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IntroductionThe impact of crisaborole ointment, a nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD), on quality of life (QoL) was assessed in two identically designed phase 3 studies (AD-301: NCT02118766; AD-302: NCT02118792, both at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov ).MethodsIn both studies, patients aged ≥ 2 years with mild to moderate AD per the Investigator's Static Global Assessment were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive crisaborole or vehicle twice daily for 28 days. QoL was assessed using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) (2-15 years), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (≥ 16 years), and the Dermatitis Family Impact Questionnaire (DFI) (parents/caregivers/family of patients aged 2-17 years). Established QoL score severity bands provided clinical context.ResultsGreater mean improvement in QoL was observed in crisaborole-treated patients than in vehicle-treated patients at day 29 [mean change from baseline (∆BL), CDLQI: - 4.6 vs. - 3.0; P < 0.001; DLQI: - 5.2 vs. - 3.5; P = 0.015]. At baseline, more than half the patients had a "moderate effect" or higher of AD on QoL. At day 29, there was a trend toward more crisaborole- than vehicle-treated patients having "small effect" to "no effect", The QoL of parents/caregivers/family improved more for crisaborole-treated than for vehicle-treated patients (∆BL, DFI: - 3.7 vs. - 2.7; P = 0.003).ConclusionCrisaborole treatment results in clinically meaningful improvement in QoL for patients and their parents/caregivers/families.Trial registrationAD-301: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT02118766; AD-302: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT02118792.FundingAnacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer Inc., New York, NY.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that has wide-ranging roles, including regulation of inflammation and homeostasis. AhR is not a cell surface receptor; rather, it exists in a cytoplasmic complex that responds to a wide variety of structurally dissimilar endogenous, microbial, and environmental ligands. The ubiquitous expression of AhR, its ability to be activated by a wide range of ligands, and its capacity to act as a master regulator for gene expression and homeostasis make it a promising new therapeutic target. Clinical trials of tapinarof cream have now validated AhR agonism as a therapeutic approach that can deliver significant efficacy for treating inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Tapinarof 1% cream is a first-in-class, nonsteroidal, topical, AhR agonist with a pharmacokinetic profile that results in localized exposure at sites of disease, avoiding systemic safety concerns, drug interactions, or off-target effects. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis both involve epidermal inflammation, cellular immune responses, dysregulation of skin barrier protein expression, and oxidative stress. On the basis of the clinical effectiveness of tapinarof cream for treating inflammatory skin diseases, we review how targeting AhR may offer a significant opportunity in other conditions that share key aspects of pathogenesis, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, ophthalmic, and nervous system diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the burden of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects both children and adults. The incidence of AD is increasing globally, and it has a significant impact on quality of life. Current treatments have limitations, and there is a need for improved topical medications. Tapinarof, a nonsteroidal topical medication, has shown promise in clinical trials for patients with AD, including children as young as 2 years old. Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for AD. The document provides a list of references and citations for further research on atopic dermatitis, covering various topics related to the condition and its treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction/Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) has different clinical presentations, pathophysiology, comorbidity frequencies, and genetic profiles in adult-onset vs childhood-onset disease. Based on these differences, it is plausible that treatment response would also be different between adult- and childhood-onset AD. Lebrikizumab, a novel, high affinity monoclonal antibody, selectively targeting IL-13 with high affinity and slow dissociation rate, has been approved in the EU, UK, and Japan and is under investigation in the US and elsewhere for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD. Objectives To evaluate the Week-16 efficacy of lebrikizumab monotherapy by age of AD onset in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD from ADvocate1 (NCT04146363) and ADvocate2 (NCT04178967), identically-designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials. Methods In ADvocate1 and ADvocate2, eligible patients were randomly allocated 2:1 to receive lebrikizumab 250 mg or placebo every 2 weeks. The date of AD onset was collected, and age of onset was calculated accordingly. Patients were stratified by age of AD-onset as ≤2, >2-to-<18, and ≥18 years. Efficacy was assessed at Week 16 with the proportion of patients with Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 with ≥2-point improvement (IGA 0,1; the trials' primary endpoint); ≥75% (EASI 75) and ≥90% (EASI 90) improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index from baseline; ≥4-point Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) improvement from baseline (with baseline score ≥4), and percentage change in total EASI from baseline. Data from patients who received topical or systemic rescue medication or discontinued treatment due to lack of efficacy were imputed as nonresponders or set to baseline values. Data from patients who discontinued treatment for other reasons were set to missing and analyzed by multiple imputation. This was a post-hoc analysis conducted on the modified, pooled intent-to-treat population. Treatment-by-age subgroup interaction was assessed with logistic regression. Binary outcomes were analyzed by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method, and continuous outcomes were analyzed with ANCOVA. Results At baseline, the numbers of patients treated with lebrikizumab and placebo, respectively, were 215 and 117 in the ≤2 years AD-onset subgroup, 178 and 103 in the >2-to-<18 years subgroup, and 171 and 67 in the ≥18 years subgroup. At baseline, the percentages of patients with ≥1 atopic comorbidity were 81% in the ≤2 years subgroup, 74% in the >2-to-<18 years subgroup, and 58% in the ≥18 years subgroup. At Week 16, treatment-by-age subgroup interactions were not significant at the 0.10 level for IGA 0,1; EASI 75; EASI 90; and Pruritus NRS 4-pt improvement. Within each subgroup, a higher proportion of lebrikizumab-treated compared with placebo-treated patients (p<0.001) achieved IGA 0,1 responses (≤2 years: 41% vs. 12%; >2-to-<18 years: 35% vs. 12%; ≥18 years: 38% vs. 12%), EASI 75 responses (≤2 years: 57% vs. 17%; >2-to-<18 years: 51% vs. 16%; ≥18 years: 58% vs. 20%), and EASI 90 responses (≤2 years: 38% vs. 10%; >2-to-<18 years: 32% vs. 9%; ≥18 years: 33% vs. 8%). Additionally, the least-squares mean percentage change from baseline in total EASI score for lebrikizumab and placebo, respectively, was -65% and -26% in the ≤2 years subgroup, -60% and -26% in the >2-to-<18 years subgroup, and -63% and -30% in the ≥18 years subgroup (p<0.001 for lebrikizumab vs. placebo in all subgroups). The proportion of lebrikizumab-treated patients who reported ≥4-point improvement in Pruritus NRS from baseline (baseline ≥4) was greater compared with placebo-treated patients ([N]; ≤2 years: 43% [201] vs. 11% [108]; >2-to-<18 years: 41% [161] vs. 14% [96]; ≥18 years: 45% [154] vs. 12% [60]; p<0.001). Conclusions Regardless of age of AD onset, lebrikizumab was associated with significant improvements in AD signs and symptoms compared with placebo over 16 weeks of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a distressing dermatological disease, which is highly prevalent during infancy, can persist into later life and requires long-term management with anti-inflammatory compounds. The introduction of the topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, more than 10 yr ago was a major breakthrough for the topical anti-inflammatory treatment of AD. Pimecrolimus 1% is approved for second-line use in children (≥2 yr old) and adults with mild-to-moderate AD. The age restriction was emphasized in a boxed warning added by the FDA in January 2006, which also highlights the lack of long-term safety data and the theoretical risk of skin malignancy and lymphoma. Since then, pimecrolimus has been extensively investigated in short- and long-term studies including over 4000 infants (

