Alexander Egeberg, MD, PhD, Shares Key Findings on Chronic Hand Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis

“As a company, we can do a lot of innovation, but we can only really help patients if we're actually actively able to communicate some of the science and discoveries that we've done. Because if we're not able to tell about all the innovations we've made, then clinicians will not be aware, and that will not benefit patients,” said Alexander Egeberg, MD, PhD, in an interview with Dermatology Times.

Egeberg, a board-certified dermatologist and the Head of Global Medical Affairs at LEO Pharma, recently highlighted LEO Pharma’s dedication to advancing dermatologic care through innovative treatments and research. He shared insights from the 2024 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) conference, where LEO Pharma presented its largest portfolio of studies on chronic hand eczema and atopic dermatitis, including the promising results of delgocitinib cream and real-world evidence on tralokinumab. Egeberg detailed 7 key takeaways, ranging from the significant quality-of-life impact of chronic skin diseases to the exciting potential of novel therapies in addressing previously unmet needs for dermatology patients worldwide.

The Importance of Communication in Advancing Patient Care

Egeberg highlighted that innovation in dermatology is meaningful only when the scientific community and clinicians are well-informed about it. LEO Pharma has focused on broad communication to ensure that clinicians can incorporate new treatment advances into their practice. At the recent EADV 2024 conference, LEO Pharma presented its largest portfolio to date of 23 abstracts, 5 of which were late-breaking, covering conditions such as atopic dermatitis and chronic hand eczema—diseases with a high disease burden and unmet needs for effective treatments.

Chronic Hand Eczema's Unique Burden on Patients

Egeberg shared insights into the physical and emotional toll of chronic hand eczema, a condition that affects patients in highly visible and often debilitating ways. Drawing from personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, he described how everyday tasks—like hand sanitization—can be a source of intense pain and disruption for patients with chronic hand eczema. Specifically, chronic hand eczema can impact every aspect of life, from personal hygiene to professional capabilities, and many patients struggle with the condition’s profound daily impact.

Delgocitinib Cream as a Promising Topical Solution

LEO Pharma’s delgocitinib cream has shown significant promise as an effective topical option for chronic hand eczema. In contrast to alitretinoin, a previous oral treatment that carries teratogenic risks, delgocitinib demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety profiles across all subtypes of chronic hand eczema in clinical trials. This topical option is particularly significant for patients who may have experienced adverse effects with systemic treatments and represents a meaningful advancement for those seeking a non-invasive, effective alternative.

Impact of Chronic Hand Eczema on Quality of Life

Studies presented by LEO Pharma reveal how deeply chronic hand eczema impacts patient lives, beyond the physical symptoms. A poster presented at EADV 2024 by Mohandas et al showed data that found around 40% of patients with chronic hand eczema report sleep disturbances due to their condition, while approximately one-third of patients experience issues with intimacy. According to Egeberg, these findings underline the disease’s disruptive nature, affecting both personal well-being and social interactions, and emphasize the importance of new therapies that can mitigate these impacts.

The DELTA-FORCE Trial Results: Topical vs. Systemic Treatments

The DELTA-FORCE trial, a phase 3 head-to-head study, compared delgocitinib with the systemic treatment alitretinoin over a 12-week period for chronic hand eczema. Results showed that delgocitinib outperformed alitretinoin on all primary and secondary endpoints, showcasing a topical treatment that demonstrated superiority over a systemic option. Egeberg emphasized that this trial provides clinicians with a safer and more effective alternative to traditional systemic therapies, expanding the treatment landscape for a previously limited field of options.

Comparative Analysis Between Delgocitinib and Dupilumab for Atopic Hand Eczema

A match-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) was conducted between delgocitinib and dupilumab, focusing on their efficacy in treating atopic hand eczema. While no statistically significant differences emerged, the results numerically favored delgocitinib, an impactful outcome given the well-established efficacy of biologics like dupilumab in dermatology. For Egeberg, this finding underscores the strength of delgocitinib as a topical treatment capable of achieving results comparable to systemic biologics, potentially altering the treatment landscape for atopic hand eczema.

Real-World Evidence Supporting Tralokinumab in Head and Neck Dermatitis

In addition to innovations in hand eczema treatment, LEO Pharma presented real-world evidence on tralokinumab’s effectiveness for head and neck atopic dermatitis through the TRACE study. This study covered outcomes from multiple countries and indicated that tralokinumab can significantly improve, or even clear, residual atopic dermatitis in the head and neck area for many patients, including those previously treated with other biologics. Egeberg emphasized that these findings are impactful, especially as head and neck areas are challenging to treat, representing a critical unmet need in dermatology.

Commitment to Advancing Dermatologic Care through Collaboration

Throughout his discussion, Egeberg reiterated LEO Pharma’s commitment to research and development in dermatology, particularly in under-researched areas. This dedication is demonstrated by the company’s extensive clinical trial programs aimed at addressing significant gaps in treatment options. Egeberg encouraged strong collaborations between LEO Pharma and the global clinical community, underscoring that partnerships are crucial in translating research breakthroughs into meaningful improvements in patient care.

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