"First Eczema Biologic Debuts But Price Could Restrict Use" - Elie Dolgin
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first biologic therapy for atopic dermatitis, the itchy skin condition better known as eczema. The drug is a human monoclonal antibody called Dupixent (dupilumab) that targets the interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor alpha subunit, thereby blocking the signaling of two pro-inflammatory cytokines-IL-4 and IL-13-both of which are key mediators of the T helper type 2 (TH2) immune response, thought to be the main driver of the disease. "Whether Dupixent works predominantly through its action on IL-4 or IL-13 signaling remains the million dollar question," says Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, a professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, Professor, Dermatology, Medicine, Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Director, Center for Excellence in Eczema, Occupational/Contact Dermatitis Clinic