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a heterogeneous, chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease associated with considerable physical, psychological, and economic burden. The pathology of AD includes complex interactions involving abnormalities in immune and skin barrier genes, skin barrier disruption, immune dysregulation, microbiome disturbance, and other environmental factors. Many of the cytokines involved in AD pathology, including IL-4, IL-13, IL-22, IL-31, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and IFN-γ, signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activation of transcription (STAT) pathway. The JAK family includes JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and tyrosine kinase 2; the STAT family includes STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5A/B, and STAT6. Activation of the JAK-STAT pathway has been implicated in the pathology of several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including AD. However, the exact mechanisms of JAK-STAT involvement in AD have not been fully characterized. This review aims to discuss current knowledge about the role of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and, specifically, the role of JAK1 in the pathology and symptomology of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by dominant type 2 inflammation leading to chronic pruritic skin lesions, allergic comorbidities, and Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization and infections. S aureus is thought to play a role in AD severity. This study characterized the changes in the host-microbial interface in subjects with AD following type 2 blockade with dupilumab. Participants (n = 71) with moderate-severe AD were enrolled in a randomized (dupilumab vs placebo; 2:1), double-blind study at Atopic Dermatitis Research Network centers. Bioassays were performed at multiple time points: S aureus and virulence factor quantification, 16s ribosomal RNA microbiome, serum biomarkers, skin transcriptomic analyses, and peripheral blood T-cell phenotyping. At baseline, 100% of participants were S aureus colonized on the skin surface. Dupilumab treatment resulted in significant reductions in S aureus after only 3 days (compared to placebo), which was 11 days before clinical improvement. Participants with the greatest S aureus reductions had the best clinical outcomes, and these reductions correlated with reductions in serum CCL17 and disease severity. Reductions (10-fold) in S aureus cytotoxins (day 7), perturbations in T H 17-cell subsets (day 14), and increased expression of genes relevant for IL-17, neutrophil, and complement pathways (day 7) were also observed. Blockade of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, very rapidly (day 3) reduces S aureus abundance in subjects with AD, and this reduction correlates with reductions in the type 2 biomarker, CCL17, and measures of AD severity (excluding itch). Immunoprofiling and/or transcriptomics suggest a role for T H 17 cells, neutrophils, and complement activation as potential mechanisms to explain these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory, intensely pruritic skin disorder associated with significant patient burden. Interleukin (IL)‐13 is a cytokine that acts as a driver of immune dysregulation, skin‐barrier dysfunction, and microbiome dysbiosis that characterizes AD, and is consistently overexpressed in AD skin. Tralokinumab is a fully human immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to IL‐13 with high affinity, thereby inhibiting subsequent downstream IL‐13 signaling. Three pivotal phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated that tralokinumab 300 mg every other week, as monotherapy or in combination with topical corticosteroids as needed, provides significant improvements in signs and symptoms of moderate‐to‐severe AD, as measured by Investigator's Global Assessment 0/1 (clear/almost clear) and Eczema Area and Severity Index‐75 at Week 16. Improvements were observed soon after tralokinumab initiation and were maintained over 52 weeks of therapy. Tralokinumab significantly improved patient‐reported outcomes such as itch and sleep, and demonstrated a safety profile comparable with placebo; conjunctivitis during tralokinumab therapy was generally mild. Similar results were observed in a phase 3 adolescent trial. The role of IL‐13 in the pathophysiology of AD justifies a targeted approach and a wealth of clinical data supports tralokinumab as a new therapeutic option for people with moderate‐to‐severe AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the need for long‐term efficacy and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) data for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) treated with baricitinib 2 mg, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of baricitinib 2 mg in adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD. Data presented here provided efficacy and outcomes data for patients treated for 52 weeks. Patients who participated in the originating study, BREEZE‐AD5 (NCT03435081), and met additional eligibility criteria could enroll in the multicenter, open‐label, Phase 3, long‐term extension study BREEZE‐AD6 (NCT03559270). Patients received baricitinib 2 mg for the duration of BREEZE‐AD6. In BREEZE‐AD6, the proportion of patients who achieved a 75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI75) and validated Investigator Global Assessment for AD (vIGA‐AD™) of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) were assessed through 52 weeks, in addition to several PROs. At week 52, the proportion of patients treated with baricitinib 2 mg daily achieving EASI75 was 48.6% (70/144), and 31.3% (45/144) of patients achieved a vIGA‐AD score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear). Improvements in PROs such as SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD, itch and sleep) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) total score, and DLQI ≤5 response were observed, and these responses were sustained through 52 weeks. Long‐term efficacy of baricitinib in patients with AD was demonstrated by both clinician and patient‐reported outcome measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by abnormal skin lipids that are largely driven by hyperactivated type 2 immune responses. The antibody to the α‐subunit of interleukin (IL)‐4 receptor, dupilumab, was recently approved to treat AD and demonstrated strong efficacy. However, the role of dupilumab therapy in the regulation of skin barrier structure and function has not been fully explored. Methods: We have evaluated the content of lipids and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in lesional and non‐lesional skin of adults and adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe AD over the course of 16‐week treatment with dupilumab and compared those values with that of matched healthy volunteers. Results: Dupilumab treatment provided a significant decrease in TEWL in AD lesions, lowering it almost to the levels seen in the skin of healthy subjects. Blocking IL‐4/IL‐13 signaling with dupilumab normalized lipid composition (decreased levels of ceramides with non‐hydroxy fatty acids and C18‐sphingosine and increased the level of esterified omega‐hydroxy fatty acid‐containing ceramides) and increased ceramide chain length in lesional as well as non‐lesional stratum corneum of AD patients. Partial changes for these parameters were already observed after 2 weeks, with a full response achieved after 8 weeks of dupilumab treatment. Conclusions: Inhibition of IL‐4/IL‐13 signaling by dupilumab allows restoration of skin lipid composition and barrier function in patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Roflumilast is a selective, highly potent phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor under investigation as a nonsteroidal, once-daily cream for treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods We present pooled results from two identical phase 3 randomized controlled trials (INTEGUMENT-1: NCT04773587; INTEGUMENT-2: NCT04773600) of roflumilast cream 0.15%. Patients aged ≥6 years with mild to moderate AD were randomized 2:1 to apply roflumilast (n=884) or vehicle (n=453) cream once-daily for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD) Success (Clear/Almost Clear vIGA-AD plus ≥2-grade improvement from baseline) at Week 4. