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.