Olumiant effective, safe for certain cases of atopic dermatitis

A “statistically significant” proportion of adult patients using Olumiant for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis had clearer skin vs. those using placebo in two phase 3 studies evaluating its efficacy and safety, according to a press release from Eli Lilly and Co.

Eli Lilly also stated that the occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse events and serious adverse events with Olumiant (baricitinib, Eli Lilly) treatment in these studies was similar to placebo. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events observed were headache and nasopharyngitis. No major adverse CV or venous thromboembolic events or deaths were reported.

These are two of five studies that will be included in the placebo-controlled data program expected to support global registrations, the release stated.

Eli Lilly stated it intends to share more results from these trials throughout the year. Baricitinib has already been approved for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S. and more than 50 other countries.

“Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can negatively impact the quality of life for patients, and unfortunately there are limited treatment options, particularly oral medications,” Lotus Mallbris, MD, PhD, vice president of immunology development at Eli Lilly, said in the release. “We are encouraged that baricitinib met the primary endpoints in these two studies and look forward to seeing the collective results of all five studies.”

Disclosure: Mallbris is employed by Eli Lilly.