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated using the Worst Itch-Numeric Rating Scale (WI-NRS), SCORing AD (SCORAD), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, Dermatology Life Quality Index/Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index, and the Dermatitis Family Impact questionnaire. Safety and tolerability were also evaluated. Results At Week 4, more roflumilast- than vehicle-treated patients achieved vIGA-AD Success (31.3% vs. 14.1%, P<0.0001), WI-NRS Success (≥4-point improvement on WI-NRS in patients aged ≥12 years with baseline WI-NRS ≥4; 31.9% vs. 16.6%, P<0.0001); and WI-NRS of 0/1 (in patients with baseline WI-NRS ≥2; 28.8% vs 18.5%, P=0.0087). At Week 4, roflumilast-treated patients improved more than vehicle-treated on the pruritus and sleep components of SCORAD (least squares mean percentage change −48.2% vs. −27.8%; [P<0.0001] and −47.9% vs. −22.9% [P<0.05], respectively). Differences favoring roflumilast were also seen for other secondary endpoints, including quality of life of the patient and family. Safety and local tolerability were favorable. Conclusion Once-daily, nonsteroidal roflumilast cream 0.15% improved PROs in patients with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itch and eczematous skin lesions that can impact individuals at any age across any area of the body. There is a need for safe treatments for AD that provide rapid itch relief and skin clearance and that are suitable for long-term use. Upadacitinib is a selective, reversible oral Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, which is approved in multiple countries for the treatment of adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD. The current analysis assessed the long-term safety for up to 4 years of upadacitinib 15 and 30 mg in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD, using integrated data from three ongoing global pivotal phase 3 studies. The Measure Up 1, Measure Up 2, and AD Up studies are ongoing pivotal phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of upadacitinib 15 mg and upadacitinib 30 mg in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD. Patients were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to receive oral upadacitinib 15 mg, upadacitinib 30 mg or placebo once daily alone (Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2) or with concomitant topical corticosteroids (AD Up). At Week 16, patients receiving upadacitinib 15 or 30 mg during the double-blinded period continued their assigned treatment in the blinded extension (BE) period, whereas patients receiving placebo were re-randomized 1 : 1 to receive either upadacitinib 15 or 30 mg in the BE period (upadacitinib treatment for up to 260 weeks). A total of 2693 adults and adolescents (upadacitinib 15 mg, 1340; upadacitinib 30 mg, 1353) who received at least one dose of upadacitinib were included in the integrated analysis. Treatment-emergent adverse events of special interest (AESI) were analysed as exposure-adjusted rates per 100 patient-years (PY) for the entire treatment period to adjust for potentially different durations of follow-up. Upadacitinib was well tolerated by both adults and adolescents. For all patients, rates of AESIs were similar at the 1-year analysis and up to 4-year analysis for upadacitinib (15 mg/30 mg) for: serious infections, 2.3 and 2.2/2.8 and 2.8; opportunistic infections, 1.6 and 1.8/1.9 and 2.4; active tuberculosis, <0.1/<0.1 at both time points; herpes zoster, 3.5 and 3.1/5.2 and 5.8; nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), 0.3 and 0.4/0.4 and 0.3; malignancy excluding NMSC, 0.1 and 0.4/0.5 and 0.3; and adverse events leading to death, 0 and 0/<0.1 and <0.1. Rates of adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were 0.1 and <0.1/<0.1 and <0.1, and for venous thromboembolic events (VTE) were <0.1 for both doses at the 1-year analysis and up to 4-year analysis. Rates of gastrointestinal perforations were 0 for both doses at both timepoint analyses. Rates of serious infections remain low (<3.0 E/100 PY). Based on the integrated analysis of long-term safety data for up to 4 years, rates of AESIs remained low throughout a longer duration of treatment with upadacitinib 15 or 30 mg among adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD. No new safety risks were observed. Findings of the current safety analysis continue to support a favorable benefit-risk profile of upadacitinib in the treatment of adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD for up to 4 years of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abrocitinib, a once-daily, oral Janus kinase 1 selective inhibitor, was shown to be an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in phase 2 b/3 monotherapy trials. These analyses included data for Investigator's Global Assessment responder (clear [0] or almost clear [1] with ≥2-grade improvement) and nonresponder patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who received abrocitinib (200 mg or 100 mg) or placebo in three abrocitinib monotherapy trials (phase 2 b, NCT02780167; two phase 3, NCT03349060/JADE MONO-1 and NCT03575871/JADE MONO-2). Outcomes measuring skin clearance, itch, and quality of life were evaluated. Both nonresponders (n = 548) and responders (n = 260) treated with abrocitinib had rapid and clinically meaningful improvement in skin clearance, itch, and quality of life compared with placebo. Patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis treated with abrocitinib who did not achieve an Investigator's Global Assessment 0/1 response at week 12 still experienced rapid, clinically meaningful improvements across several other validated measures of efficacy and quality of life. NCT02780167, NCT03349060, NCT03575871 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Roflumilast cream 0.15% is a selective, highly potent phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor under investigation as a non-steroidal, once-daily treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD). Objectives: Here, pooled results from two identical Phase 3 randomized controlled trials (INTEGUMENT-1: NCT04773587 and INTEGUMENT-2: NCT04773600) are presented. Methods: Patients with AD aged ≥6 years with baseline Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score ≥5 and Validated Investigator Global Assessment-AD (vIGA-AD) score of Mild or Moderate were randomized 2:1 to apply roflumilast (n=884) or vehicle (n=453) once daily for 4 weeks. Results: A significantly greater percentage of roflumilast-versus vehicle-treated patients achieved the primary endpoint, vIGA-AD Success (Clear or Almost Clear vIGA-AD plus ≥2-grade improvement from baseline) at Week 4 (31.3% vs. 14.1%; P<0.0001). Significant differences favoring roflumilast were observed for multiple secondary endpoints at Week 4: percentage of patients achieving vIGA-AD of Clear or Almost Clear (41.1% vs. 21.4%; P<0.0001), percentage achieving 75% reduction in EASI (42.7% vs. 20.6%; P<0.0001), and percentage with baseline Worst Itch-Numeric Rating Scale ≥4 achieving a 4-point reduction (31.9% vs. 16.6%; P<0.0001). Improvement in itch was reported as early as 24 hours. Both groups had low incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE), serious adverse events, and TEAEs leading to discontinuation. Local tolerability was favorable, with >90% of patients reporting no or mild sensation across both treatment groups at all timepoints. Conclusions: Once-daily roflumilast cream 0.15% provided improvement across multiple efficacy endpoints by Week 4 with favorable safety and tolerability in patients aged ≥6 years with AD in two Phase 3 trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background Type 2 inflammatory cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13 play an important role in skin barrier disruption in atopic dermatitis (AD). Filaggrin and ceramides play a crucial role in skin barrier integrity. Loss of function mutations in the FLG gene are associated with the impaired skin barrier function and more severe AD.1,2 FLG mutations only affect a minority of AD patients; however, increased IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines are a common cause of reduced filaggrin expression in patients with AD, independent of FLG genotype. Objectives: To explore whether dupilumab treatment improves skin barrier function in patients with or without FLG mutations. Methods: In the BArrier function and LIpidomics STudy in Atopic Dermatitis (BALISTAD; NCT04447417), a 16-week study in patients with AD aged 12 to 65 years, adult patients with AD received dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks; adolescent patients with AD received dupilumab 200 mg every 2 weeks if their baseline weight was <60 kg and 300 mg if =60 kg. FLG mutations were evaluated in DNA from blood samples of consenting patients with AD and healthy volunteers. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was assessed longitudinally after 5 skin tape strippings (STS) from AD lesions (n = 26) and from the skin of healthy participants (n =26) (age: 12 to 63 years) over a 16-week course of dupilumab treatment. Quantitative N(C18) S-ceramide analysis of STS samples collected on Days 1, 15, 29, 57, and 85, and at Week 16 from AD lesions and from the skin of healthy participants was performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results: At baseline, mean TEWL after 5 STS (TEWL5) was significantly higher in AD lesional skin than healthy skin (p<0.0001). The mean TEWL5 in AD lesions in subjects with FLG mutations (n = 6/19) was significantly higher at baseline than in AD subjects without mutations (P < 0.0001). Dupilumab treatment significantly reduced TEWL5 in AD lesional skin as early as Week 2 with a progressive decrease through Week 16 (P < 0.0001). Reduction in mean TEWL5 was similar from Week 2 to Week 16 in AD patients with and without FLG mutations. At Week 16, TEWL5 was comparable to healthy skin in the lesional skin of AD patients with and without FLG mutations (P > 0.05). AD skin lesions had increased levels of N(C18)S-ceramides at baseline (P < 0.0001); but no differences were noted in subjects with or without FLG mutations (P > 0.05). Dupilumab treatment significantly reduced levels of N(C18)S-ceramides in AD lesional skin as early as Week 2 with a progressive decrease through Week 16 (P < 0.0001). Dupilumab treatment decreased levels of N(C18)S-ceramides in STS samples similarly in subjects with and without FLG mutations from Week 2 to Week 16. Conclusions: Dupilumab treatment normalizes TEWL5 and