Orally Dispersible Swallowed Topical Corticosteroids in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Paradigm Shift in the Management of Esophageal Inflammation

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the esophagus within the type 2 inflammatory spectrum, characterized by progressive tissue remodeling driven by uncontrolled inflammation. Its incidence and prevalence are rising sharply, likely reflecting environmental triggers acting on genetic and epigenetic susceptibility. Therapeutic options have expanded rapidly, with recent approvals of new topical steroidal formulations together with biologic compounds. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), older swallowed topical corticosteroid (STC), and dietary interventions remain in use but are limited by suboptimal adherence and treatment discontinuation. This has driven a shift toward advanced orally dispersible STCs formulations-most notably budesonide orally dispersible tablets (BOT), budesonide oral suspension (BOS), and fluticasone orally dispersible tablets (FOT). BOT, the most extensively studied, achieves high rates of histologic and clinical remission, with favorable safety and superior adherence compared to earlier STCs formulations. This comprehensive overview focuses on following key research findings and novelty aspects of new treatments: (a) optimized esophageal targeting through orally dispersible or viscous formulations of STC, enhancing mucosal contact time and improving drug delivery to affected tissues compared to older formulations; (b) robust evidence for both induction and maintenance rates of remission, with data extending up to nearly 2 years and showing stable efficacy across clinical, histologic, and endoscopic endpoints; (c) effectiveness in STC-refractory patients, with BOT showing benefit even in those previously unresponsive to older STC formulations. This review synthesizes evidence of steroid therapy in EoE, from pharmacological aspects to clinical efficacy from randomized trials and emerging real-world studies, highlighting its impact on EoE management and outlining future therapeutic directions.

Keywords: corticosteroids; eosinophilic esophagitis; formulations; orally dispersible; topical treatment.

Figure 1

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) treatment landscape and mechanism of action of different therapies, from Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) to biologics and immunomodulators. The green arrow means reduction or inhibition of the aforementioned pathways due to drug effect.

Figure 2

Different topical corticosteroids formulation for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), with the transition from off-label aerosolized compounds to the novel orally dispersible tablets or suspensions.