Millions suffer from atopic skin conditions, such as Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis.
Chronic inflammatory skin disease causes the skin to become reddened and dry, and then itchy and irritated.
There’s currently no cure for the condition, just ways of managing it – but an existing drug is incredibly effective at reducing the signs and symptoms of eczema in kids under six with moderate to severe cases of the disorder.
It is the first complex project of its kind. Biologic drugThis age group has seen similar results.
The drug in question? dupilumab.The new study involved 162 North American and European children aged 6-12 years with moderate-to severe eczema. They were administered dupilumab and a placebo over the course of 16 week.
Over half of the children given the drug experienced a 75 percent decrease in severity. The kids were able to sleep much better after experiencing less itchiness.
“Preschoolers who are constantly scratching, awake multiple times a night with their parents, irritable and markedly curtailed in their ability to do what other children their ages can do, improved to the extent that they sleep through the night, change their personalities and have a normal life – as babies and children should,” says dermatologist Amy PallerNorthwestern University, Illinois.
Dupilumab is an immunoinflammatory drug that targets allergies. It has been used in the treatment of eczema in adults and older children, as well as nasal polyps and other allergy-related problems.
Until now, it hadn’t been approved as safe or confirmed to be effective for those under the age of six – around 19 percentThis demographic is thought to suffer from eczema. 85-90%Most people who experience eczema at some point in their lives will notice the symptoms before they reach five years of age.
A third of these children with eczema aged under 18 have a moderate or severe case. They also experience debilitating itching and can’t sleep well.
While immune-suppressing medications such as oral steroids are often used for severe cases of eczema, there are concerns over their suitability for young children – both in terms of the short-term side effects and the long-term health complications, According to Paller.
“The group in whom we worry the most about safety – those under five – had not been tested and were unable to get [dupilumab],” Paller. “The effect on the majority of these younger children has been dramatic and at least as positive as what we have seen with the potentially dangerous immunosuppressant medication.”
Dupilumab already has an “outstanding” safety profile, so no additional laboratory tests are required. The drug is now available for children as young at 6 months. A monthly shot can be administered by either a parent, or a healthcare professional.
The researchers believe that it might also have preventative properties. Because it uses such a drastic approach to calming immune system inflammation, it may also protect against allergies that develop later in life.
Dupilumab might even prove useful in dealing with other health issues in younger kids, the researchers suggest – although further studies are going to be necessary to establish how else it could be effective.
“This drug can significantly improve the quality and life of young children, especially those who have suffered from this terrible disease.” Paller.
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is more than itchy skin. It can be a life-threatening condition. The quality of life of severe eczema – not only for the child but also parents – is equivalent to many life-threatening diseases.”
Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals sponsored the research. The dupilumab was jointly developed by Sanofi. The Lancet.
