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trial of dupilumab, 161 children aged 6 months to < 6 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis were enrolled from 31 sites in Europe and North America and randomized 1:1 to receive subcutaneous placebo or dupilumab (5 kg to < 15 kg: 200 mg; 15 kg to < 30 kg: 300 mg) every 4 weeks plus topical corticosteroids for 16 weeks. Hematology, serum chemistry, and urinalysis assessments were analyzed on blood and urine samples collected at screening and weeks 4 and 16; descriptive statistics are provided.

RESULTS

No clinically meaningful changes in laboratory parameters were observed. While two cases of eosinophilia and one case each of neutropenia and leukocytosis were reported as treatment-emergent adverse events in the dupilumab plus topical corticosteroids group, these events were not associated with clinical symptoms and did not lead to treatment discontinuation or study withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that routine laboratory monitoring of children aged 6 months to < 6 years treated with dupilumab plus topical corticosteroids is not required. Limitations of this study include short study duration, and exclusion of patients with abnormalities in laboratory test results at screening.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03346434, part B.

Dupilumab in children aged 6 months to younger than 6 years with uncontrolled atopic dermatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Current systemic treatments for children younger than 6 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that is uncontrolled with topical therapies might have suboptimal efficacy and safety. Dupilumab is approved for older children and adults with atopic dermatitis and for other type 2 inflammatory conditions. We aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of dupilumab with concomitant low-potency topical corticosteroids in children aged 6 months to younger than 6 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 trial was conducted in 31 hospitals, clinics, and academic institutions in Europe and North America. Eligible patients were aged 6 months to younger than 6 years, with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] score 3-4) diagnosed according to consensus criteria of the American Academy of Dermatology, and an inadequate response to topical corticosteroids. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to subcutaneous placebo or dupilumab (bodyweight ≥5 kg to <15 kg: 200 mg; bodyweight ≥15 kg to <30 kg: 300 mg) every 4 weeks plus low-potency topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone acetate 1% cream) for 16 weeks. Randomisation was stratified by age, baseline bodyweight, and region. Patient allocation was done via a central interactive web response system, and treatment allocation was masked. The primary endpoint at week 16 was the proportion of patients with IGA score 0-1 (clear or almost clear skin). The key secondary endpoint (coprimary endpoint for the EU and EU reference market) at week 16 was the proportion of patients with at least a 75% improvement from baseline in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75). Primary analyses were done in the full analysis set (ie, all randomly assigned patients, as randomly assigned) and safety analyses were done in all patients who received any study drug. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03346434.

FINDINGS

Between June 30, 2020, and Feb 12, 2021, 197 patients were screened for eligibility, 162 of whom were randomly assigned to receive dupilumab (n=83) or placebo (n=79) plus topical corticosteroids. At week 16, significantly more patients in the dupilumab group than in the placebo group had IGA 0-1 (23 [28%] vs three [4%], difference 24% [95% CI 13-34]; p<0·0001) and EASI-75 (44 [53%] vs eight [11%], difference 42% [95% CI 29-55]; p<0·0001). Overall prevalence of adverse events was similar in the dupilumab group (53 [64%] of 83 patients) and placebo group (58 [74%] of 78 patients). Conjunctivitis incidence was higher in the dupilumab group (four [5%]) than the placebo group (none). No dupilumab-related adverse events were serious or led to treatment discontinuation.

INTERPRETATION

Dupilumab significantly improved atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms versus placebo in children younger than 6 years. Dupilumab was well tolerated and showed an acceptable safety profile, similar to results in older children and adults.

