Dupilumab provides favourable long-term safety and efficacy in children aged ≥ 6 to < 12 years with uncontrolled severe atopic dermatitis: results from an open-label phase IIa study and subsequent phase III open-label extension study

A systematic review investigating the proportion of clinical images shared in prospective randomized controlled trials involving patients with atopic dermatitis and systemic pharmacotherapy

For individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD), interpreting scientific papers that present clinical outcomes including the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Investigators Global Assessment may be difficult. When compared to tabulated data and graphs, images from before and after treatment are often far more meaningful to these patients that ultimately will be candidates for the treatment. This systematic review focused on determining the frequency of clinical image sharing in AD research.

Conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, the review concentrated on randomized controlled trials that investigated predefined and available systemic treatments for AD. The search was performed in the MEDLINE database for studies published from the inception until 21 December 2023.

The review included 60 studies, encompassing 17,799 randomized patients. Across these studies, 16 images representing 6 patients were shared in the manuscripts, leading to a sharing rate of 0.3‰.

The almost missing inclusion of patient images in clinical trial publications hinders patient understanding. Adding images to scientific manuscripts could significantly improve patients' comprehension of potential treatment outcomes. This review highlights the need for authors, the pharmaceutical industry, study sponsors, and publishers to enhance and promote patient information through increased use of visual data.

Atopic dermatitis: treatment and innovations in immunotherapy

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by itching and skin barrier dysfunction. Moderate to severe AD is often refractory to first-line topical treatments, and systemic immunosuppressants have been shown to be effective but have significant adverse effects. The paucity of basic treatments has contributed to the development of targeted topical and systemic immunotherapies based on the use of small molecules and biologic drugs which can directly interact with AD pathogenetic pathways. They represent a new era of therapeutic innovation. Additional new treatments are desirable since AD is a heterogeneous disease marked by different immunological phenotypes. This manuscript will review the mechanism of action, safety profile, and efficacy of promising new systemic immunological treatments for AD. Since moderate to severe AD can result in poor quality of life, the development of targeted and well-tolerated immunomodulators is a crucial purpose. The introduction of new pharmacological agents may offer new therapeutic options. However, there is the need to evaluate how "narrow-acting" agents, such as individual interleukin inhibitors, will perform under the safety and efficacy profiles compared with "broad-acting" agents, such as JAK inhibitors.

Effectiveness and safety of systemic therapy for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children and adolescent patients: a systematic review

Importance

Due to comorbidities and associated safety risks, the management of severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in pediatric and adolescent patients poses significant challenges.

Objective

To examine the efficacy and safety of systemic therapies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents.

Evidence review

On Feb 29, 2024, a systematic literature search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central). No date restrictions were applied. Randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, large case series, and meta-analyses were assessed to evaluate the efficacy (or effectiveness) and/or safety of systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents.

Findings

A preliminary search yielded 1457 results, from which 19 unique articles with a total of 3741 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, the available data for each systemic medication are limited, and the overall quality of the included studies on conventional systemic treatments is relatively low. When Dupilumab was used as a standalone treatment, 30%-40% of infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 2 years achieved EASI-75, while 50% of patients aged 2 to 6 years achieved EASI-75. In children aged 6 to 12 years, 33.0%-59.0% of atopic dermatitis patients achieved EASI-75, and when combined with topical corticosteroids (TCS), 69.7%-74.6% achieved EASI-75. Long-term data showed EASI-75 rates ranging from 75.0% to 94.0% for this age group. For adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, 40%-71% of patients achieved EASI-75 within 12 to 16 weeks, and by week 52, 80.8% of patients achieved EASI-75.Abrocitinib treatment resulted in 68.5%-72.0% of patients achieving EASI-75. Omalizumab treatment at week 24 showed a percentage change in SCORAD scores of -12.4%. In the Methotrexate treatment group, there was a SCORAD change of -26.25% at week 12, while the Cyclosporine A group had a SCORAD change of -25.01%. Patients treated with IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) showed a -34.4% change in SCORAD percentage scores at week 4, which further decreased by 47.12% at week 24. Patients receiving 4mg of Baricitinib and TCS had a 52.5% rate of EASI-75 at 16 weeks, and patients receiving different doses of upadacitinib had a 63-75% rate of EASI-75 at 16 weeks. The rate of EASI-75 at 16 weeks was around 28% in patients who received various doses of Tralokinumab.The most common adverse events observed were nasopharyngitis, respiratory events and dermatitis atopic.

Conclusions and relevance

Awareness of adverse events and concomitant medications is crucial, and appropriate dosing and frequent laboratory and clinical monitoring are also essential. More real-world evidence and prospective cohort studies analyzing the effectiveness and safety of systemic therapies in children and adolescents are of paramount importance for optimizing personalized, effective, and safe management of the growing population of patients with atopic dermatitis in this age group.

Atopic Dermatitis in Children

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is extremely common in the pediatric population, and most children with AD will first present to their primary care provider (PCP). The PCP can recognize AD by its clinical features, including itch, a chronic relapsing course, and the characteristic eruption. The cornerstone of AD therapy is dry skin care, typically a short daily bath/shower followed by an emollient applied to all skin. Most children with AD will also require topical medications, such as topical corticosteroids and/or topical nonsteroidal therapies. For children with more severe disease, systemic agents, including several novel therapies, may be required. In managing AD, the clinician must monitor for side effects of medications as well as complications of the AD itself, the most common of which is secondary infection. An understanding of the pathogenesis, treatments, and complications of AD is essential for the PCP, as untreated (or undertreated) AD has a significant impact on the quality of life of affected children and their caregivers. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(4):e121-e128.].

