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Background and purpose: There is a need for new treatment options for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults. Dupilumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-4 receptor a monoclonal antibody, has recently been approved for this indication. Methods: A pooled analysis of a phase 2a (NCT01548404) and a phase 2b (NCT01859988) study and a subanalysis of the 2b study evaluated the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg once weekly (qw) and every 2 weeks (q2w) in adults with moderate-to-severe AD. Results: Dupilumab significantly improved clinical outcomes in both analyses at week 12. Itch was significantly improved in the pooled analysis as measured by peak pruritus Numerical Rating Scale, 5-dimension pruritus scale, and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pruritus scores (all p < .0001 vs. placebo at week 12). Sleep loss was significantly improved (SCORAD VAS sleep loss score; p < .0001 vs. placebo at week 12); similar results were shown for the q2w dose. Dupilumab had an acceptable safety profile. Conclusions: Consistent with previous studies, dupilumab qw and q2w significantly improved signs and symptoms of AD at week 12, including improvements in itch and sleep loss. Implications for practice: Subcutaneous dupilumab is an effective new treatment option for adults with moderateto- severe AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data from early-stage studies suggested that interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are requisite drivers of atopic dermatitis, evidenced by marked improvement after treatment with dupilumab, a fully-human monoclonal antibody that blocks both pathways. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of several dose regimens of dupilumab in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis inadequately controlled by topical treatments.Methods: In this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, we enrolled patients aged 18 years or older who had an Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score of 12 or higher at screening (≥16 at baseline) and inadequate response to topical treatments from 91 study centres, including hospitals, clinics, and academic institutions, in Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Poland, and the USA. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1:1), stratified by severity (moderate or severe, as assessed by Investigator's Global Assessment) and region (Japan vs rest of world) to receive subcutaneous dupilumab: 300 mg once a week, 300 mg every 2 weeks, 200 mg every 2 weeks, 300 mg every 4 weeks, 100 mg every 4 weeks, or placebo once a week for 16 weeks. We used a central randomisation scheme, provided by an interactive voice response system. Drug kits were coded, providing masking to treatment assignment, and allocation was concealed. Patients on treatment every 2 weeks and every 4 weeks received volume-matched placebo every week when dupilumab was not given to ensure double blinding. The primary outcome was efficacy of dupilumab dose regimens based on EASI score least-squares mean percentage change (SE) from baseline to week 16. Analyses included all randomly assigned patients who received one or more doses of study drug. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01859988.Findings: Between May 15, 2013, and Jan 27, 2014, 452 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 380 patients were randomly assigned. 379 patients received one or more doses of study drug (300 mg once a week [n=63], 300 mg every 2 weeks [n=64], 200 mg every 2 weeks [n=61], 300 mg every 4 weeks [n=65], 100 mg every 4 weeks [n=65]; placebo [n=61]). EASI score improvements favoured all dupilumab regimens versus placebo (p<0·0001): 300 mg once a week (-74% [SE 5·16]), 300 mg every 2 weeks (-68% [5·12]), 200 mg every 2 weeks (-65% [5·19]), 300 mg every 4 weeks (-64% [4·94]), 100 mg every 4 weeks (-45% [4·99]); placebo (-18% [5·20]). 258 (81%) of 318 patients given dupilumab and 49 (80%) of 61 patients given placebo reported treatment-emergent adverse events; nasopharyngitis was the most frequent (28% and 26%, respectively).Interpretation: Dupilumab improved clinical responses in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in a dose-dependent manner, without significant safety concerns. Our findings show that IL-4 and IL-13 are key drivers of atopic dermatitis.Funding: Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. INSET: Panel: Research in context.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]