FUNDING

Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

A Review of Phase 3 Trials of Dupilumab for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Adults, Adolescents, and Children Aged 6 and Up

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic skin disease that can have a profound negative impact on patients' quality of life, especially in cases of inadequate disease control. Dupilumab, a dual inhibitor of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, is approved in the United States for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD in adults (≥ 18 years old) and in children (≥ 6 years old). In this review, we present results from phase 3 trials evaluating dupilumab's efficacy and safety in adults, adolescents, and children. These trials demonstrate that dupilumab provides rapid improvements (in as little as 1 week) and sustained efficacy (up to 4 years) when used as a treatment for moderate-to-severe AD. Dupilumab not only improves skin signs and symptoms, but also provides multiple health benefits beyond the skin, including improvements in quality of life, itch, sleep disturbances, and pain/discomfort. Dupilumab is generally well tolerated, has a favorable safety profile in adults, adolescents, and children, has no serious drug-drug interactions, does not require routine laboratory testing, and is not an immunosuppressant. Taken together, phase 3 trials demonstrate that dupilumab provides rapid and sustained efficacy and is generally well tolerated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD across age groups.

Current and Emerging Strategies to Inhibit Type 2 Inflammation in Atopic Dermatitis

Type 2 immunity evolved to combat helminth infections by orchestrating a combined protective response of innate and adaptive immune cells and promotion of parasitic worm destruction or expulsion, wound repair, and barrier function. Aberrant type 2 immune responses are associated with allergic conditions characterized by chronic tissue inflammation, including atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. Signature cytokines of type 2 immunity include interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, and IL-31, mainly secreted from immune cells, as well as IL-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin, mainly secreted from tissue cells, particularly epithelial cells. IL-4 and IL-13 are key players mediating the prototypical type 2 response; IL-4 initiates and promotes differentiation and proliferation of naïve T-helper (Th) cells toward a Th2 cell phenotype, whereas IL-13 has a pleiotropic effect on type 2 inflammation, including, together with IL-4, decreased barrier function. Both cytokines are implicated in B-cell isotype class switching to generate immunoglobulin E, tissue fibrosis, and pruritus. IL-5, a key regulator of eosinophils, is responsible for eosinophil growth, differentiation, survival, and mobilization. In AD, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 are associated with sensory nerve sensitization and itch, leading to scratching that further exacerbates inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Various strategies have emerged to suppress type 2 inflammation, including biologics targeting cytokines or their receptors, and Janus kinase inhibitors that block intracellular cytokine signaling pathways. Here we review type 2 inflammation, its role in inflammatory diseases, and current and future therapies targeting type 2 pathways, with a focus on AD.

Optimizing topical management of atopic dermatitis

OBJECTIVE

Provide a review of atopic dermatitis management, focusing on optimizing topical therapy, creating a stepwise approach for treatment plans, and providing guidance on when to start systemic therapy.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed search of articles in the English language regarding atopic dermatitis in all ages.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles on the subject matter were selected and reviewed.

RESULTS

Topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for managing atopic dermatitis. Topical nonsteroidal agents, calcineurin inhibitors, crisaborole, and recently, ruxolitinib, which cause no cutaneous atrophy, are options for reducing the use of topical corticosteroids, including on sensitive sites. Emerging topical agents are in clinical trials. Proactive management, with continued application 2 to 3 times weekly of a midpotency topical corticosteroid or tacrolimus, may maintain control for clear (or almost clear) localized sites of dermatitis that rapidly recur when topical anti-inflammatory medication is stopped. If topical therapy alone cannot control disease and quality of life is impacted, reevaluation to confirm the diagnosis, manage comorbid conditions, address compliance and patient-specific concerns, and optimize topical therapy must be undertaken before deciding to advance to systemic medication. Dupilumab, an interleukin-4 receptor inhibitor, has become first-line systemic therapy given its efficacy and safety, allowing long-term treatment without laboratory monitoring. Other biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors are emerging as alternatives that could eliminate the need for immunosuppressants with their higher risks.

CONCLUSION

Several options are now available for topical treatment. A stepwise approach is needed to consider alternative therapies and diagnoses before advancing to systemic treatment, but the safety of newer immunomodulators will lower the threshold for more aggressive intervention.