Efficacy and safety of stapokibart (CM310) in uncontrolled seasonal allergic rhinitis (MERAK): an investigator-initiated, placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, phase 2 trial

Background

There is no trial to assess the benefits of periodically using biologics during the pollen season in patients with uncontrolled seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), who have moderate-to-severe symptoms even after standard-of-care. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the add-on administration of stapokibart, a humanised monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-4 receptor alpha, in patients with uncontrolled SAR.

Methods

In this investigator-initiated, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, eligible patients received either stapokibart 600-300 mg weekly (QW), every 2 weeks (Q2W), or placebo QW for 4 weeks. All patients were given mometasone furoate nasal spray and loratadine throughout the trial. The primary endpoint was the mean change from baseline in daily reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) during 2-week treatment. Secondary efficacy outcomes included: the mean change from baseline in daily rTNSS during 4-week treatment; the mean changes and the mean percentage changes from baseline during 2-week and 4-week treatment in 1) daily rTNSS and reflective total ocular symptom score (rTOSS), 2) morning (AM)/evening (PM) rTNSS and rTOSS, 3) AM instantaneous total nasal symptom score (iTNSS) and instantaneous total ocular symptom score (iTOSS), 4) individual nasal and ocular symptoms; the change from baseline in Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of-Life Questionnaire score during 4-week treatment. Exploratory endpoints included the change of prespecified markers related to type 2 inflammation pre- and post-treatment. Safety, immunogenicity, and pharmacokinetics were also evaluated. This study is registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05470647).

Findings

Between August 17, 2022, and December 28, 2022, 92 patients with uncontrolled SAR were enrolled from 4 centres in China and randomly assigned to receive stapokibart 600-300 mg QW (n = 31), stapokibart 600-300 mg Q2W (n = 30), or placebo QW (n = 31), of whom 86 (93%) completed the study. Both stapokibart Q2W and QW did not significantly improve mean change from baseline in daily rTNSS compared with placebo in 2 weeks. The least-squares (LS) mean differences (97.5% confidence interval [CI]) compared with placebo were -1.0 (-2.3, 0.2) in stapokibart Q2W group (p = 0.065) and -0.2 (-1.5, 1.0) in stapokibart QW group (p = 0.67). For the secondary outcomes, compared with placebo, stapokibart Q2W presented significant improvements in the mean percentage change from baseline in daily rTNSS in 2 weeks (LS mean difference -12.9%, 95% CI -25.3%, -0.4%, p = 0.043), as well as AM iTNSS over 2 weeks (LS mean difference -17.4%, 95% CI -31.0%, -3.8%, p = 0.013) and 4 weeks (LS mean difference -15.4%, 95% CI -29.0%, -1.9%, p = 0.026). Additionally, the nasal congestion score was significantly lower in stapokibart Q2W than placebo during 2-week (LS mean difference -0.4, 95% CI -0.7, -0.1, p = 0.014) and 4-week (LS mean difference -0.4, 95% CI -0.7, -0.04, p = 0.028) treatment. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 48% (15/31), 33% (10/30), and 61% (19/31) of patients receiving stapokibart QW, Q2W, and placebo, respectively. Most reported TEAEs were sinus bradycardia, hyperlipidaemia, and blood uric acid increased.

Interpretation

In this phase 2 trial, both stapokibart regimens had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile but did not significantly improve daily rTNSS in patients with uncontrolled SAR. The efficacy of stapokibart in patients with uncontrolled SAR is being further investigated in ongoing phase 3 trials (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05908032).

Funding

Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China; Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China; National Natural Science Foundation of China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Subcutaneous Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies: Pharmacology, Delivery, Immunogenicity, and Learnings From Applications to Clinical Development

Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can reduce treatment burden for patients and healthcare systems compared with intravenous (i.v.) infusion through shorter administration times, made possible by convenient, patient-centric devices. A deeper understanding of clinical pharmacology principles related to efficacy and safety of s.c.-administered mAbs over the past decade has streamlined s.c. product development. This review presents learnings from key constituents of the s.c. mAb development pathway, including pharmacology, administration variables, immunogenicity, and delivery devices. Restricted mAb transportation through the hypodermis explains their incomplete absorption at a relatively slow rate (pharmacokinetic (PK)) and may impact mAb-cellular interactions and/or onset and magnitude of physiological responses (pharmacodynamic). Injection volumes, formulation, rate and site of injection, and needle attributes may affect PKs and the occurrence/severity of adverse events like injection-site reactions or pain, with important consequences for treatment adherence. A review of immunogenicity data for numerous compounds reveals that incidence of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) is generally comparable across i.v. and s.c. routes, and complementary factors including response magnitude (ADA titer), persistence over time, and neutralizing antibody presence are needed to assess clinical impact. Finally, four case studies showcase how s.c. biologics have been clinically developed: (i) by implementation of i.v./s.c. bridging strategies to streamline PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor development, (ii) through co-development with i.v. presentations for anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 antibodies to support rapid deployment of both formulations, (iii) as the lead route for bispecific T cell engagers (BTCEs) to mitigate BTCE-mediated cytokine release syndrome, and (iv) for pediatric patients in the case of dupilumab.

