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Tag: Dupilumab

Eczema med Dupixent may also offer major benefits to asthmatics

Eczema med Dupixent may also offer major benefits to asthmatics

In a previous newsletter we discussed the new biologic drug Dupixent (Dupilumab) as a true “Godsend” for severe eczema.  By way of reminder, it is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin-4 receptor, and thereby prevents the inflammation that causes eczema.  This medicine has proven to be both safe and effective, and the injections can be done at home.

Because interleukin-4 also plays a big role in asthmatic inflammation, researchers at Washington University have studied its benefits in severe steroid-dependent asthmatics.  Their study showed it to be both safe and effective for this disease also.

Dupixent use saw a 70% decrease in need for systemic steroids, and 59% fewer asthmatic attacks.

If other scientists confirm these finding it might allow the FDA to approve Dupixent for asthma therapy.  At present the monoclonal antibodies for severe asthma (Xolair, Fasenra, Cinqair and Nucala) work very well, but must be administered in a doctor’s office.  Dupixent may offer an at-home alternative.

Eczema

Eczema

Dermatology researchers at the University of Oregon recently published two Phase 3 trials of Dupilumab in eczema. Phase 3 trials are the ones that can lead to FDA approval of a new drug. These trials were very successful.

Dupilumab is a human monoclonal antibody against interleukin-4 receptor alpha. Interleukin-4 is a cytokine (inflammatory molecule) that is an important cause of allergic eczema. The studies were done on 1,500 patients with moderate-to-severe eczema that was not responding to topical medications. In one of the trials, patients received injections of Dupilumab weekly, and in the other trial the injections were every two weeks. Both groups showed more than a 75% improvement in their rash compared to placebo. Not only did the rash improve, but there also was great reduction in itching and anxiety/ depression. Finally, quality of life assessments showed marked improvement.  In people with moderate-to severe eczema skin rash can cover large parts of the body’s surface. This rash is accompanied by intense, persistent itching which leads to sleep deprivation and symptoms of anxiety and depression. For many people with this measure of eczema, topical therapies just don’t work. The available systemic treatments are often associated with significant toxicity or side effects. Hence, there is a great need for a safe and effective long-term therapy. Dupilumab seems to fit this need. The two main side effects were injection site swelling (8 to 19%) and conjunctivitis (2 to 5%).

Dear Doc: Why long-term allergy shots for some?

Dear Doc: Why long-term allergy shots for some?

Dear Dr. K: My friend and I, who have both been on allergy shots for four years, went off them. My friend remains allergy-free, but my allergies are coming back again. What gives? That is a simple question to ask, but a more difficult one to answer. Let’s start with how allergy shots work. Actually, we should call them allergy vaccines because all vaccines lead to the production of protective antibodies (called IgG). For example: in the case of tetanus vaccine, it leads to antitetanus antibodies. Similarly, an allergy vaccine against ragweed leads to protective IgG antibodies against ragweed. These IgG antibodies interfere with the allergic antibody (IgE) from interacting with ragweed and hence, prevent the allergy symptoms. The longer a person receives an allergy vaccine, the greater the level of protective antibodies. Everyone who receives allergy shots experiences this response. A second benefit of allergy shots is to gradually turn off IgE production. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen in everyone. It’s the diminution of IgE that leads to long-term remission from the allergies. Your friend undoubtedly has had this benefit.  A few other issues are worth mentioning. People living in southern climes tend to need allergy shots longer than their northern neighbors. The absence of winter freezes leads to higher levels of both indoor and outdoor allergens year-round. Outdoors is obviously more challenging as there is a year-round growing season. Indoors, both mold and dust mites persist through the winter. This is because of persistent indoor humidity. Up north, the months of dry heating kills indoor mold and dust mites. Finally, there is the issue of animal allergy. People with dog and cat allergy tend to need these allergy shots for a longer period — especially for cat allergy.

which leads to sleep deprivation and symptoms of anxiety and depression. For many people with this measure of eczema, topical therapies just don’t work. The available systemic treatments are often associated with significant toxicity or side effects. Hence, there is a great need for a safe and effective long-term therapy. Dupilumab seems to fit this need. The two main side effects were injection site swelling (8 to 19%) and conjunctivitis (2 to 5%).