decreases levels of N(C18)S-ceramides in AD lesional skin of subjects with and without FLG mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background As symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) can wax and wane over time, disease control is better represented by consistency of response over a long treatment duration rather than at a single time point. Objective To evaluate the proportion of pediatric patients achieving and maintaining mild or no itch (defined by a SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) itch visual analog scale (VAS; 0-10 over last 3 days) score of lower than 4) across 5 visits during a 52-week open label extension trial of dupilumab. Methods: Patients who previously participated in 16-week trials and were aged 0.5-5 years (LIBERTY AD PRESCHOOL; NCT03346434), 6-11 years (LIBERTY AD PEDs; NCT03345914), and 12-17 years (LIBERTY AD ADOL; NCT03054428), were subsequently enrolled in the phase 3, open-label extension trial, LIBERTY AD PED-OLE (NCT02612454). Patients were treated with 300 mg q4w or 200/300 mg q2w (body weight <60 or ≥60 kg, respectively). In this analysis, patients with a SCORAD itch VAS score of greater than 4 at OLE baseline, were assessed for the maintenance of SCORAD itch VAS lower than 4, at 5 timepoints: Weeks 4, 16, 28, 40, and 52. Results: In 763 patients, 400 patients with a SCORAD itch VAS score of greater than 4 were assessed. Mild or no itch was achieved in at least 4 of 5 timepoints in most patients aged 0.5-5 years (55/110; 50%), 6-11 years (76/148; 51%), and 12-17 years (73/142; 51%). Across these age groups, over 65% maintained this response for at least 3 of 5 timepoints. Safety was consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile in patients with atopic dermatitis. Conclusions: Most pediatric patients achieved improvement in itch, maintained during 1 year of treatment with dupilumab. Results were consistent for infants/preschoolers, children, and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease associated with atopic comorbidities, including asthma, food allergy, hay fever, and allergic conjunctivitis. Tralokinumab, a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that specifically targets IL-13, is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD. Objectives: To assess the impact of atopic comorbidities on the efficacy and safety of tralokinumab vs. placebo for moderateto-severe AD in patients age ≥12 years. Methods: This post-hoc analysis presents data from the adult trials ECZTRA 1 and 2 (NCT03131648 and NCT03160885 pooled; 300 mg tralokinumab every 2 weeks [Q2W] vs. placebo) and ECZTRA 3 (NCT03363854; 300 mg tralokinumab Q2W vs. placebo, both plus TCS as needed), and the ECZTRA 6 adolescent trial (NCT03526861; pooled 150 mg and 300 mg tralokinumab Q2W vs. placebo). Tralokinumab-treated patients received a loading dose. Proportion of patients achieving IGA 0/1 and EASI-75 at Week 16 according to patient-reported current or past atopic comorbidity are presented as observed regardless of rescue medication use; missing data were imputed as non-responders. Results: In total 2,223 patients were included across four trials. Among patients in ECZTRA 1 and 2, 50.5% reported history of asthma, 38.5% food allergy, 53.8% hay fever, and 33.5% allergic conjunctivitis, while 19.8% reported no atopic comorbidities and 79.3% reported ≥1 atopic comorbidity. Proportions of patients in ECZTRA 3 and 6 reporting history of atopic comorbidities were largely similar, although more adolescent patients reported food allergy. In all subgroups at Week 16, higher proportions of patients receiving tralokinumab vs. placebo achieved EASI-75. In ECZTRA 1 and 2, response rates among patients in each subgroup were asthma: 35.3% vs. 12.8%, food allergy: 33.2% vs. 14.7%, hay fever: 36.8% vs. 16.5%, allergic conjunctivitis: 34.8% vs. 12.7%, none: 34.6% vs. 20.5%; and ≥1 atopic comorbidity: 35.5% vs. 15.2% (P<0.05 for all). A similar pattern of response was observed in ECZTRA 3 and 6, and for IGA 0/1 across trials. EASI-75 response rates for tralokinumab-treated patients were consistent across patients with different numbers of atopic comorbidities. Safety across subgroups was consistent with the safety profile of tralokinumab observed overall in adults and adolescents. Conclusions: 16 weeks of tralokinumab treatment improved AD signs and symptoms in adult and adolescent patients with and without atopic comorbidities, regardless of type or number of atopic comorbidities. The safety profile of tralokinumab was consistent between patients with and without atopic comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itch and eczematous skin lesions, impacting individuals at any age. There is a need for AD treatments that provide rapid itch relief and skin clearance that are safe for long-term use. Upadacitinib is a selective, reversible oral Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor approved in multiple countries for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD in adults and adolescents. Objectives: We evaluated the long-term safety for up to 5 years of upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg use in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD, based on the results of integrated data from three ongoing global pivotal Phase 3 studies. Materials & Methods: The Measure Up 1, Measure Up 2, and AD Up studies are ongoing pivotal Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of upadacitinib 15 mg and upadacitinib 30 mg in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive oral upadacitinib 15 mg, upadacitinib 30 mg, or placebo once daily alone (Measure Up 1 and 2) or with concomitant topical corticosteroids (AD Up). At Week 16, patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg during the double-blinded period continued their assigned treatment in the blinded extension (BE) period, whereas patients receiving placebo were re-randomized 1:1 to receive either upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg in the BE period (upadacitinib treatment for up to 260 weeks). Results: A total of 2683 patients (2154 adults, 529 adolescents) who received at least 1 dose of upadacitinib (15 mg, 1337; 30 mg, 1346) were included in the integrated analysis. Treatmentemergent adverse events of special interest (AESI) were analyzed as exposure-adjusted rates per 100 patient-years (PY) for the entire treatment period to adjust for potentially different durations of follow-up. Rates of AESIs were similar at the 1-year analysis and up to 5-year analysis for upadacitinib for: serious infections, 15 mg, 2.3 (1 yr) and 2.2 (5 yrs)/30 mg, 2.8 (1 yr) and 2.6 (5 yrs); opportunistic infections, 15 mg, 1.6 (1 yr) and 1.7 (5 yrs)/30 mg, 1.9 (1 yr) and 2.2 (5 yrs); active tuberculosis, <0.1 at both timepoints for both doses; herpes zoster, 15 mg, 3.5 (1 yr) and 3.1 (5 yrs)/30 mg, 5.2 (1 yr) and 5.5 (5 yrs); non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), 15 mg, 0.3 (1 yr) and 0.4 (5 yrs)/30 mg, 0.4 (1 yr) and 0.3 (5 yrs); malignancy excluding NMSC, 15 mg, 0.1 (1 yr) and 0.3 (5 yrs)/30 mg, 0.5 (1 yr) and 0.4 (5 yrs); gastrointestinal perforations, 15 mg, 0 at both time points/30 mg, 0 (1 yr) and <0.1 (5 yrs); adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), 15 mg, 0.1 (1 yr) and 0.2 (5 yrs)/30 mg, <0.1 at both timepoints; adjudicated venous thromboembolic events (VTE), <0.1 for both doses at 1 year and 0.1 for both doses at 5 years. Rates of adverse events leading to death were: 15 mg, 0 (1 yr) and <0.1 (5 yrs)/30 mg, <0.1 at both timepoints. Rates of serious infection at both timepoints and doses remained low (<3.0 E/100PYs). Upadacitinib was well-tolerated by both adults and adolescents. Conclusions: The integrated analysis of long-term safety data for up to 5 years indicates that rates of AESIs remained low throughout treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg among adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD. There were no new safety risks. The current safety analysis continues to support a favorable benefit-risk profile of upadacitinib in the treatment of adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD for up to 5 years of treatment, including over 7000 years of patient exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal management of atopic dermatitis requires a comprehensive assessment of response to treatment in order to inform therapeutic decisions. In a realworld setting, successful response to atopic dermatitis treatment is measured by sustained improvements in signs, symptoms, and quality of life. Post-hoc analyses of a 1-year, randomized, double-blinded, placebocontrolled trial (NCT02260986) of dupilumab with concomitant topical corticosteroids in 421 adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (of whom 315/106 received placebo/dupilumab (of whom 315 received placebo and 106 received dupilumab) was performed to assess the proportion of responders to dupilumab through a multidimensional composite endpoint. At 6-months, 80.2% of dupilumab-treated vs 40.0% placebo patients (p < 0.0001) achieved improvement in signs (Eczema Area and Severity Index ≤ 7), symptoms (worst itch score ≤ 4), or quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index ≤5), representative of minimal/clear atopic dermatitis. All 3 endpoints, indicative