Dupilumab Treatment in Pediatric Patients Aged 6-11 Years with Severe Atopic Dermatitis Whose Disease Is Not Adequately Controlled: A Review

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease in children. Children with severe AD have a multidimensional disease burden characterized by skin lesions, itching, frequent infections, sleep deprivation, and a high rate of comorbidities. These impact the mental health and overall quality of life of not only the children but also of their parents and caregivers. There are few effective available treatment options for young children with severe AD that are suitable for long-term use. Due to their adverse effects, practice guidelines consider systemic agents inappropriate for this age group, although they are still used off-label in extreme cases. The biologic dupilumab has recently been approved for children aged 6-11 years with severe (EU) and moderate-to-severe (USA) AD, offering hope to this population of patients with a high unmet clinical need. The purpose of this review is to describe the unmet needs of AD patients aged 6-11 years prior to dupilumab approval and to summarize existing clinical data supporting dupilumab's safety and efficacy in these children.

Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab for the Treatment of Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Clinical Practice: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab is a new targeted therapy for severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with limited real-world evidence.

OBJECTIVE

Explore our experience with dupilumab for AD in clinical practice at a tertiary care center.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Unicentric observational retrospective study including adult and pediatric patients with severe AD receiving dupilumab between December 2017 and December 2021. The Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (P-NRS) and Sleep disturbance Numerical Rating Scale (S-NRS) were recovered to assess severity and response.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients received dupilumab: 52, 48, 26 and 13 patients reached 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of treatment, respectively. The EASI-75 response rates were 94.2%, 95.8%, 92.3% and 100% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. The EASI-90 response rates were 63.5%, 72.9%, 84.6% and 92.3% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. The EASI <7 response rates were 92.3%, 91.7%, 88.5% and 100% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. The P-NRS ≥4 reduction rates were 86%, 87.5%, 92.3% and 100% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. The S-NRS ≥4 reduction rates were 82.7%, 85.4%, 100% and 100% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. Adverse events were mild and occurred in 20.3% of patients, all of them adults.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support dupilumab's favorable efficacy and tolerability profile in clinical practice. Dupilumab offers a rapid and sustained response, regardless of combined therapy. Longer follow-ups are still required to adequately assess its performance.

Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab for the Treatment of Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Clinical Practice: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab is a new targeted therapy for severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with limited real-world evidence.

OBJECTIVE

Explore our experience with dupilumab for AD in clinical practice at a tertiary care center.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Unicentric observational retrospective study including adult and pediatric patients with severe AD receiving dupilumab between December 2017 and December 2021. The Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (P-NRS) and Sleep disturbance Numerical Rating Scale (S-NRS) were recovered to assess severity and response.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients received dupilumab: 52, 48, 26 and 13 patients reached 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of treatment, respectively. The EASI-75 response rates were 94.2%, 95.8%, 92.3% and 100% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. The EASI-90 response rates were 63.5%, 72.9%, 84.6% and 92.3% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. The EASI <7 response rates were 92.3%, 91.7%, 88.5% and 100% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. The P-NRS ≥4 reduction rates were 86%, 87.5%, 92.3% and 100% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. The S-NRS ≥4 reduction rates were 82.7%, 85.4%, 100% and 100% at months 6, 12, 24 and 36. Adverse events were mild and occurred in 20.3% of patients, all of them adults.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support dupilumab's favorable efficacy and tolerability profile in clinical practice. Dupilumab offers a rapid and sustained response, regardless of combined therapy. Longer follow-ups are still required to adequately assess its performance.

Effectiveness of systemic treatments on pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Itch is one of the hallmarks of atopic dermatitis (AD), which has a significant impact on the quality of life of pediatric patients with AD and their caregivers. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the antipruritic effects of systemic AD treatments in pediatric patients with AD.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched, including studies providing original data on the effects of systemic treatment on pruritus in pediatric patients (<18 years) with AD. Placebo-controlled trials reporting a Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale 4 (PP-NRS4) response were included in a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 30 studies were included, with most evidence available for dupilumab. Overall, marked improvements of pruritus (50% or greater reduction in pruritus outcome measurements) were found for treatment with cyclosporin A (2-16 years), dupilumab (6 months-17 years), abrocitinib, and upadacitinib (both 12 and 17 years). Nemolizumab (12-17 years) may be promising in reducing pruritus in pediatric patients; however, data are limited. Only five randomized controlled trials could be included in our meta-analysis, in which dupilumab, abrocitinib, and upadacitinib showed a significantly higher probability of achieving a PP-NRS4 response compared with placebo. Our study was limited by a lack of homogeneity of included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclosporin A, dupilumab, abrocitinib, and upadacitinib are all effective in decreasing pruritus and, therefore, in improving the quality of life in children with AD. As more systemic treatments for AD become available, it will be imperative to incorporate patient-oriented treatment goals such as reduction of pruritus into therapeutic decision-making.

A 52-week multicenter retrospective real-world study on effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in children with atopic dermatitis aged from 6 to 11 years

Background: Dupilumab has been shown to be a safe and effective drug for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children from 6 months to 11 years in randomized clinical trials. Aim: The aim of this real-life study was to determine the effectiveness in disease control and safety of dupilumab at W52 in moderate-to-severe AD children aged 6-11 years.Methods: All data were collected from 36 Italian dermatological or paediatric referral centres. Dupilumab was administered at label dosage with an induction dose of 300 mg on day 1 (D1), followed by 300 mg on D15 and 300 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W). Treatment effect was determined as overall disease severity, using EASI, P-NRS, S-NRS and c-DLQI at baseline, W16, W24, and W52. Ninety-six AD children diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD and treated with dupilumab were enrolled.Results: Ninety-one (94.8%) patients completed the 52-week treatment period and were included in the study. A significant improvement in EASI score, P-NRS, S-NRS and c-DLQI was observed from baseline to weeks 16, 24 and 52.Conclusions: Our real-life data seem to confirm dupilumab effectiveness and safety in paediatric patients. Moreover, our experience highlighted that patients achieving clinical improvement at W16 preserved this condition over time.

