Dermatology Times 2024 in Review: Chronic Hand Eczema

Aloha to New Delgocitinib and Tralokinumab Data

Investigators including Andrew Blauvelt, MD, MBA; Peter Lio, MD; and Amy Paller, MD, presented findings on delgocitinib cream and tralokinumab-ldrm (Adbry) across 10 posters at 2024 Winter Clinical Hawaii and Maui Derm, offering invaluable insights into the treatment landscape for chronic hand eczema (CHE) and atopic dermatitis (AD).

Topical Ruxolitinib Demonstrated Promising Clinical Improvements in Chronic Hand Dermatitis, Study Shows

In a pioneering study conducted at the University of Rochester Medical Center, researchers evaluated the efficacy of topical ruxolitinib 1.5%, a pan-JAK inhibitor, in recalcitrant CHE. The study's findings revealed that topical ruxolitinib may demonstrate promise in improving clinical symptoms, itch, and patient quality of life in this indication.

Chronic Hand Eczema and the Impact of Corticosteroid Fear

A 2024 study highlighted that topical corticosteroid (TCS) phobia is prevalent among patients with CHE and is negatively associated with treatment adherence. According to researchers, these findings underscore the urgent need for improved education about TCS for both patients and healthcare professionals, and the importance of developing safe and effective non-steroidal treatment options for those with CHE.

LEO Pharma Presents Prevalence, Severity, and Treatment CHECK Data for Chronic Hand Eczema

LEO Pharma presented 4 posters at the 2024 European Society of Contact Dermatitis Congress in Dresden, Germany, related to the multinational Chronic Hand Eczema epidemiology, Care, and Knowledge of real-life burden, or CHECK, study. Additionally, 1 poster and 3 encore posters were presented related to the Real-World trEatment & mAnagement of CHE in cLinical practice, or RWEAL, study involving physician-reported outcomes.

Two Major Regulatory Milestones Announced for Delgocitinib for CHE

In September 2024, 2 major regulatory milestones were announced concerning delgocitinib cream for CHE. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted for filing a New Drug Application (NDA) for the cream, while the European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for the product, branded as Anzupgo, in the European Union and select European countries.

LEO Pharma's Delgocitinib Launches for Chronic Hand Eczema in Germany

Shortly after being granted marketing authorization by the EU, LEO Pharma announced that the company launched delgocitinib (Anzupgo) cream in Germany, making it the first country where the topical treatment became available for adults with moderate to severe CHE.

Addressing Unmet Needs Globally: LEO Pharma’s Commitment to Dermatology

Christophe Bourdon, chief executive officer of LEO Pharma, discussed some of the key takeaways from recent data, including the unmet need of CHE, delgocitinib’s recent approval in Europe and filing acceptance in the US, and LEO Pharma’s commitment to globally addressing unmet needs across numerous disease states.

Navigating Complexities and Unmet Needs of Chronic Hand Eczema

Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology and translational biomedicine at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and Dermatology Times’ 2024 Winter Editor in Chief discussed CHE significant impact on quality of life in patients, the key differences between CHE and atopic dermatitis on the hand, and the lack of FDA-approved treatments in the US.

CHE Negatively Impacts Quality of Life, According to Patients

At the 2024 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress in Amsterdam, Netherlands, a poster was presented offering direct patient experiences of the harmful burden of CHE. The results come from exit interviews of a phase 3 DELTA 1 clinical trial testing the use of delgocitinib cream versus cream vehicle. According to poster authors, these qualitative post-trial interviews provided a more detailed insight into patient experiences and the burden of the disease.

Delgocitinib Approved for Adults with Moderate to Severe CHE in Switzerland

LEO Pharma announced in a news release that Swissmedic, Switzerland’s national regulatory body, granted marketing approval for delgocitinib (Anzupgo) cream. This topical therapy is specifically indicated for adults suffering from moderate to severe CHE who have had insufficient response to or cannot use topical corticosteroids.

Reviewing Multiple Subtypes of CHE and Delgocitinib as a Pan-JAK Inhibitor

Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, reviewed 2 posters presented at the 2024 European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (EADV) Congress in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on the multifactorial and heterogenous nature of CHE and delgocitinib’s (LEO Pharma) ability to restore the molecular signature of lesional skin in patients with CHE.

Delgocitinib Reduces Inflammation and Restores Skin Barrier in CHE as a Topical Pan-JAK Inhibitor

A poster presented at the 2024 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress in Amsterdam, Netherlands, detailed the results from an analysis of a phase 2a study of topical delgocitinib’s efficacy and safety. Worm et al evaluated the molecular endotype underlying various CHE severities and whether the topical application of delgocitinib ointment for 8 weeks could reduce local inflammation and improve skin barrier function.

Researchers Identify Potential Risk Factors of CHE in General Chinese Population

A Chinese study analyzed the risk factors for developing CHE and its severity in the general population. It was found that working with wet hands for more than 5 hours per day as well as having chapped skin were the most significant risk factors.