of no/minimal atopic dermatitis, were achieved by 44.3% of dupilumab-treated vs 10.2% placebo patients (p < 0.0001) and sustained through 1 year. Dupilumab treatment provided sustained clinically meaningful improvement in signs, symptoms, and quality of life in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laboratory testing is typically required for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) treated with systemic immunosuppressants. A previous analysis of laboratory outcomes in randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials of dupilumab in adults with moderate-to-severe AD found no clinically important changes in hematologic, serum chemistry, and urinalysis parameters, supporting the use of dupilumab without routine laboratory monitoring. Objective: The aim was to assess laboratory results in adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD treated with dupilumab in a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: Adolescents aged ≥ 12 to < 18 years with moderate-to-severe AD were randomized 1:1:1 to subcutaneous dupilumab 200/300 mg every 2 weeks (q2w) (200 mg for patients < 60 kg at baseline; 300 mg for patients ≥ 60 kg at baseline); dupilumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (q4w); or placebo for 16 weeks. Laboratory evaluations included hematology, serum chemistry, and urinalysis parameters. Results: Of 251 patients enrolled in the study, 250 received treatment and were included in the analysis. 4.7%, 2.4%, and 4.8% of patients receiving placebo, dupilumab 200/300 mg q2w, and dupilumab 300 mg q4w, respectively, had laboratory abnormalities reported as treatment-emergent adverse events, none of which prompted discontinuation of study treatment or study withdrawal. Mean eosinophil counts were elevated at baseline in all treatment groups. Patients in both dupilumab regimens, but not the placebo group, showed mild transient increases in mean eosinophil counts above baseline that returned to near-baseline values by week 16. Mean levels of lactate dehydrogenase trended towards the upper limit of normal at baseline and decreased with treatment; greater decreases were seen in dupilumab-treated patients than placebo-treated patients. There were no meaningful changes in other laboratory parameters, and none of the laboratory abnormalities were clinically significant. Conclusion: No clinically meaningful changes in laboratory parameters were seen in adolescents, similar to that observed in adults. The findings of this study indicate no routine laboratory monitoring is required in this population prior to or during dupilumab treatment. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03054428. 6vz_jLtTkCJ6tzGx5HdiGv Video abstract: Effect of Dupilumab on Laboratory Parameters in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: Results from a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Clinical Trial (MP4 175137 KB) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) have limited treatment options.Objective: We report the efficacy and safety of dupilumab + topical corticosteroids (TCS) in children aged 6-11 years with severe AD inadequately controlled with topical therapies.Methods: In this double-blind, 16-week, phase 3 trial (NCT03345914), 367 patients were randomized 1:1:1 to 300 mg dupilumab every 4 weeks (300 mg q4w), a weight-based regimen of dupilumab every 2 weeks (100 mg q2w, baseline weight <30 kg; 200 mg q2w, baseline weight ≥30 kg), or placebo; with concomitant medium-potency TCS.Results: Both the q4w and q2w dupilumab + TCS regimens resulted in clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in signs, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) versus placebo + TCS in all prespecified endpoints. For q4w, q2w, and placebo, 32.8%, 29.5%, and 11.4% of patients, respectively, achieved Investigator's Global Assessment scores of 0 or 1; 69.7%, 67.2%, and 26.8% achieved ≥75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index scores; and 50.8%, 58.3%, and 12.3% achieved ≥4-point reduction in worst itch score. Response to therapy was weight-dependent: optimal dupilumab doses for efficacy and safety were 300 mg q4w in children <30 kg and 200 mg q2w in children ≥30 kg. Conjunctivitis and injection-site reactions were more common with dupilumab + TCS than with placebo + TCS.Limitations: Short-term 16-week treatment period; severe AD only.Conclusion: Dupilumab + TCS is efficacious and well tolerated in children with severe AD, significantly improving signs, symptoms, and QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition with substantial burden and limited treatment options for adolescents with moderate-to-severe disease. Significantly more patients treated with dupilumab vs. placebo achieved Investigator's Global Assessment 0/1 at week 16. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of dupilumab treatment vs. placebo on the achievement of clinically meaningful improvements in atopic dermatitis signs, symptoms and quality of life. Methods: R668-AD-1526 LIBERTY AD ADOL was a randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group, phase III clinical trial. Two hundred and fifty-one adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis received dupilumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (q4w; n = 84), dupilumab 200 or 300 mg every 2 weeks (q2w; n = 82), or placebo (n = 85). A post-hoc subgroup analysis was performed on 214 patients with Investigator's Global Assessment > 1 at week 16. Measures of atopic dermatitis signs, symptoms, and quality of life were assessed. Clinically meaningful improvement in one or more of three domains of signs, symptoms, and quality of life was defined as an improvement of ≥ 50% in Eczema Area and Severity Index, ≥ 3 points in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale, or ≥ 6 points in the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index from baseline. Results: Of patients receiving dupilumab q2w, 80.5% [66/82] experienced clinically meaningful improvements in atopic dermatitis signs, symptoms, or quality of life at week 16 (vs. placebo, 20/85 [23.5%], difference 57.0% [95% confidence interval 44.5–69.4]; q4w vs. placebo, 53/84 [63.1%], difference 39.6% [95% confidence interval 25.9–53.3]; both p < 0.0001). Results were similar in adolescents with Investigator's Global Assessment > 1 at week 16 (q2w, 46/62 [74.2%] vs. placebo, 18/83 [21.7%], difference 52.5% [95% confidence interval 38.5–66.6]; q4w, 38/69 [55.1%] vs. placebo, difference 33.4% [95% confidence interval 18.7–48.1]; both p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Dupilumab provided clinically meaningful improvements in signs, symptoms, and quality of life in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis among patients with Investigator's Global Assessment > 1 at week 16. Treatment responses should be interpreted in the context of such clinically relevant patient-reported outcome measures. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03054428. Adolescents with atopic dermatitis: does dupilumab improve their signs, symptoms, and quality of life? (MP4 212916 kb) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic treatments often require laboratory monitoring. Here we report 52-week laboratory safety data for dupilumab-treated children aged 6 months to 5 years with moderate-to-severe AD. LIBERTY AD PED-OLE (NCT02612454) is an open-label extension study of children aged 6 months to <18 years with moderate-to-severe AD. This analysis includes hematologic and chemistry laboratory parameters in children aged 6 months to 5 years treated with dupilumab every 4 weeks (q4w; 200 mg: ≥5 to <15 kg; 300 mg: ≥15 to <30 kg). Of the 180 patients enrolled, 122 (67.8%) completed up to 16 weeks and 30 (16.7%) completed up to 52 weeks. Mean (SD) eosinophil counts increased slightly from baseline [1.15 × 109/L (1.18) ] to Week 16 [1.5 × 109/L (1.91)], but then decreased below baseline by Week 52 [0.80 × 109/L (0.64)]. Mean (SD) platelet counts were relatively stable with a modest decrease from baseline [388.7 × 109/L (102.51)] to Week 52 [356.1 × 109/L (107.48)]. Chemistry parameters remained within the normal reference ranges. One patient (0.6%) reported a mild case of anemia, and one patient (0.6%) reported a mild case of thrombocytopenia, which were resolving and resolved at the time of this interim analysis, respectively. Overall safety was consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile. No clinically meaningful changes in hematologic and chemistry parameters were observed during 52 weeks of dupilumab treatment. As with adults, adolescents and older children, routine laboratory monitoring is unnecessary in children aged 6 months to 5 years with moderate-to-severe AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects up to 20% of children worldwide and is an increasing public health problem, particularly in developed countries. Although AD in infants and young children can resolve, there is a well-recognized increased risk of sequential progression from AD to other atopic diseases, including food allergy (FA), allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, a process referred to as the atopic march. The mechanisms underlying the development of AD and subsequent progression to other atopic comorbidities, particularly