Dupilumab for the treatment of moderate and severe atopic dermatitis: real-life experience

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis is a relapsing, chronic, inflammatory dermatosis. So far, treatment options for more severe forms of the disease have been limited. The prospect has changed with the advent of biological drug registrations. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the a subunit of the IL-4 receptor and is responsible for blocking the signalling of interleukin (IL) 4 (IL-4) and IL-13. Clinical trials conducted for over 10 years have confirmed the efficacy and safety of dupilumab's treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Aim

Evaluating the efficacy of dupilumab treatment in patients with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis in real life.

Material and methods

We retrospectively evaluated medical records of patients treated with dupilumab for atopic dermatitis at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology in Gdansk.

Results

Ten patients in total were studied. They received dupilumab with standard dosing. The mean percentage reduction in SCORAD score was 52.16% in 8 weeks. Dupilumab was generally well tolerated and did not cause serious side effects. The most common adverse event was conjunctivitis.

Conclusions

Dupilumab is an effective disease-modifying drug for patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The effects of treatment in real life are consistent with those demonstrated in clinical trials.

Dupilumab Safety and Efficacy in a Phase III Open-Label Extension Trial in Children 6-11 Years of Age with Severe Atopic Dermatitis

BACKGROUND

For children aged 6-11 years with uncontrolled severe atopic dermatitis (AD), 16 weeks of treatment with dupilumab resulted in substantial clinical benefit compared with placebo with an acceptable safety profile. However, longer-term safety and efficacy data are important to inform longitudinal AD management.

OBJECTIVES

This analysis of data from an open-label extension study (LIBERTY AD PED-OLE, NCT02612454) reports the long-term safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of dupilumab in children with severe AD who had participated in the pivotal dupilumab LIBERTY AD PEDS study (NCT03345914).

METHODS

Enrolled patients initially received subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (q4w). The q4w regimen could be uptitrated to dupilumab dose regimens of 200 or 300 mg every 2 weeks (q2w; for body weight < 60 or ≥ 60 kg, respectively) for patients who did not achieve an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0/1 (clear/almost clear skin) at week 16, or prior to week 16 as rescue treatment. Additional patients were uptitrated to a weight-tiered q2w regimen following a protocol amendment. Patients who maintained an IGA score of 0/1 continuously for a 12-week period after week 40 discontinued dupilumab. They were monitored for relapse and were reinitiated on dupilumab if required.

RESULTS

Data for 321 patients (mean age 8.6 years) were analyzed, 254 (79%) of whom had completed the scheduled 52-week visit at the database lock. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild/moderate. By week 52, 41% of patients achieved an IGA score of 0/1, and 97%, 82%, and 50%, respectively, had at least a 50%, 75%, and 90% improvement from the parent study baseline in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). By week 52, 29% of patients in the overall population had clear/almost clear skin sustained for 12 weeks and had stopped medication; of these, 40% relapsed and were subsequently reinitiated on treatment, with a mean time to reinitiation of 13.5 (standard deviation 5.2) weeks. Following reinitiation of dupilumab, 41% of the patients with evaluable data at the time of database lock had regained an IGA 0/1 clinical response.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with results seen in adults and adolescents, long-term treatment with dupilumab in children aged 6-11 years with severe AD showed an acceptable safety profile and incremental clinical benefit. A substantial proportion of children who stopped dupilumab treatment after achieving clear/almost clear skin subsequently experienced disease recurrence, and required reinitiation of dupilumab, suggesting that continuous treatment may be necessary for maintenance of clinical benefit.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02612454.

Unanswered questions on the use of biologics in pediatric asthma

The emergence of biologic therapies for the management of asthma has been a revolutionary change in our capacity to manage this disease. Since the launch of omalizumab, several other biologics have been marketed or are close to being marketed, suggesting that a plethora of monoclonal antibodies can be expected in the coming years. This will facilitate the transition to the paradigm of personalized medicine, but on the other hand will decisively further complicate the choice of the most appropriate treatment, in the absence of reliable enough biological markers. For these reasons, along with the relatively short time of use with these treatments, there are recurrently arising questions for which there are not even moderately documented answers, and for which the only solution must be based, with all reservations, on the combination of indirect evidence and expertise. In this paper, we attempt to address such questions, providing relevant commentaries and considering the whole width of the evidence base.

Clinical trials of antibody drugs in the treatments of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common, relapsing, chronic inflammatory skin disease, being regarded as a global health issue. Recent studies have shown that Th2 cell-mediated type 2 immunity plays a central role in AD. The type 2 inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-13, IL-22, IL-31, IL-17 and IL-5 mediate the pathogenesis of AD. A variety of antibody drugs targeting these cytokines have been developed to treat AD in clinics. Notably, several antibody drugs have exhibited high efficacy in treating atopic dermatitis in previous studies, demonstrating that they could be therapeutic methods for AD patients. Herein, we reviewed the clinical trials of antibody drugs in the treatment of AD, which provides a useful guideline for clinicians to treat patients with AD in clinics.

Efficacy and safety profile of dupilumab for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab is the first biologic approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and adolescents. Previous systematic reviews explored the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in adults with AD. However, the underlying mechanisms of AD can vary among different age groups, emphasizing the need for separate investigation into the use of dupilumab in children and adolescents with AD.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in children and adolescents with AD based on evidence from clinical trials and observational studies.

