Atopic dermatitis improvement seen with lebrikizumab plus topical steroids

Atopic dermatitis patients treated with lebrikizumab and topical steroids experienced improvement in disease severity, itch and quality of life, Eli Lilly announced in a press release.

“There are few options for patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Patients are often given yet another topical steroid or a course of oral steroids without adequate disease control,” Eric Simpson, MD, MCR, Frances J. Storrs Medical Dermatology Professor at Oregon Health and Science University and principal investigator for the Adhere trial, told Healio.

The 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, global phase 3 Adhere trial evaluated lebrikizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to interleukin-13 protein, in combination with topical corticosteroids (TCS) in adults and adolescents with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

Eric Simpson

At week 16, 70% of those in the lebrikizumab plus TCS cohort achieved at least 75% improvement in Eczema Area Severity Index scores compared with 42% of those in the placebo plus TCS group.

Clear or almost clear skin, measured by Investigator Global Assessment, was achieved in 41% of those in the treatment group, compared with 22% of those in the placebo plus TCS group.

“Using targeted therapy such as lebrikizumab, patients can attain disease control and clinically relevant improvement in the visible signs of the disease and the incessant itch, thus regaining a normal quality of life while maintaining a very favorable safety profile,” Simpson said. “We have several new safe and effective therapies for patients. It is up to clinicians to offer step-up therapies when appropriate. The more options out there, the better chance clinicians can find a therapy that meets the needs of their patient.”

Statistically significant improvements in skin clearance, itch, sleep interference and quality of life were also observed in the treatment group compared with the placebo group.