Successful Treatment of Chronic Actinic Dermatitis with Dupilumab: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is a rather rare photosensitive disease characterized by a persistent eczematous eruption in sun-exposed sites. The pathogenesis of CAD has not been completely elucidated. The clinical treatment of CAD is still challenging and not standardized. Some patients with severe CAD have achieved satisfactory clinical results with dupilumab when conventional therapies have failed. We herein report the case of a 45-year-old male with severe CAD who responded rapidly to combined treatment with dupilumab (600 mg for 1 week, and then 300 mg every 2 weeks) in 2 months. The patient experienced continuous improvement and no side effects from dupilumab (300 mg every month), having ceased other systemic medications. Dupilumab could be considered as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for CAD.

Dupilumab Demonstrates Rapid and Consistent Improvement in Extent and Signs of Atopic Dermatitis Across All Anatomical Regions in Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older

INTRODUCTION

In phase III trials in adolescents and children with atopic dermatitis (AD), dupilumab significantly decreased global disease severity. However, the effects of dupilumab on the extent and signs of AD across different anatomical regions were not reported. Here we characterize the efficacy of dupilumab in improving the extent and signs of AD across four different anatomical regions in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A post hoc subset analysis was performed using data from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, international multicenter, phase III trials of dupilumab therapy in adolescents aged ≥ 12 to < 18 years with moderate-to-severe AD and children aged ≥ 6 to < 12 years with severe AD. Endpoints included mean percentage change in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) signs (erythema, edema/papulation, excoriation, lichenification) and extent of AD (measured by percentage of body surface area [% BSA] involvement) from baseline to week 16 across four anatomical regions (head and neck, trunk, upper extremities, lower extremities).

RESULTS

Dupilumab improved both the extent and severity of AD signs across the four anatomical regions. Improvements were shown to be similar across the four anatomical regions for % BSA involvement and for reduction in EASI signs. Improvements in all signs were seen early, within the first 4 weeks of treatment, and were sustained through week 16, across all regions.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients 6 years of age and older, treatment with dupilumab resulted in rapid and consistent improvement in the extent and signs of AD across all anatomical regions. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIERS

LIBERTY AD ADOL (NCT03054428) and LIBERTY AD PEDS (NCT03345914). Does dupilumab provide improvement in atopic dermatitis across all anatomical regions in children and adolescents? (MP4 48,385 kb).

Laboratory Safety of Dupilumab in Patients Aged 6-11 Years with Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Results from a Phase III Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Previous studies of dupilumab in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) showed no clinically meaningful adverse changes in laboratory parameters.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess laboratory outcomes in children aged 6-11 years with severe AD in a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trial of dupilumab.

METHODS

Children aged 6-11 years with severe AD were randomized 1:1:1 to 16 weeks of dupilumab 300 mg every 4 weeks, 100 or 200 mg every 2 weeks, or matching placebo, all with concomitant topical corticosteroids (TCS). Blood samples were collected at baseline and Weeks 4, 8, and 16; urine samples were collected at baseline and Weeks 4 and 16.

RESULTS

Of 367 patients enrolled in the study, 362 were included in the safety analysis, 351 completed study treatment, and 4 withdrew due to treatment-emergent adverse events not related to laboratory abnormalities. Both dupilumab + TCS groups showed overall trends toward increases in mean blood levels of eosinophils and alkaline phosphatase, and decreases in mean blood levels of platelets, neutrophils, and lactate dehydrogenase levels, without corresponding mean changes in the placebo + TCS group. None of these changes were associated with symptoms or clinically meaningful adverse outcomes, and none led to treatment modification. No clinically significant changes or trends were observed for other measured laboratory parameters.

CONCLUSION

There were no clinically meaningful adverse changes in routine laboratory parameters attributable to treatment with dupilumab + TCS. Changes in platelet counts and lactate dehydrogenase levels likely reflect reduced inflammation. These results confirm similar findings in adults and adolescents, and suggest that there is no need for routine laboratory monitoring of children aged 6-11 years treated with dupilumab + TCS for severe AD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03345914. Does treatment with dupilumab require routine laboratory monitoring in 6- to 11-year-old children with severe atopic dermatitis? (MP4 180482 kb).