METHODS

The process of meta-analysis was conducted according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Seven clinical trials and 11 observational studies involving 1275 children and adolescents with AD were eligible for quantitative analysis. Overall, the pooled percentages of eczema area and severity index (EASI) 50, EASI 75, EASI 90, EASI 100, and investigator's global assessment (IGA) 0/1 were 72.9% (95% CI: 61.6%-81.9%), 57.4% (48.1%-66.2%), 31.3% (24.0%-39.7%), 29.7% (23.3%-37.0%), and 35.2% (29.3%-41.5%). With prolonged treatment time, an increase was seen in the pooled rate of EASI response, indicating that dupilumab may provide sustained benefits for children and adolescents over the long term. The reported adverse events were primarily mild and manageable, with an overall incidence rate of 7.2% across clinical trials and 7.6% across observational studies.

CONCLUSION

Dupilumab was an effective and safe treatment option for children and adolescents with AD, with positive results observed from long-term use and an acceptable safety profile. More long-term, high-quality, controlled studies in different regions are needed for further verification.

Biologics and oral small-molecule inhibitors for treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis: Opportunities and challenges

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease characterized by recurrent eczematous lesions and refractory pruritus that drastically impairs quality of life. Due to the chronic and relapsing course, patients are easily trapped in the debilitating condition. Classical therapies show limitations, especially for patients with moderate-to-severe phenotypes. Advanced new insights in targeted therapies exhibit great application prospects which were reinforced by the more profound understanding of the disease pathogenesis. However, the sustained efficiency, biosafety, and long-term benefits still remain in further exploration. This review summarizes recent clinical studies on oral small-molecule inhibitors and biological agents for pediatric AD patients, which provides the latest frontiers to clinicians.

Proteomic characterization of atopic dermatitis blood from infancy to adulthood

BACKGROUND

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have systemic biomarker dysregulation that differs by age group; however, the proteomic characteristics of these age-based changes are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To profile blood proteins of patients with AD across different age groups versus age-appropriate controls.

METHODS

Using the Olink high-throughput proteomic platform, we profiled 375 serum proteins of 20 infants (age, 0-5 years), 39 children (age, 6-11 years), 21 adolescents (age, 12-17 years), and 20 adults (age, ≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe AD and 83 age-appropriate controls.

RESULTS

Each group presented a distinct systemic proteomic signature. Th2-related proteins were increased in infant AD and further intensified with age through adolescence and adulthood (interleukin 4/CCL13/CCL17). In contrast, Th1 axis down-regulation was detected in infants with AD and gradually reversed to increased Th1 products (interferon γ/CXCL9/CXCL10/CCL2) in patients with AD from childhood to adulthood. Despite their short disease duration, infants already had evidence of systemic inflammation, with significant upregulation of innate immunity (interleukin 17C/ interleukin-1RN), T-cell activation/migration (CCL19), Th2 (CCL13/CCL17), and Th17 (PI3) proteins. Adults with AD present unique upregulation of cardiovascular proteins related to coagulation and diabetes.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional observational study with a single time point.

CONCLUSION

Systemic immune signatures of AD are age-specific beyond the shared Th2 immune activation. These data advocate for precision medicine approaches based on age-specific AD profiles.

High loading-dose of dupilumab resulted in rapid disease control in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis

Background

The real-world experience of dupilumab in Chinese is limited, and the initial loading dose has not yet been deeply explored in patients aged <6 years.

Objective

To explore the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and investigate the effect of higher loading dose for disease control in patients aged <6 years.

Methods

A total of 155 patients were divided into three groups according to age: <6 years, 6-11 years, and >11 years. Among patients aged <6 years, 37 patients received a high loading dose of 300 mg for body weight <15kg or 600 mg for body weight ≥15kg, and another 37 patients received a standard loading dose of 200 mg for body weight <15kg or 300 mg for body weight ≥15kg. Multiple physicians and patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after dupilumab treatment.

Results

The proportion of patients showing an improvement of ≥75% in the Eczema Area and Severity Index was 68.0% (17/25), 76.9% (10/13), and 62.5% (25/40) in the aged <6, 6-11, and >11 years groups, respectively, at week 16. After increasing the loading dose, 69.6% (16/23) of patients aged <6 years achieved 4-point improvement in Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale at week 2, compared with 23.5% (8/34) of patients receiving standard loading dose (P < 0.001). Obesity (odds ratio=0.12, 95% confidence interval: 0.02-0.70) was predictive of a poor response to dupilumab treatment, while female (odds ratio=3.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-12.31) predicted good response at week 16. The change of serum C-C motif ligand 17(CCL17/TARC) could reflect the response to dupilumab (r = 0.53, P = 0.002 in EASI) among patients aged <18 years. No major adverse events were reported during the treatment.

Conclusions

Dupilumab was effective and well-tolerated in Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis. The increased loading dose helped achieve rapid pruritus control in patients aged <6 years.

