Efficacy of biologics and oral small molecules for atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: As new targeted therapies continue to emerge for atopic dermatitis (AD), comparisons between agents are necessary to inform clinical decision-making.

Objectives: Assess the efficacy of biologics and oral small molecules on the clinical signs, symptoms, and quality of life in AD.

Methods: A systematic literature review identified phase II and III randomized clinical trials of biologics and oral small molecules in AD. Clinical benefit was assessed for three outcome measures: Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS) by performing a meta-analysis using the inverse variance heterogeneity model ((IVhet)).

Results: The highest achievement of 75% reduction in EASI was seen with the higher dose of upadacitinib (30 mg) followed by abrocitinib and lebrikizumab, which outperformed dupilumab. Similarly, the highest proportion achieving at least a 4-point reduction of PP-NRS was seen with lebrikizumab followed by upadacitinib and abrocitinib which had greater reduction of itch than dupilumab. Abrocitinib had the greatest improvement in DLQI.

Conclusions: Upadacitinib, abrocitinib, and lebrikizumab had greater improvement of clinical signs, symptoms, and quality of life in AD compared to dupilumab and other targeted therapies.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; clinical trials; outcome measures; targeted therapies.