Emerging systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis: biologics

Abstract

Background

The mainstay of atopic dermatitis treatment has been largely unchanged over the last few decades. With improved understanding of the immunologic pathways underlying atopic dermatitis in recent years, targeted biologic therapies are being developed.

Objective

Discuss efficacy and safety profiles of emerging biologics in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials.

Methods

A systemic literature review was conducted to identify results of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of monoclonal antibodies up to March 1, 2020 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Results

Targeted biologics appear to have acceptable safety profiles. Dupilumab, lebrikizumab, and nemolizumab demonstrate efficacy as agents producing improvement in clinical severity and pruritus.

Conclusions

The growing class of biologics shows promise in meeting the needs of treatment-resistant atopic dermatitis. The use of validated core measurements is necessary for future trials in order to adequately compare agents and progress evidence-based medicine.

Keywords:

• Atopic dermatitis
• biologics
• monoclonal antibodies
• treatment

Acknowledgment

This article has no funding sources.

Author contributions

All authors contributed to the preparation of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

Alan Fleischer is a consultant for Boehringer-Ingelheim, Dermavant, Incyte, Qurient, SCM Lifescience and Syneos. He is an investigator for Galderma, Menlo and Trevi. He has no other potential conflicts including Honoraria, Speakers bureau, Stock ownership or options, Expert testimony, Grants, Patents filed, received, pending, or in preparation, Royalties, or Donation of medical equipment. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).