Dupilumab-Induced, Tralokinumab-Induced, and Belantamab Mafodotin-Induced Adverse Ocular Events-Incidence, Etiology, and Management

ABSTRACT

Emerging monoclonal antibody therapies are assuming greater importance in the management of severe and refractory forms of immunity-driven and oncological disorders. However, some have been found to induce adverse ocular events (AOEs) leading to discontinuation of treatment or additional multidisciplinary management. We present the current knowledge concerning AOEs associated with 3 monoclonal antibody therapies: dupilumab, tralokinumab, and belantamab mafodotin. We examine the manifestations of their AOEs, proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, and current treatment recommendations. We identified and reviewed all studies for dupilumab, tralokinumab, and belantamab mafodotin using the keywords "dupilumab," "tralokinumab," "belantamab mafodotin," "conjunctivitis," and "keratopathy" from January 2016 to November 2021. Conjunctivitis was the most frequently reported AOE in patients with atopic dermatitis receiving dupilumab or tralokinumab. Mild cases were managed with warm compresses for associated meibomian gland dysfunction, artificial tears, and antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer eye drops. In more severe cases, additional anti-inflammatory therapy, with corticosteroid eye drops or ointments, or topical calcineurin inhibitors-such as tacrolimus or ciclosporin-were required. Patients with resistant or refractory multiple myeloma treated with belantamab mafodotin often developed keratopathy, which could necessitate contact lens fitting, or for cycles of belantamab mafodotin to be delayed.

The evolving landscape of biologic therapies for atopic dermatitis: Present and future perspective

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common, chronic inflammatory skin diseases with a significant physical, emotional and socioeconomic burden. In recent years the understanding of AD pathogenesis has expanded from the Th2-centred perspective, with the recognition of the involvement of other immune axes. In different AD endotypes, influenced by environment, genetics and race, transcriptomic profiles have identified differing contributions of multiple immune axes such as, Th17, Th22 and Th1. The enriched pathogenic model of AD has catalysed the development of numerous biologic therapies targeting a range of key molecules implicated in disease progression. Currently, dupilumab and tralokinumab, which both target the Th2 pathway, are the only approved biologic therapies for AD in the United States and Europe. New biologic therapies in development, however, target different Th2-pathway molecules along with cytokines in other immune axes, including Th17 and Th22, offering promise for varied treatments for this heterogeneous disease. As the biologic pipeline advances, the integration into clinical practice and approval of these experimental biologics may provide more effective, tailored therapeutic solutions and illuminate on the pathologic processes of AD across a broader, more diverse patient population.

Shedding light on key pharmacological knowledge and strategies for pediatric atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory disease affecting over 20% of the pediatric population, with 85% of cases presenting before the age of five. Recently, therapeutic options in pediatric patients have evolved rapidly, following extensive development in adult treatments.

AREAS COVERED

This review will encompass relevant molecular drivers, along with an overlook on treatment modalities in pediatric AD, as well as a summary of pipeline treatments in clinical trials for pediatric patients from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov up to July 2022. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay for AD flares in adults and children. Topical approved agents in pediatric AD are calcineurin inhibitors, crisaborolecrisaborole, and ruxolitinib. Dupilumab is the only FDA approved biologic for patients with AD from six months of age. A Janus kinase inhibitor, upadacitinib, is a systemic treatment approved for pediatric AD patients (age >12 years). Systemic immunosuppressants used in pediatric AD include methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporinecyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil.

EXPERT OPINION

Data regarding disease prevention are conflicting, however, an abundance of research has transpired regarding amelioration of symptoms and induction of disease clearance by targeting numerous pathological mechanisms. Understanding the pediatric AD phenotype will further advance the field and the development of improved therapeutics.

Hyperthyroidism in a 15-year-old adolescent treated with Dupilumab for severe allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis

Dupilumab is a biologic, acting on IL-4 and IL-13 pathways. Dupilumab has a pediatric indication for treating severe asthma and atopic dermatitis. We report a pediatric case concerning paucisymptomatic, transient, and self-resolving hyperthyroidism. The updated literature includes the case of an adult patient who reported with hyperthyroidism, which was transient and self-resolving. Despite that these cases were transient and self-resolving, we would suggest that thyroid function assessment could be included in the follow-up of patients treated with Dupilumab. Dupilumab discontinuation is not required pending endocrinological assessment, mainly if there is an optimal clinical response to the biologic.

Dupilumab in daily practice for the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis: 28-week clinical and biomarker results from the BioDay registry

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab has proven to be an effective and safe treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) in pediatric patients in clinical trials. However, few daily practice studies are available. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of 28 weeks dupilumab treatment on effectiveness, safety, and serum biomarkers in pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe AD in daily practice.

METHODS

Patients visited the outpatient clinic at baseline, 4, 16, and 28 weeks of treatment. Disease severity was assessed by the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)-pruritus and -pain, and the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). Side effects were evaluated. Nineteen severity-associated serum biomarkers were measured. Predicted-EASI (p-EASI) was calculated.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients were included. Respectively 75.4%, 49.2%, and 24.6% reached EASI-50, EASI-75, and EASI-90 and 36.1% achieved an IGA-score (almost) clear. Improvement of ≥4 points on POEM, NRS-pruritus, and NRS-pain was reached by 84.7%, 45.3%, and 77.4%, respectively. Most reported side effects were conjunctivitis (n = 10) and headache (n = 4). Biomarkers TARC, PARC, periostin, sIL-2Ra, and eotaxin-3 significantly decreased during treatment. The p-EASI showed a significant correlation with disease severity.

CONCLUSION

Dupilumab treatment significantly improved disease severity and disease-associated symptoms and decreased severity-associated serum biomarkers in pediatric AD patients in daily practice.

Dupilumab Improves Clinical Scores in Children and Adolescents With Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Real-World, Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab has proven safe and effective in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD) in clinical trials. However, comprehensive real-world studies in the pediatric AD population are still needed.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the long-term treatment responses and adverse events of dupilumab-treated children and adolescents with AD during dermatology follow-up assessments.

