The emerging role of dupilumab in dermatological indications

Abstract

Introduction: Dupilumab represents a breakthrough in the management of atopic dermatitis (AD), thanks to its powerful T-helper (Th)2-mediated immunity modulating activity. It can reduce the atopic skin molecular signature and induce a significant decrease in the clinical signs and symptoms of AD patients.

Areas covered: Th2 activation has been confirmed or suspected in skin diseases other than AD, and several reports about the treatment with dupilumab in these conditions have been published. In order to review the new indications of dupilumab in dermatology, we performed a search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Skin databases, and clinicaltrials.gov.

Expert opinion: The analysis of available literature suggests that dupilumab may have a large application in dermatology, besides AD. Clinical trials are underway on some widespread disease (i.e. chronic urticaria, bullous pemphigoid, alopecia areata, or allergic contact dermatitis). The data are still partial, but they seem to indicate that dupilumab is efficacious and safe. On the other hand, the dupilumab use in some rare skin diseases remains only hypothetical or linked to few case reports. Dupilumab could have a prominent position in the therapeutic algorithm of chronic skin diseases that significantly affect the quality of life of patients, require long-term treatment, or lacking effective therapies.

Keywords: Dupilumab; allergic contact dermatitis; alopecia areata; bullous pemphigoides; chronic pruritus; chronic skin disease; hand eczema; prurigo nodularis; urticaria.