The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has just recently approved the drug Dupixent for treating atopic dermatitis (eczema). It is a human monoclonal antibody (dupilumab) that targets two inflammatory molecules – IL-4 and IL-13 – the main driving forces for the rash and itch that characterize eczema. This drug is intended for people with moderate-to-severe eczema that is not otherwise controlled by antihistamines or topical steroids.

The medicine is administered by subcutaneous injection from a pre-filled syringe. The current recommendation is that initial therapy be done in a doctor’s office, but once safety is established, it can be done at home.

The main side effects reported by the FDA are local injection site reactions, conjunctivitis and eye dryness and activation of oral herpes. Very rarely allergic reactions occurred.

So far, it is only approved for non-pregnant adults. The drug trials demonstrated fairly dramatic results with 40% of participants having complete clearing of their rash within 16 weeks.

Nemolizumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody that is showing real promise in treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). It inactivates Interleukin 31 (an inflammatory molecule associated with the often-intense itch of eczema).