METHODS

We reviewed electronic medical records from March 2017 to September 2021 of moderate to severe AD patients starting dupilumab at less than age 18 years. Demographics, AD scores (body surface area [BSA], Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI], and Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA]) as well as safety data were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 89 patients, 50 females (56.2%) and 39 males (43.8%), were included. Mean ± SD treatment duration was 1.3 ± 0.9 years. Of these, 73 had score assessments at baseline and weeks 12 to 24. Mean ± SD improvements in BSA, EASI, and IGA were 63.1% ± 29.2%, 39.6% ± 29.9%, and 59.6% ± 30.7%, respectively. All patients (n = 23) who received dupilumab for 1 year or more achieved 75% improvement in EASI and IGA 0/1, and 60.8% achieved 90% improvement in EASI. Positive history of atopy was associated with greater percent improvement in BSA at weeks 12 to 24 (P < .05). Twelve patients had adverse events (13.5%), of which conjunctivitis (5.6%) and joint pain (2.2%) were most common. There were no serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Dupilumab was well-tolerated and effective in treating pediatric and adolescent AD regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnicity.

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.

Effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children (6-11 years): data from a French multicenter retrospective cohort in daily practice

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab is the first biotherapy available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe childhood atopic dermatitis (AD).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in daily practice.

METHODS

Patients aged 6 to 11, who had received a first dose of dupilumab were included in this multicenter retrospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was change in SCORAD after 3 months of treatment. Secondary endpoints were change in IGA score at 3 months, proportion of patients with SCORAD50 and SCORAD75, description of adverse events and proportion of children in our cohort who would be excluded from pivotal phase 3 clinical trial.

RESULTS

80 patients were included. After 3 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in SCORAD (mean: 21.8 ± 13.8 vs 53.9 ± 18.5; p<0.0001) and IGA (1.3 ± 0.8 vs 3.5 ± 0.7; p<0.0001). Conjunctivitis was observed in 11.3%(n=9/80); 3 patients experienced dupilumab facial redness (DFR); 17.5% (n=14/80) reported injection site reactions; 6.3% (n=5/80) discontinued treatment. 61.2 % (n=49/80) children were ineligible in the phase 3 trial.

LIMITATIONS

There is no control group. Because it was a real life study based on information from patient medical records in a French multicenter cohort, we cannot rule out the presence of reporting bias generated by the use of patient reported characteristics and missing information.

CONCLUSION

These real-life data confirm the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in children with moderate to severe AD extended to dyshidrosis and atopic prurigo but it also revealed a lower frequency of DFR and conjunctivitis. However, administration in injectable form may be a barrier in this age group.

Controversies in Allergy: The Potential Role of Biologics as First-Line Therapy in Eosinophilic Disorders

With advances in understanding the role of eosinophils in disease pathogenesis, particularly in the airways, gastrointestinal tract, and skin, targeting eosinophils or the cytokines that lead to their production, activation, and survival has become an increasingly pursued therapeutic approach. Newly developed biologic agents target eosinophils directly, other cells interacting with or activating eosinophils, or cytokines in the type 2 inflammatory pathway with specific antibodies. Current treatment paradigms reserve therapy with biologics for patients refractory to or intolerant of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. Given accumulating data for safety and efficacy of these biologics, however, there is the question of whether targeted treatments should be used earlier in the treatment algorithm. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of using biologics as first-line therapy for eosinophilic diseases of the airways, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. We highlight emerging biologic agents and future directions for research, as well as a rationale for the early use of some biologics to prevent tissue damage, disease progression, and organ dysfunction in selected conditions.

Case Report: The Application of Dupilumab in Atopic Dermatitis Children Complicated With Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) tends to be more common in patients with history of allergies. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common allergic diseases in children. Dupilumab, a dual IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitor, has been widely used to treat AD patients. However, the efficacy and safety of Dupilumab in NS is unclear. We reported two AD patients with NS comorbidities treated with Dupilumab. The outcomes showed the good control of NS and less systemic steroids and/or immunosuppressive agents use during the Dupilumab treatment period, accompanied by significant relief of AD symptoms. We suggest prospective pilot studies and randomized controlled trials could be carried out to validate the efficacy and safety of Dupilumab in the treatment of NS patients.

Comprehensive Phytochemical Profiling of Polyherbal Divya-Kayakalp-Vati and Divya-Kayakalp-Oil and Their Combined Efficacy in Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis-Like Inflammation Through Regulation of Cytokines

Purpose

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that varies in signs and symptoms in different individuals. General symptoms include dryness of the skin, itching, and development of red to brownish-gray patches. Divya-Kayakalp-Vati (DKV) and -Oil (DKO) are Indian polyherbal compositions prescribed for treating inflammatory skin diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy of DKV and DKO co-treatment (DKV-O) in ameliorating Oxazolone (OXA)-stimulated AD-like inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release in a Swiss albino mouse model.

Methods

Phytochemical profiling of the DKV and DKO were done using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS) QToF. Swiss albino mice were sensitized for 7 days and treated with OXA in their ear region. Stimulated and control animals were orally treated with DKV and topically with DKO. Anti-inflammatory efficacy of DKV-O was determined in OXA-treated animals through physiological, histopathological, and biochemical parameter analysis.