FA, are incompletely understood and the subject of intense investigation. Other major research objectives are the development of effective strategies to prevent AD and FA, as well as therapeutic interventions to inhibit the atopic march. In 2017, the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases sponsored a workshop to discuss current understanding and important advances in these research areas and to identify gaps in knowledge and future research directions. International and national experts in the field were joined by representatives from several National Institutes of Health institutes. Summaries of workshop presentations, key conclusions, and recommendations are presented herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent, chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects children and adults. The pathophysiology of AD is complex and involves skin barrier and immune dysfunction. Many immune cytokine pathways are amplified in AD, including T helper (Th) 2, Th22, Th17 and Th1. Current treatment guidelines recommend topical medications as initial therapy; however, until recently, only two drug classes were available: topical corticosteroids (TCSs) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). Several limitations are associated with these agents. TCSs can cause a wide range of adverse effects, including skin atrophy, telangiectasia, rosacea and acne. TCIs can cause burning and stinging, and the prescribing information lists a boxed warning for a theoretical risk of malignancy. Novel medications with new mechanisms of action are necessary to provide better long‐term control of AD. Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) regulates cyclic adenosine monophosphate in cells and has been shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of AD, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Several PDE4 inhibitors are in clinical development for use in the treatment of AD, including crisaborole, which recently became the first topical PDE4 inhibitor approved for treatment of mild to moderate AD. This review will further describe the pathophysiology of AD, explain the possible role of PDE4 in AD and review PDE4 inhibitors currently approved or being investigated for use in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of atopic dermatitis reach beyond the skin and past childhood. Patients with atopic dermatitis are at risk of developing allergic comorbidities, but less is known about the associations between atopic dermatitis and non-allergic conditions. Understanding these non-allergic comorbidities has the potential to improve patient outcomes and to help mitigate the cost and burdens associated with these conditions. Atopic dermatitis is associated with cutaneous bacterial infections, more severe forms/courses of cutaneous viral infections, and extra-cutaneous infections. Atopic dermatitis is also associated with several mental health comorbidities particularly attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression. Data are largely inconsistent for specific cancers, but atopic dermatitis appears to protect against malignancy overall; severe long-term atopic dermatitis is associated with adult lymphomas. Atopic dermatitis may also be associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disease, particularly alopecia areata and gastrointestinal immune-mediated disorders. Although the causative mechanisms underlying these associations are poorly understood, treating physicians should be aware of associations in seeking to alleviate the burden for patients with atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic skin disease, and it primarily affects children. Although atopic dermatitis (AD) has the highest effect on burden of skin disease, no high‐level studies have defined optimal therapy for severe disease. Corticosteroids have been used to treat AD since the 1950s and remain the only systemic medication with Food and Drug Administration approval for this indication in children, despite published guidelines of care that recommend against this option. Several clinical trials with level 1 evidence have supported the use of topical treatments for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children, but these trials have had little consistency in protocol design. Consensus recommendations will help standardize clinical development and trial design for children. The Food and Drug Administration issues guidance documents for industry as a source for “the Agency's current thinking on a particular subject.” Although they are nonbinding, industry considers these documents to be the standard for clinical development and trial design. Our consensus group is the first to specifically address clinical trial design in this population. We developed a draft guidance document for industry, Developing Drugs for Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Children (≥3 months to <18 years of age). This draft guidance has been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration based on a provision in the Federal Register (Good Guidance Practices). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a type 2 inflammatory disease characterized by elevations in several biomarkers including serum IgE—a key downstream mediator in the type 2 adaptive immune response. Patients with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled for 16 weeks in any of six randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies: in LIBERTY AD PRESCHOOL, (NCT03346434 part B) patients aged 6 months to 5 years were treated with dupilumab 200/300 mg every 4 weeks (q4w) + topical corticosteroids (TCS; n = 83) or placebo + TCS (n = 79); in LIBERTY AD PEDS (NCT03345914), patients aged 6–11 years were treated with dupilumab + TCS [100/200 mg q2w (n = 122), 300 mg q4w (n = 122)] or placebo + TCS (n = 123); in LIBERTY AD ADOL (NCT03054428), patients aged 12–17 years were treated with dupilumab [200/300 mg q2w (n = 82), 300 mg q4w (n = 83)] or placebo (n = 85); and in LIBERTY AD CHRONOS/SOLO1/SOLO2 (NCT02260986/NCT02277743/NCT02277769, pooled), patients aged ≥18 years were treated with dupilumab [300 mg q2w (n = 563),300 mg qw (n = 781) ] or placebo (n = 775). The TCS were allowed in CHRONOS only. At Week 16, dupilumab treatment significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced median total serum IgE levels [kU/L (IQR)] compared with placebo in patients aged 6 months to 5 years [843 (207–3300) vs. 3625 (540.5–8585)], 6–11 years [1519 (532–3808) vs. 3862 (1166–9999)], 12–17 years [1391 (436–2842) vs. 4569 (800.5–10000)] and ≥18 years [1340 (229–4360) vs. 3722 (555–10000)]. Dupilumab treatment reduced total serum IgE levels in patients aged 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe AD. Overall safety was consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atopic dermatitis ( AD) is often the first step in the atopic march leading to the development of asthma or allergic rhinitis. The goal of this study was to determine whether early intervention with pimecrolimus limits the atopic march in infants with AD and to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Methods This was a 3-year double-blind study in which patients were randomized to pimecrolimus or vehicle and then open-label pimecrolimus for a planned further 3 years. Rescue topical corticosteroid was permitted if 3 days of study medication led to no improvement; investigators made decisions on rescue medication until week 14 and caregivers thereafter. Efficacy assessments included disease-free days, Eczema Area and Severity Index, and body surface area affected. Results Infants ages 3 to 18 months with recent-onset AD (≤3 months) were observed for a mean of 2.8 years ( N = 1,091). No significant differences between pimecrolimus- and placebo-treated groups were found in the percentage of patients with AD who developed asthma (10.7%) or other allergic conditions (allergic rhinitis, 22.4%; food allergy, 15.9%; allergic conjunctivitis, 14.1%; one or more atopic comorbidities, 37.0%) by study end. Allergic rhinitis, food allergy, and having one or more atopic comorbidities (but not asthma or allergic conjunctivitis alone) developed significantly more often in infants with greater AD severity at baseline. Pimecrolimus was significantly more effective than vehicle for AD treatment at week 14. Adverse event incidences were similar. Conclusions This longitudinal observation of infants with AD provides evidence of the atopic march. Pimecrolimus was safe and effective in infants with mild to moderate AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis affects a substantial number of children, many of whom seek initial treatment from their pediatrician or other primary care provider. Approximately two-thirds of these patients have mild disease and can be adequately managed at the primary care level. However, recent treatment guidelines are written primarily for use by specialists and lack certain elements that would make them more useful to primary care providers. This article evaluates these recent treatment guidelines in terms of evaluation criteria, treatment recommendations, usability, accessibility, and applicability to nonspecialists and integrates them with clinical evidence to present a streamlined severity-based treatment model for the management