Biologic Treatments for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis

For some patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, the combination of dupilumab and corticosteroids may be necessary to control flares, a new study shows. Dupilumab is a proven treatment for AD, so where do we go from here? A physician writing in BJD suggests predictive modeling.

Three patients achieve 80-100 percent clearance of moderate-to-severe dyshidrosis of the hands and palms after treatment with dupilumab.

Symptomatic relief remains out of reach for many who suffer chronic pruritis. Without drugs specifically approved to treat chronic itch, providers and patients rely on therapies with limited efficacy. Here’s an update of two important clinical trials.

A phase two study of adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis shows that once-daily oral Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and 2 inhibitor baricitinib relieved itch and improved sleep, a study shows.

The transcription factor "retinoid-related orphan receptor-alpha" (RORA) has been identified as a regulator of T regulatory (Treg) genes responsible for suppressing allergic skin inflammation, researchers report.

The duration of methotrexate administration proves to be longer than that of cyclosporine in atopic dermatitis, according to a small study that compared the two first-line immunosuppressive treatments for atopic dermatitis.

New data and status updates for atopic dermatitis treatments in clinical trials will be presented at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting in San Diego this week. In this article, we offer some highlights.

A small study finds that the combination of methotrexate and azathioprine is safe and effective as maintenance treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis for up to five years.

Moisturizers were described as the “cornerstone of therapy” in atopic dermatitis in the 2014 AAD guidelines for topical therapies in atopic dermatitis, but the products differ greatly by ingredients which can improve the condition or make it worse.

Thinking of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis as a spectrum, rather than separate diseases might lead to better understanding, and potentially better treatments.

Ocular comorbidity risk is already high in patients with atopic dermatitis and may increase even further as biologic agents are introduced, a study shows.

Until recently, atopic dermatitis treatments were primarily limited to topical corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppressants. Now, two new therapies have reached clinical practice. Nineteen more are in development.

Dupilumab given concomitantly with topical corticosteroids significantly improved signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults refractory to or intolerant of cyclosporine A, a study shows.

Early trial results show a significant reduction of itch with the oral NK-1 antagonist serlopitant

Dupilumab plus topical corticosteroids safe and effective after failure of cyclosporine in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis

There are two pathways that lead to atopic dermatitis. Their origins differ, but they both impair the immune system and skin barrier in AD.

An experimental drug designed to control itching in people with moderate-to-severe AD shows promise in early trial.

A new study shows that mutations in the gene CARD11 are associated with severe atopic disease.

In early research, subcutaneous nemolizumab significantly reduced pruritus in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis adult patients.

Patients with severe atopic dermatitis who have lower serum vitamin D levels have a high sensitivity to house dust mites which can aggravate their condition, a new study shows.

Long-term data for dupilumab in atopic dermatitis revealed at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 75th Annual Meeting reflect safety, rapid relief of troublesome symptoms and a long-lived response in keeping with the drug’s breakthrough status, experts told Dermatology Times.

A new research center makes a database of five million human pathology specimens and 22,000 living consented patients, all searchable by diagnoses, as well as cutting edge human analytic techniques available to anyone interested in carrying out translational skin disease research on human cells and tissues.

New data suggests positive safety and efficacy profile. Further studies need to assess long-term use.

Microbial colonization in the development of inflammatory conditions and immune-mediated conditions is a hot research topic, and new dermatologic therapies can potentially result from greater understanding of the role of microbial communities on the skin and in the gut.

Part of the management of contact dermatitis is identifying the offending agent through patch testing and eliminating contact with the offending agent.

UK-based Ziarco Pharma Ltd. recently announced positive phase 2a results for ZPL-389, a once daily oral histamine H4 receptor antagonist, for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

The systemic therapy dupilumab met primary endpoints in two phase 3 studies on adults with in inadequately controlled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Pfizer and Anacor Pharmaceuticals announced in May that the pharmaceutical companies merged with Pfizer acquiring Anacor for about $5.2 billion. Dermatologists say merger is a good move for patients.

Good for more than a morning meal, oatmeal soothes angry skin, relieves itching, and even has an antimicrobial effect.