Results

DKV and DKO formulations individually contained 39 and 59 phytochemicals, respectively. Many of the phytochemicals have been reported to have anti-inflammatory activities. In the OXA-sensitized Swiss albino mice, combined treatment with DKV-O, and separately with Dexamethasone (positive control) significantly reduced the OXA-stimulated ear edema, biopsy weight, and epidermal thickness. DKV-O further reduced OXA-stimulated induction of inflammatory lesions, neutrophil influx, and release of Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase.

Conclusion

Finally, DKV-O co-treatment showed good pharmacological effects in ameliorating AD-like inflammation through the modulation of inflammatory cell influx and release of soluble mediators. Therefore, DKV-O treatment can be used as a suitable polyherbal therapeutic against AD-like inflammatory diseases.

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Biologics and Small Molecule Inhibitors: an Update in Therapies for Allergic and Immunologic Skin Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Biologics and small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) are a rapidly growing class of highly efficacious therapies in the treatment of chronic immunologic and allergic conditions. With precision targeting of inflammatory signaling molecules, these new agents selectively modulate the immune system to treat a variety of conditions. Dermatologic diseases, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, are of particular interest due to the growing number of new biologics and SMIs in recent years. This review serves to summarize and evaluate the recent literature regarding biologics and SMIs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Currently approved biologics for AD achieve clear or almost clear skin in less than 40% of patients treated. Several biologics that are still under investigation for AD have shown better efficacy in phase III trials with similar safety profiles. Recently approved SMIs for AD also demonstrate a high degree of efficacy, but safety profiles may limit their use. Psoriasis has several highly efficacious biologics on the market; however, only one SMI is currently available. Additional SMIs for psoriasis have completed phase III trials and demonstrated high efficacy. This article evaluates recent literature on biologics and small molecule inhibitors for AD and psoriasis.

Dupilumab Treatment in Children Aged 6-11 Years With Atopic Dermatitis: A Multicentre, Real-Life Study

BACKGROUND

The management of paediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging, mostly relying on emollients and topical corticosteroids. Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, has been recently approved for the treatment of children aged 6-11 years with moderate-to-severe AD not adequately controlled with topical therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate in real life the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of children aged from 6 to 11 years.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical data of children aged 6-11 years, affected by moderate-to-severe AD and treated with dupilumab, were retrospectively collected from 24 dermatological and paediatric referral centres. Dupilumab was administered subcutaneously at an induction dose of 300 mg on day (D) 1, followed by 300 mg on D15 and 300 mg every 4 weeks. Disease severity was assessed at baseline and after week 2 (W2), W4 and W16 of dupilumab therapy using Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI), Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (P-NRS) and Sleep NRS (S-NRS) and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (c-DLQI) score.

RESULTS

A total of 55 AD children (24 males [43.64%], 31 females [56.36%]; mean age 9.35 ± 1.75 years) were included. A significant improvement in EASI score, P-NRS, S-NRS and c-DLQI was observed from baseline to W16 of treatment with dupilumab. In particular, at W16 the proportion of patients achieving EASI75 was 74.54%. Moreover, at the same timepoint a significant mean percentage reduction for P-NRS, S-NRS and c-DLQI was also observed (68.39%, 70.22% and 79.03%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our real-life data seem to confirm the effectiveness of dupilumab in paediatric patients on all disease aspects, including extent and severity of signs, intensity of symptoms, sleep and QoL, with a good safety profile.

Rapid response to dupilumab treatment in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: A case series

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease characterized by itch and clinical heterogeneity regarding the age of onset, morphology, distribution, and severity of lesions. Severe AD has a significant impact on the quality of life of affected children and their caregivers. Children with moderate-severe AD inadequately controlled with topical therapy have limited treatment options, such as systemic corticosteroids or phototherapy, often prescribed as off-label treatments, often with unfavorable benefit-to-risk ratio adverse events. Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody with proven effectiveness and a relatively safe adverse effect profile in patients with type 2 inflammatory diseases, including AD. We report three pediatric cases of severe AD successfully treated with dupilumab.

A Literature Review of Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Dupilumab for Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with pruritus, characterized by recurrent eczema with exacerbations and remissions. AD impairs patients’ QOL and places a heavy burden on patients. Recently, dupilumab, an anti–IL-4Rα antibody, was approved for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe AD who are refractory to topical agents and/or conventional systemic therapy. Clinical trials of dupilumab for AD demonstrated high efficacy and tolerable safety profiles. Furthermore, real-world evidence of dupilumab for AD is accumulating. Most of these data show favorable effectiveness and safety profile; however, they also clarified issues, including conjunctivitis and facial redness. There are still a certain number of patients with significant failure. In this article, we review real-world evidence of dupilumab for AD, identify concerns specific to dupilumab, and discuss unmet needs and issues to be addressed in the future.

Immunological Targets of Biologic Drugs in Allergic Skin Diseases in Children

Atopic dermatitis and urticaria are two invalidating skin disorders that are very common in children. Recent advances in the understanding of their specific intracellular molecular pathways have permitted the development of precise biological molecules, targeting inflammatory mediators and arresting the pathogenetic pathways of skin diseases. Many biologics with promising results have been studied, although few are currently approved in children. In this review, we aim to provide the latest evidence about the use, indications, efficacy and safety of biologic therapies to treat atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria in children and adolescents.

From Emollients to Biologicals: Targeting Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease and significantly impacts patients' lives, particularly in its severe forms. AD clinical presentation varies over the course of the disease, throughout different age groups, and across ethnicities. AD is characterized by a spectrum of clinical phenotypes as well as endotypes. Starting from the current description of AD pathogenesis, this review explores the rationale of approved AD therapies from emollients to biologicals and introduces novel promising drugs.