of a majority of atopic dermatitis cases. Because each patient's situation is unique, individualization of treatment plans is critical as is efficient communication and implementation of the plan with patients and caregivers. Specifically, practical suggestions for individualizing, optimizing, implementing, and communicating treatment plans such as choosing a moisturizer formulation, avoiding common triggers, educating patients/caregivers, providing written treatment plans, and scheduling physician follow-up are provided along with a discussion of available resources for patients/caregivers and providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An update to the atopic dermatitis (AD) practice parameter was published in 2013 using an established grading system for determining category of evidence and strength of recommendation. Since the previous update in 2004, a number of seminal observations regarding skin barrier and immune dysregulation in AD have been made with important therapeutic implications. A key addition to the treatment algorithm based on our understanding that normal-appearing skin in patients with AD is not normal is proactive therapy. Studies with both topical steroids and a topical calcineurin inhibitor have shown that in patients with relapsing AD, if they are able to clear or almost clear their eczema, then twice-weekly proactive treatment of normal-appearing skin that tends to flare leads to better disease control. For difficult-to-manage patients, the value of wet wrap therapy is reaffirmed in the practice parameter update. In addition, allergen immunotherapy is now a consideration in select patients with AD and aeroallergen sensitivity. Beyond the practice parameter, novel approaches to filaggrin deficiency are being evaluated. With respect to immune dysregulation, dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody directed at the IL-4 receptor alpha subunit was recently shown to be effective in treating adults with moderate-to-severe AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) in young children is often followed by the development of asthma (atopic march). The role of environmental exposures is unclear in this high-risk population. We aimed to determine the predictive relationship between indoor allergen exposures, particularly pets, rodents, and cockroaches, to the development of asthma in a prospective pediatric cohort. Children with AD and a family history of allergy were followed prospectively with questionnaire ascertainment of environmental exposure to cats, dogs, cockroaches, rats, and mice. Asthma was diagnosed by study physicians based on caregiver reports of symptoms continually assessed over the course of the study period. Fifty-five of the 299 children developed asthma by the end of the study. Cat exposure had a strong and independent effect to reduce the risk of developing asthma across all analyses (odds ratio [OR], 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.53). Dog, mouse, rat, and cockroach exposures did not significantly influence the development of asthma. Daycare exposure had the largest risk reduction for the development of asthma (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03-0.19). Maternal asthma (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.29-6.67), baseline body mass index (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.08-1.42), and specific immunoglobulin E to house-dust mix at 3 years were each independent risk factors for the development of asthma. In children with AD, cat and daycare exposure may reduce the risk of developing early childhood asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with increased susceptibility to recurrent skin infections. Objective: We sought to determine why a subset of patients with AD have an increased risk of disseminated viral skin infections. Methods: Human subjects with AD with a history of eczema herpeticum (EH) and various control groups were enrolled. Vaccinia virus (VV) expression was measured by means of PCR and immunofluorescent staining in skin biopsy specimens from each study group after incubation with VV. Transgenic mice with a constitutively active signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 gene (STAT6) were characterized for response to VV skin inoculation. Genotyping for 10 STAT6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed in a white patient sample (n = 444). Results: VV gene and protein expression were significantly increased in the skin of patients with EH compared with other subject groups after incubation with VV in vitro. Antibody neutralization of IL-4 and IL-13 resulted in lower VV replication in patients with a history of EH. Mice that expressed a constitutively active STAT6 gene compared with wild-type mice had increased mortality and satellite lesion formation after VV skin inoculation. Significant associations were observed between STAT6 SNPs and EH (rs3024975, rs841718, rs167769, and rs703817) and IFN-γ production. The strongest association was observed for a 2-SNP haplotype (patients with AD with a history of EH vs patients with AD without a history of EH, 24.9% vs 9.2%; P = 5.17 × 10−6). Conclusion: The STAT6 gene increases viral replication in the skin of patients with AD with a history of EH. Further genetic association studies and functional investigations are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an important chronic or relapsing inflammatory skin disease that often precedes asthma and allergic disorders. New insights into the genetics and pathophysiology of AD point to an important role of structural abnormalities in the epidermis as well as immune dysregulation not only for this skin disease but also for the development of asthma and allergies. Patients with AD have a unique predisposition to colonization or infection by microbial organisms, most notably Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex virus. Measures directed at healing and protecting the skin barrier and addressing the immune dysregulation are essential in the treatment of patients with AD, and early intervention may improve outcomes for both the skin disease as well as other target organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common complex disease that frequently follows a chronic relapsing course and affects the quality of life of patients and families in a significant manner. New insights into the pathophysiology of AD point to an important role of structural abnormalities in the epidermis combined with immune dysregulation. Patients with AD have a unique predisposition to colonization or infection by a number of microbial organisms, most notably Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex virus. A multipronged approach directed at healing or protecting the skin barrier and addressing the immune dysregulation is necessary to improve the likelihood of successful outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: MAS063DP (Atopiclair™) is a topical cream approved for symptomatic relief in the treatment of atopic and contact dermatitis. Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study in adults with mild-moderate atopic dermatitis. Patients were given MAS063DP or vehicle (2:1) three times per day to areas affected by atopic dermatitis for up to 50 days. A patient global assessment change from baseline was determined at days 8, 22, 36, and 50. Patient total body pruritus (visual analog scale) and patient opinion on treatment acceptability were also assessed. Results: A total of 218 patients (active: n = 145, vehicle: n = 73) were enrolled. At Day 22, 77% of patients on MAS063DP had a patient global assessment of good improvement or better versus 21% on vehicle (p<0.0001, chi-squared test). Similarly, more patients had improvement in itch over their total body on MAS063DP than on vehicle (p<0.0001). Conclusion: MAS063DP treatment results in patient-perceived improvements in mild-moderate atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful strategies for managing atopic dermatitis require an accurate diagnosis, identification and elimination of exacerbating factors including irritants and allergens, adequate hydration of the skin, control of pruritus and infections, and appropriate use of topical antiinflammatory and other medications. Proper patient education increases the chances of successful therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD) have frequent colonization and infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Rapid elimination of S aureus depends on constitutive synthesis and mobilization of human β-defensin-3 (HBD-3). Objective: To determine whether keratinocytes in AD, compared with normal, skin are less able to kill S aureus rapidly, and to assess the potential role that abnormally low mobilization of HBD-3 onto S aureus has in this process. Methods: Skin samples from 10 normal individuals and 10 patients with AD were compared for synthesis and mobilization of HBD-3 onto surface-associated S aureus. Furthermore, keratinocytes from 10 individuals were studied for the effects of TH2 cytokines on the ability of the cells to synthesize and mobilize HBD-3, and to kill S aureus. Results: Keratinocytes in skin biopsies from subjects with AD were defective in killing S aureus relative to normal individuals (P < .001). The constitutive levels of HBD-3 in the epidermal keratinocytes were similar between normal individuals and those with AD. However, the cells of patients with AD were unable to mobilize HBD-3 efficiently to kill S aureus. Physiologic Ca++ was essential for development of normal HBD-3 levels by cultured human keratinocytes. Mobilization of HBD-3 and the ability to kill S aureus were significantly (P < .05) inhibited by IL-4 and IL-13. Antagonism of IL-4/10/13 with antibodies significantly (P < .01) improved mobilization of HBD-3 onto the surface of S aureus by skin from patients with AD. Conclusion: Patients with AD have problems with S aureus skin infection. This is a result of increased levels of TH2 cytokines, which inhibit keratinocyte mobilization of HBD-3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Atopic dermatitis is a common, complex disease that frequently follows a chronic, relapsing course. The disease can impact the quality of life (QOL) of patients and families to a significant degree. Patients and caregivers may focus on unproven triggers at the expense of proper skin care. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to comprehensively evaluate triggers and response to treatment, address confounding factors including sleep disruption, and educate patients and caregivers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting up to 20% of children. Here, we report the long-term extension study of previously published pivotal phase III studies with pimecrolimus cream 1%. Two identical, 26-week studies (6-week, double-blind, followed by 20-week, open-label phases) were conducted in children aged 2 to 17 years with atopic dermatitis. Pooled efficacy and safety analyses were performed. At day 43, 34.8% pimecrolimus-treated patients versus 18.4% in the vehicle group (p < 0.001) were clear/almost clear (Investigators’ Global Assessment 0/1) of disease, with significant differences (p < 0.05) between treatment groups for all double-blind visits in all parameters. Pimecrolimus was significantly more effective (based on the Eczema Area and Severity Index) in treating the face and neck versus the rest of the body (p < 0.0001) and versus vehicle (p < 0.0001) in the double-blind phase. Disease control was sustained in the pimecrolimus group throughout the whole study. Patients treated with vehicle during the double-blind phase experienced rapid, marked improvement when switched to pimecrolimus in the open-label phase. The incidence of adverse events was low and comparable between treatment groups. In conclusion, pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective and well tolerated in the long-term control of children with mild to moderately severe atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses different allergic diseases and the role of dietitians in managing these diseases. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the U.S. Allergic diseases such as food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and asthma can have a significant impact on the child's and family's quality of life. Dietitians can provide families and patients with information to better manager these diseases and ensure that the quality of the diet is maintained.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by a defective skin barrier function. Recent studies have reported mutations of the skin barrier gene encoding filaggrin in a subset of patients with AD. Objective: We investigated whether reduced filaggrin expression was found in patients with AD who were not carriers of known filaggrin mutations and whether filaggrin expression was modulated by the atopic inflammatory response. Methods: Filaggrin expression was measured in skin biopsies and cultured keratinocytes using real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Filaggrin loss-of-function mutations were screened in a total of 69 subjects. Results: Compared with normal skin, filaggrin expression was significantly reduced (P < .05) in acute AD skin, with further reduction seen in acute lesions from 3 European American subjects with AD who were heterozygous for the 2282del4 mutation. This was confirmed by using immunohistochemistry. AD skin is characterized by the overexpression of IL-4 and IL-13. Keratinocytes differentiated in the presence of IL-4 and IL-13 exhibited significantly reduced filaggrin gene expression (0.04 ± 0.01 ng filaggrin/ng glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase; P < .05) compared with media alone (0.16 ± 0.03). Conclusion: Patients with AD have an acquired defect in filaggrin expression that can be modulated by the atopic inflammatory response. Clinical implications: The atopic immune response contributes to the skin barrier defect in AD; therefore, neutralization of IL-4 and IL-13 could improve skin barrier integrity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are common dermatologic conditions that may be encountered in the emergency department (ED). Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with an undulating course characterized by remissions and exacerbations. Patients may present to the ED because of chronic disease or acute flares that fail to respond to routine treatments or because of secondary infections. The article reviews the ED management of exacerbations of atopic dermatitis as well as various common skin infections associated with this disorder, including specifically Staphylococcus aureus and eczema herpeticum. Although contact dermatitis can be chronic, patients usually present with acute symptoms. The article discusses the diagnosis and ED management of common types of contact dermatitis, including allergic and irritant chronic dermatitis, photodermatitis, and contact urticaria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are prone to disseminated viral skin infections and therefore are not vaccinated against smallpox because of potential complications. Macrophage inflammatory protein 3α (MIP-3α) is a C-C chemokine expressed by keratinocytes that exhibits antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi; however, its role in antiviral innate immunity is unknown. Objective: Evaluate the level of MIP-3α in AD skin and its role in the innate immune response to vaccinia virus (VV). Methods: Macrophage inflammatory protein 3α levels were evaluated using real-time RT-PCR, immunodot-blot, and immunohistochemistry. The antiviral activity of MIP-3α was determined using a standard viral plaque assay. Results: Macrophage inflammatory protein 3α gene expression was significantly (P < .01) decreased in AD skin (0.21 ± 0.05 ng MIP-3α/ng glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) compared with psoriasis skin (0.67 ± 0.13). This was confirmed at the protein level using immunohistochemistry. We further demonstrate that TH2 cytokines downregulate MIP-3α expression. The importance of MIP-3α in the innate immune response against VV was established by first demonstrating that MIP-3α exhibits activity against VV. Second, VV replication was significantly increased (P < .01) in keratinocytes treated with an antibody to neutralize MIP-3α. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates that MIP-3α exhibits antiviral activity against VV and demonstrates the importance of MIP-3α in the innate immune response against VV. In addition, AD skin is deficient in MIP-3α, in part because of the overexpression of TH2 cytokines in AD skin. Clinical implications: MIP-3α deficiency in AD skin contributes to patients'' increased propensity toward eczema vaccinatum. Increasing MIP-3α or neutralizing TH2 cytokines could prevent adverse reactions in patients with AD after smallpox vaccination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extrinsic atopic dermatitis (EAD) and intrinsic atopic dermatitis (IAD) patients suffer from recurrent bacterial and viral infections. In this study, we demonstrate significantly decreased expression of human beta defensin (HBD)-3, a potent antimicrobial peptide (AMP), in lesional skin of both IAD (p <0.01) and EAD patients (p <0.01), as compared to psoriasis patients. Using primary keratinocytes from EAD and IAD patients, we determined that the deficiency in HBD-3 expression is an acquired rather than a constitutive defect. Furthermore, we demonstrate the down-regulatory effect of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 – which are over-expressed in the skin of AD patients – on HBD-3 expression in keratinocytes. Additionally, treatment of EAD skin explants with antibodies against IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 augmented the expression of HBD-3. These studies suggest that neutralizing the Th2 cytokine milieu in AD skin may augment the innate immune response against bacterial and viral pathogens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There are remarkable differences in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of atopic dermatitis practiced by dermatologists and pediatricians in different countries. Therefore, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology nominated expert teams who were given the task of finding a consensus to serve as a guideline for clinical practice in Europe as well as in North America. The consensus report is part of the PRACTALL initiative, which is endorsed by both academies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]